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SS: Fathers and Sons pt14
General | Posted 4 years agoAnd so, the trio of siblings spent the remainder of the evening sorting out the dilemma. Palm reasoned that since she was in good spirits and looked well, she was probably in a good, safe place. But, to assuage any concerns that might arise, Dumon could keep an eye on her and make regular reports. Alder agreed, but pointed out that Dumon had a family that he would be forced to be separated from if he were to be placed on indefinite surveillance. Arjuna suggested that maybe she should just come to the palace for food and lodging, but return to her regular activities throughout the day. It was a good suggestion, but Alder pointed out that it would be suspicious if she were constantly coming to and from the palace. Her cover would easily be blown. He closed his eyes and adopted a thoughtful expression as he pondered the issue.
“I think,” he said, his expression still a thinking image, “we need to combine your ideas.” he said, opening his eyes and turning his attention to Dumon. “Dumon, I have a request, if you will accept it. This is a request, because it would mean uprooting your family for a while. So, please do not feel obligated to accept this task if it will be of great inconvenience to you.”
The security man smiled at the young prince and replied, “I’m sure you have considered the comfort and welfare of my family, so please, make your request and it shall be done.”
Alder smiled, his gratitude glowing brightly. “Thank you.” he said. “Arjuna knows where the princess works, so tomorrow, would you please locate her and let her know that you are from the palace on behalf of her fiancée and his family. Find out where she lives and determine if it is suitable to accommodate her needs. If all is well, then please try to find a nearby residence that can comfortably house you and your family. If you cannot find one near to her, then select a larger home anywhere in the city that can comfortably shelter all of you; you, your family, the princess, and anyone that came with her. Regardless of either decision you think is best, we will have it furnished and livable before the day’s end.
“From there, you can keep an eye on the princess and provide her with anything she may need and of course, anything that you or your family may need will be supplied by us straight away. Is this at all plausible?”
“I think,” he said, his expression still a thinking image, “we need to combine your ideas.” he said, opening his eyes and turning his attention to Dumon. “Dumon, I have a request, if you will accept it. This is a request, because it would mean uprooting your family for a while. So, please do not feel obligated to accept this task if it will be of great inconvenience to you.”
The security man smiled at the young prince and replied, “I’m sure you have considered the comfort and welfare of my family, so please, make your request and it shall be done.”
Alder smiled, his gratitude glowing brightly. “Thank you.” he said. “Arjuna knows where the princess works, so tomorrow, would you please locate her and let her know that you are from the palace on behalf of her fiancée and his family. Find out where she lives and determine if it is suitable to accommodate her needs. If all is well, then please try to find a nearby residence that can comfortably house you and your family. If you cannot find one near to her, then select a larger home anywhere in the city that can comfortably shelter all of you; you, your family, the princess, and anyone that came with her. Regardless of either decision you think is best, we will have it furnished and livable before the day’s end.
“From there, you can keep an eye on the princess and provide her with anything she may need and of course, anything that you or your family may need will be supplied by us straight away. Is this at all plausible?”
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General | Posted 4 years agoThe very thought of showing gratitude to the man that had abused him in his youth was repulsive to him, but, Alder was the Crowned Prince of his kingdom, so he knew that there were times, for the good of his country, that he would have to put aside his own feelings and speak not as a man, but as a prince.
“I appreciate you giving me this responsibility.” he said, bitterly.
Avalon sighed. At least it was better than silence. It would have to do, for now. “If you need any help, please call on your father and me for assistance.”
Once again, the young prince nodded his understanding. “Thank you.” he said, simply.
With the matter left in good hands, Avalon placed her hand on her mate’s back as he did the same to her. She rested her head on his shoulder and the two started off, once again. Alder watched them leave, a strange feeling whispering inside of him. He wasn’t sure what it was, but now was not the time to analyze or even acknowledge it.
“Alright you two,” he said to his brothers, “let’s put our heads together and solve this problem.”
“I appreciate you giving me this responsibility.” he said, bitterly.
Avalon sighed. At least it was better than silence. It would have to do, for now. “If you need any help, please call on your father and me for assistance.”
Once again, the young prince nodded his understanding. “Thank you.” he said, simply.
With the matter left in good hands, Avalon placed her hand on her mate’s back as he did the same to her. She rested her head on his shoulder and the two started off, once again. Alder watched them leave, a strange feeling whispering inside of him. He wasn’t sure what it was, but now was not the time to analyze or even acknowledge it.
“Alright you two,” he said to his brothers, “let’s put our heads together and solve this problem.”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“I know, my love.” she replied. “Since Alder has shown a fair amount of wisdom in this, perhaps we should entrust the situation to him to resolve. Do you trust him enough to give him this responsibility?” She could feel him nod, but knew that he was simply too tired to speak. “Alright, then let us go to rest while he handles this.”
She felt him nod, once again, and knew how much his heart hurt and how weary he was, not just in body, but his very soul. Gently, she raised his head and took his arm. Together, they began to walk to their bedchamber, but before they had taken more than a step, Avalon turned to her children and imparted the agreement that had been decided upon.
“Alder, dearest?” she called. He looked up at her with the light having returned to his eyes and smiled. She returned his smile and said, “Your father is entrusting this situation to you. It will be your responsibility to resolve this dilemma to the benefit of all. Do you believe you are up to this very important task?”
He paused and looked away for a moment in thought, before returning his eyes to his mother and nodded. “Yes, I will do my best to resolve this to the satisfaction of all involved.”
“Do not be so formal, darling.” she advised. “This may take a bit of thinking outside of the box, so to speak.”
“I understand. Thank you, Mama.”
“You are welcome, but your thanks should be given to your father. He is the one that permitted this, after all.”
She felt him nod, once again, and knew how much his heart hurt and how weary he was, not just in body, but his very soul. Gently, she raised his head and took his arm. Together, they began to walk to their bedchamber, but before they had taken more than a step, Avalon turned to her children and imparted the agreement that had been decided upon.
“Alder, dearest?” she called. He looked up at her with the light having returned to his eyes and smiled. She returned his smile and said, “Your father is entrusting this situation to you. It will be your responsibility to resolve this dilemma to the benefit of all. Do you believe you are up to this very important task?”
He paused and looked away for a moment in thought, before returning his eyes to his mother and nodded. “Yes, I will do my best to resolve this to the satisfaction of all involved.”
“Do not be so formal, darling.” she advised. “This may take a bit of thinking outside of the box, so to speak.”
“I understand. Thank you, Mama.”
“You are welcome, but your thanks should be given to your father. He is the one that permitted this, after all.”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Much time has passed,” she said, quietly, “but as he grows, he learns and becomes wiser for it. Look how much he has changed. Look at the affinity he has for his people and his kingdom and how effortlessly and selflessly he shows it. These 19 years have changed him, little by little. One day, I know he will understand that what was done was a mistake, not a deliberate act. What’s more, he is surrounded by people that love him and help him through his hardships…including you. One day, he will see it and his heart will soften from it.
“I know that saying, ‘give him time’ sounds fanciful, but remember that he was a very young kitten at the time and so the bulk of these 19 years were spent in his adolescence. He is only just now blossoming into manhood. He did not understand as a boy, but as a man, I know he will come around. So, please give him more time and just continue to love him. Your love will surely reach him, sooner than you think.”
Artemis sighed, his exhaustion felt in his shuddering breath. He wanted to believe his beloved, but was afraid to raise his hope. Still, he also remembered to have faith in the wisdom of his wife, so even though it was hesitant, he opened his heart to the danger of wishing for something he feared was no longer a thing that was within his reach.
“Avalon…I am so tired.” he whispered.
“I know that saying, ‘give him time’ sounds fanciful, but remember that he was a very young kitten at the time and so the bulk of these 19 years were spent in his adolescence. He is only just now blossoming into manhood. He did not understand as a boy, but as a man, I know he will come around. So, please give him more time and just continue to love him. Your love will surely reach him, sooner than you think.”
Artemis sighed, his exhaustion felt in his shuddering breath. He wanted to believe his beloved, but was afraid to raise his hope. Still, he also remembered to have faith in the wisdom of his wife, so even though it was hesitant, he opened his heart to the danger of wishing for something he feared was no longer a thing that was within his reach.
“Avalon…I am so tired.” he whispered.
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General | Posted 4 years ago“He will come around, one day.” Avalon whispered.
She always had an uncanny way of reading his thoughts. Of course she knew what was on his mind, but even so… “It’s been 19 years, Avalon.” he said, quietly. “19 years and still it is only hatred that I see in his eyes whenever he looks at me.”
“It is not hatred, my love. It is anger, but not hate. He has stated as much before, hasn’t he?”
“Yes, he has said that he does not hate me, because I am his father and helped to give him life. So, for that reason, he does not hate me…he just does not like me…at all.”
Indeed, those were the words that their son had imparted upon him nearly two decades earlier. Two decades and nothing had changed. Two decades and he was still as loathed now as he was then. At least his contempt hadn’t grown, but then, how could it? His dislike of his father was as low as it could possibly get without admitting hate. There was no deeper depth that it could fall. No apology that he offered, no gesture of affection he showed, no attempt at reconciliation Artemis made was enough, for every effort was ignored or dismissed by the son he pained so greatly when the young man was still but a kitten.
Avalon had attempted to repair the damage that had been done, but it was to no avail. Even the emperor's parents, Kosuda and Athena tried to help, but their efforts were fruitless. Alder had built a barrier around his heart that nothing and no one could tear down…perhaps forever.
Avalon raised her hand and gently caressed her husband’s cheek. This was painful for him, she knew. What happened in the past was an accident, he did not hurt his son intentionally. Back then, she protested his abuse, but he had been too blind to listen. He thought she was an overacting, overprotective mother that was coddling her child. How wrong he had been. He had been so stubborn, back then, but he had since learned to listen to the counsel of those around him that would offer if, especially Avalon. He would never doubt his wife’s wisdom for however many days he had left in this world. But, it was too late and the damage had been done.
She always had an uncanny way of reading his thoughts. Of course she knew what was on his mind, but even so… “It’s been 19 years, Avalon.” he said, quietly. “19 years and still it is only hatred that I see in his eyes whenever he looks at me.”
“It is not hatred, my love. It is anger, but not hate. He has stated as much before, hasn’t he?”
“Yes, he has said that he does not hate me, because I am his father and helped to give him life. So, for that reason, he does not hate me…he just does not like me…at all.”
Indeed, those were the words that their son had imparted upon him nearly two decades earlier. Two decades and nothing had changed. Two decades and he was still as loathed now as he was then. At least his contempt hadn’t grown, but then, how could it? His dislike of his father was as low as it could possibly get without admitting hate. There was no deeper depth that it could fall. No apology that he offered, no gesture of affection he showed, no attempt at reconciliation Artemis made was enough, for every effort was ignored or dismissed by the son he pained so greatly when the young man was still but a kitten.
Avalon had attempted to repair the damage that had been done, but it was to no avail. Even the emperor's parents, Kosuda and Athena tried to help, but their efforts were fruitless. Alder had built a barrier around his heart that nothing and no one could tear down…perhaps forever.
Avalon raised her hand and gently caressed her husband’s cheek. This was painful for him, she knew. What happened in the past was an accident, he did not hurt his son intentionally. Back then, she protested his abuse, but he had been too blind to listen. He thought she was an overacting, overprotective mother that was coddling her child. How wrong he had been. He had been so stubborn, back then, but he had since learned to listen to the counsel of those around him that would offer if, especially Avalon. He would never doubt his wife’s wisdom for however many days he had left in this world. But, it was too late and the damage had been done.
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General | Posted 4 years agoAlmost an automated reflex, Arjuna turned to his brother, wrapped his arms around him, rested his head on his shoulder, and hid his face under the older tom’s red hair. In response, though unlike his sibling, Alder’s actions were deliberate as he wrapped one arm his brother’s torso, set the other atop his hairless blue head, and gently pressed his brow to his. Without warning, Palm added his affection to the group by lunging forward and wrapping his arms around both brothers. Needing to include their sibling in, Alder and Arjuna each spared one of their arms to wrap around the youngest tom and pulled him into the cluster.
The tension that had dominated the room had been quickly evacuated, and a familiar sense of peace settled among the troop of assorted family members. Finally feeling a painful weight relieved off her shoulders, Avalon sailed over to Artemis and rested her face against his chest. He wrapped his arms around his lovely mate and embraced her, tightly.
“Dearest,” she began, slowly wrapping her arms around him, “he’s right; we cannot be hasty, we must think this through.”
“I know.” he replied, quietly. “I knew it the moment he stated it. He was right, I just did not want to admit it.”
“There is no shame in being wrong, even with your children. We, every single one of us, have made mistakes. Some grand, some barely worth mentioning, but it is something that we can say that we all have in common; we are not perfect.” she said, looking up at him with bright viridian eyes.
He looked down at his beloved whose dazzling eyes always reflected her love for him. In her, it was a great comfort, but in their eldest son, there was only a consistent reflection of disdain, something akin to hate. Like his mother, Alder had eyes of sparkling green, but unlike her, Artemis did not see any affection within them, at least not for him. He hadn’t seen any love for him in his son’s eyes for a long time and he feared that he never would, again. It was his own fault, he knew, even if it was a mistake made long ago, it was still a crime against his child that he would likely never be forgiven. Wearily, he pressed his brow against his wife’s, resting there for a moment while his black hair spilled into her warm red hair.
The tension that had dominated the room had been quickly evacuated, and a familiar sense of peace settled among the troop of assorted family members. Finally feeling a painful weight relieved off her shoulders, Avalon sailed over to Artemis and rested her face against his chest. He wrapped his arms around his lovely mate and embraced her, tightly.
“Dearest,” she began, slowly wrapping her arms around him, “he’s right; we cannot be hasty, we must think this through.”
“I know.” he replied, quietly. “I knew it the moment he stated it. He was right, I just did not want to admit it.”
“There is no shame in being wrong, even with your children. We, every single one of us, have made mistakes. Some grand, some barely worth mentioning, but it is something that we can say that we all have in common; we are not perfect.” she said, looking up at him with bright viridian eyes.
He looked down at his beloved whose dazzling eyes always reflected her love for him. In her, it was a great comfort, but in their eldest son, there was only a consistent reflection of disdain, something akin to hate. Like his mother, Alder had eyes of sparkling green, but unlike her, Artemis did not see any affection within them, at least not for him. He hadn’t seen any love for him in his son’s eyes for a long time and he feared that he never would, again. It was his own fault, he knew, even if it was a mistake made long ago, it was still a crime against his child that he would likely never be forgiven. Wearily, he pressed his brow against his wife’s, resting there for a moment while his black hair spilled into her warm red hair.
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General | Posted 4 years agoThe tension in the room was so thick that it was suffocating. The emperor, and the future emperor in a standoff where neither monarch was willing to concede defeat. Arjuna and Palm looked at their brother, then to their father, and back to Alder. They always looked up to their sibling, just as he had always looked out for them. He was the eldest. He was their protector, even more so than their parents. If Alder was there, everything would be alright, because Alder would never allow something to pass that was not to their benefit. But, seeing him so incredibly defiant and exerting the authority he had to usurp that of their father, was something they had never seen. It was effective, however, as the security man that had been given orders to depart and locate the princess, had stopped his advance, heeding the orders of their prince over their emperor.
Likewise, Avalon looked on at her husband and her son, unsure of what to do. Alder, of course, was correct; Artemis was making a decision in anger without applying any thought to his actions. Still, he was the emperor and his word was supposed to be absolute…except now, it wasn’t. His authority was being challenged by the one that was next to become the ruler of their kingdom, the Crowned Prince.
Among the monarchs, the emperor and the empress were the most powerful, but closely behind them were the Crowned Prince or Princesses. Alder’s power was very nearly as great as hers and her mate and for the first time, he was exerting it to override an order given from the emperor. Apart from herself, Alder was the only one that could even dare to make such a brazen act of defiance and he was not backing down.
“It’s not that I am taking sides,” Palm said, his voice abruptly breaking the silence that had ensued amongst them, “but, Alder is correct. It is apparent that you did not give much thought to your actions, Father.”
The bristling look of fury that Artemis turned on his youngest son was foreboding enough to make the young man unconsciously step nearer to his brother, the protector. Arjuna continued to remain silent, but watched his younger brother move closer to Alder and absently thought how much safer he must have felt standing there at his side. Without thinking, he, too, stepped closer to his sibling and was immediately pulled to his side. He felt Alder place his hand on his back and took great comfort in it. It was so simple a gesture and yet it had the power to set the little prince completely at ease.
Likewise, Avalon looked on at her husband and her son, unsure of what to do. Alder, of course, was correct; Artemis was making a decision in anger without applying any thought to his actions. Still, he was the emperor and his word was supposed to be absolute…except now, it wasn’t. His authority was being challenged by the one that was next to become the ruler of their kingdom, the Crowned Prince.
Among the monarchs, the emperor and the empress were the most powerful, but closely behind them were the Crowned Prince or Princesses. Alder’s power was very nearly as great as hers and her mate and for the first time, he was exerting it to override an order given from the emperor. Apart from herself, Alder was the only one that could even dare to make such a brazen act of defiance and he was not backing down.
“It’s not that I am taking sides,” Palm said, his voice abruptly breaking the silence that had ensued amongst them, “but, Alder is correct. It is apparent that you did not give much thought to your actions, Father.”
The bristling look of fury that Artemis turned on his youngest son was foreboding enough to make the young man unconsciously step nearer to his brother, the protector. Arjuna continued to remain silent, but watched his younger brother move closer to Alder and absently thought how much safer he must have felt standing there at his side. Without thinking, he, too, stepped closer to his sibling and was immediately pulled to his side. He felt Alder place his hand on his back and took great comfort in it. It was so simple a gesture and yet it had the power to set the little prince completely at ease.
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General | Posted 4 years agoArtemis turned sharply to see, though he already knew, who had attempted to override his direction and was met with the icy-cold eyes of his firstborn. He glared at his son in disbelief at his blatant disregard of his authority. Yet, the chill in the younger man’s eyes was the cold, unfeeling ice that the fiery redhead reserved, exclusively for him. To no one else did Alder show such unflinching and unrelenting resolve, only to him and only at times like this. Even so, telling a servant to ignore the orders of the Emperor of Calico was an offense that could not go unchallenged.
“…what did you say?” he said, his voice lethally quiet.
“I am to be the next emperor of this country,” Alder said, almost as though he had not heard the words of his father, “and I will not inherit a kingdom in disarray because of the careless actions of the previous ruler. To make so critical a judgment driven entirely by emotion without the consideration of thought is reprehensible. Once Amarah is located, then what, what will be your following orders? Are we to snatch the princess from her bed and force her to be imprisoned behind the stone walls of the palace, the very same prison that she fled her homeland to escape? You would have her confined, once again? Is she nothing more than a bird in a gilded cage, or is she a young, courageous, woman that has bravely broken her shackles and for the first time in her life, has done something of her own choosing?” he asked, crossing his arms, casually.
“The princess has made her choice, and she has chosen your son and his kingdom. Will you abide by decisions, or dismiss them completely, seeing as how she is too ignorant to think for herself? Which is the greater offense, granting her the freedom to continue living here as she has been happily doing for the past several weeks, or telling her, in not so many words, that you believe her to be a simpleton, incapable of deciding anything without being told to decide by someone else?”
“…what did you say?” he said, his voice lethally quiet.
“I am to be the next emperor of this country,” Alder said, almost as though he had not heard the words of his father, “and I will not inherit a kingdom in disarray because of the careless actions of the previous ruler. To make so critical a judgment driven entirely by emotion without the consideration of thought is reprehensible. Once Amarah is located, then what, what will be your following orders? Are we to snatch the princess from her bed and force her to be imprisoned behind the stone walls of the palace, the very same prison that she fled her homeland to escape? You would have her confined, once again? Is she nothing more than a bird in a gilded cage, or is she a young, courageous, woman that has bravely broken her shackles and for the first time in her life, has done something of her own choosing?” he asked, crossing his arms, casually.
“The princess has made her choice, and she has chosen your son and his kingdom. Will you abide by decisions, or dismiss them completely, seeing as how she is too ignorant to think for herself? Which is the greater offense, granting her the freedom to continue living here as she has been happily doing for the past several weeks, or telling her, in not so many words, that you believe her to be a simpleton, incapable of deciding anything without being told to decide by someone else?”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“I know where she…” he began, about to say that he knew her place of work, but realized that if his father was angry at the thought of her living amongst the people, finding out that she was working with them would have him positively livid. “…I know how to find her.” he concluded.
Artemis narrowed his gaze at his second son. This child of his was honest to a fault. He never lied to him and even now, he was certain that he was telling the truth. But, just then, there was something, a very important something,, that Arjuna was keeping from him. “Arjuna, how will you find her?”
The young tom opened his mouth to reply, but couldn’t find a way to answer his father that wouldn’t enrage him. He said nothing.
“Arjuna, I asked you a question.” Artemis said, anger simmering his words. “HOW will you find her?”
Arjuna sighed…almost painfully. “I…I know where she works.”
A vibrant shade of scarlet colored Artemis’ vision. “She…is working?” he asked with lethal calm. “The Third Princess of Kitwa is plying her hand at a trade and working? Do you have any idea what her father will do when he realizes that his youngest daughter is working amongst the common people of this country?!”
“Father…”
“DUMON!” Artemis shouted. In an instant, a security person dressed in dark attire appeared before him.
“Majesty?” Dumon asked, bowing slightly.
“The Princess Amarah has been seen here on Calico. Find her.”
"FATHER, YOU CAN'T!" Arjuna pleaded.
"I...what?!" the emperor hissed.
He had never seen his father so incensed, least of all at him. It was unsettling and bewildering and the Second Prince knew not what to do. He needed to defend his bride's choice, but could not see a way to that end.
"...Father..." he began, quietly, "please do not do this." he begged.
Whether he heard his son's desperate plea or not was anyone's guess, as Artemis simply looked at his security chief and barked, "Go!"
“At once, Your Majesty.” the cat replied, turning about to hurriedly take his leave.
“Belay that order!” a voice commanded, stopping the man mid flight.
(Sorry this one is a little long, but I might not be able to post tomorrow, so I wanted to leave you with, what I hope was a cliffhanger. To all who celebrate it, Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! ^_^)
Artemis narrowed his gaze at his second son. This child of his was honest to a fault. He never lied to him and even now, he was certain that he was telling the truth. But, just then, there was something, a very important something,, that Arjuna was keeping from him. “Arjuna, how will you find her?”
The young tom opened his mouth to reply, but couldn’t find a way to answer his father that wouldn’t enrage him. He said nothing.
“Arjuna, I asked you a question.” Artemis said, anger simmering his words. “HOW will you find her?”
Arjuna sighed…almost painfully. “I…I know where she works.”
A vibrant shade of scarlet colored Artemis’ vision. “She…is working?” he asked with lethal calm. “The Third Princess of Kitwa is plying her hand at a trade and working? Do you have any idea what her father will do when he realizes that his youngest daughter is working amongst the common people of this country?!”
“Father…”
“DUMON!” Artemis shouted. In an instant, a security person dressed in dark attire appeared before him.
“Majesty?” Dumon asked, bowing slightly.
“The Princess Amarah has been seen here on Calico. Find her.”
"FATHER, YOU CAN'T!" Arjuna pleaded.
"I...what?!" the emperor hissed.
He had never seen his father so incensed, least of all at him. It was unsettling and bewildering and the Second Prince knew not what to do. He needed to defend his bride's choice, but could not see a way to that end.
"...Father..." he began, quietly, "please do not do this." he begged.
Whether he heard his son's desperate plea or not was anyone's guess, as Artemis simply looked at his security chief and barked, "Go!"
“At once, Your Majesty.” the cat replied, turning about to hurriedly take his leave.
“Belay that order!” a voice commanded, stopping the man mid flight.
(Sorry this one is a little long, but I might not be able to post tomorrow, so I wanted to leave you with, what I hope was a cliffhanger. To all who celebrate it, Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! ^_^)
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General | Posted 4 years agoIn his relief and excitement of seeing his bride, he realized that he had neglected to ask her those basic things. “She’s…she’s made some friends since her arrival here.” he improvised. “She has their support and their care.”
“That is unacceptable.” Artemis growled. “A princess living among common people is simply unacceptable!”
“…I…was a ‘common person’ once.” Avalon reminded her husband, irritably.
Artemis cleared his throat, realizing that he had let the anger get the better of him and his words. “That is not what I meant, Dearest.” he began again. “What I meant was, she has lived a sheltered life her entire life. She’s never left her palace home without an escort and never lived among people without the protection befitting a princess. She has never been on her own and that is exactly where she is, now.”
“And that, Father, is exactly why she left.” Arjuna said. “She’s never seen the world on her own and with her own eyes. Her decisions were made for her and even her engagement to me was something not of her own choosing. …well, not until now.”
“Until now?” Avalon repeated.
“Well, when I found her I…I told her that if she ran away for not wanting to marry me, that…that she didn’t have to and I would have the engagement annulled.”
“ARJUNA!” Artemis gasped.
“It’s alright! It’s alright!” Arjuna added, quickly. “After I told her that I would dissolve the engagement, she asked ME if I would have her as my wife. She had never been given the opportunity to choose, but now that she did, she chose to be my bride.”
“So, there is still going to be a wedding?” Artemis asked.
“Yes. I told her that I would come to fetch her a week before the wedding.”
“Yet, since you do not know where she lives, how will you do that?”
“That is unacceptable.” Artemis growled. “A princess living among common people is simply unacceptable!”
“…I…was a ‘common person’ once.” Avalon reminded her husband, irritably.
Artemis cleared his throat, realizing that he had let the anger get the better of him and his words. “That is not what I meant, Dearest.” he began again. “What I meant was, she has lived a sheltered life her entire life. She’s never left her palace home without an escort and never lived among people without the protection befitting a princess. She has never been on her own and that is exactly where she is, now.”
“And that, Father, is exactly why she left.” Arjuna said. “She’s never seen the world on her own and with her own eyes. Her decisions were made for her and even her engagement to me was something not of her own choosing. …well, not until now.”
“Until now?” Avalon repeated.
“Well, when I found her I…I told her that if she ran away for not wanting to marry me, that…that she didn’t have to and I would have the engagement annulled.”
“ARJUNA!” Artemis gasped.
“It’s alright! It’s alright!” Arjuna added, quickly. “After I told her that I would dissolve the engagement, she asked ME if I would have her as my wife. She had never been given the opportunity to choose, but now that she did, she chose to be my bride.”
“So, there is still going to be a wedding?” Artemis asked.
“Yes. I told her that I would come to fetch her a week before the wedding.”
“Yet, since you do not know where she lives, how will you do that?”
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General | Posted 4 years agoNightfall eventually and inevitably arrived and the two brothers were called inside to have their supper. Alder roused Arjuna from his sleep and the pair entered the palace and made their way to the dinner hall where Palm, the Empress Avalon and the Emperor Artemis were already seated.
As expected, the lighter, more relaxed air around the Second Prince did not go unnoticed by his family and questions about his mirth quickly arose. Without any way to deflect or deny, Arjuna was forced to disclose the events of the day. To neither his, nor Alder's surprise, Artemis was furious and demanded to know why she was not brought back to the palace. Desperate to keep his bride's wish granted, Arjuna carefully began to explain.
“Father, please, it is not unreasonable for her to want to know more of the foreign soil that she will have to live upon.” Arjuna said. "She is to be the first Princess of Calico, when once she was a Princess of Kitwa. This is more than a shock to her, so of course she wanted to know more of the kingdom that she would call home."
“Wait!” Palm exclaimed. “So, she’s been living here in Calico, all this time, ever since she left Kitwa?” he reasoned.
Realizing that he had said too much, Arjuna sighed. “Yes, she is here and she is safe and she is happy.”
“My son,” Avalon began, “how can she be safe? She brought no means of income with her when she left Kitwa. How is she eating? Where is she sleeping?”
As expected, the lighter, more relaxed air around the Second Prince did not go unnoticed by his family and questions about his mirth quickly arose. Without any way to deflect or deny, Arjuna was forced to disclose the events of the day. To neither his, nor Alder's surprise, Artemis was furious and demanded to know why she was not brought back to the palace. Desperate to keep his bride's wish granted, Arjuna carefully began to explain.
“Father, please, it is not unreasonable for her to want to know more of the foreign soil that she will have to live upon.” Arjuna said. "She is to be the first Princess of Calico, when once she was a Princess of Kitwa. This is more than a shock to her, so of course she wanted to know more of the kingdom that she would call home."
“Wait!” Palm exclaimed. “So, she’s been living here in Calico, all this time, ever since she left Kitwa?” he reasoned.
Realizing that he had said too much, Arjuna sighed. “Yes, she is here and she is safe and she is happy.”
“My son,” Avalon began, “how can she be safe? She brought no means of income with her when she left Kitwa. How is she eating? Where is she sleeping?”
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General | Posted 4 years agoArjuna nodded and divulged the events of his fortuitist day. The two sat in the cool grass and discussed the unraveling of the day, as the evening shadows began to stretch across the land. The sky had transformed from the clear blue hues of the afternoon, into the warm peach and magenta of evening. By the time his tale had been spun, the pair of brothers, too, had transformed…or rather, had changed positions from sitting atop the bright green grass, to reclining within it. Alder had folded his arms behind his head and was staring up at the first star that twinkled from the darkness. Arjuna had fallen asleep, his head was resting on his brother’s torso, using his sibling like a warm, living, pillow. It had been a long day for him. Even though it ended well, he had run a gauntlet of emotional hurdles and so exhaustion was to be expected.
Alder looked down at the sleeping face of his little brother and smiled. He was sleeping peacefully, the first time he had done so in countless weeks. It was a relief to see him so tranquil. He unfolded one of his arms from behind him and gently caressed his hairless, blue head, then returned his attention to the lone star glittering in the heavens. This was a dilemma.
Although both toms agreed that Amarah’s discovery and desire to remain a commoner for as long as she could was an understandable whim. Alder was as content as Arjuna to oblige her wish, but what of the rest of the family. Their mother, Avalon, was born a commoner, so she would likely have no objections. Palm would find the situation perplexing and somewhat illogical, but if it made Arjuna happy, then he would go along with the arrangement as well. The only obstacle, was Artemis, their father.
Unlike Avalon, who was born into the common class and her children that loved her and were half peasant themselves, Artemis was a royal, through and through. He would not understand and would most likely be offended at the very idea of a princess living among common folk. It wasn’t that he disliked the commoners, they were his people, after all, but he recognized that a princess was in a class well above the average villager. What’s more, Amarah was not a native to Calico, but of Kitwa. To have her, a foreign lady of royalty, living among them was something her parents would be furious over and diplomatic ties between the two kingdoms would be more than a little strained.
Despite it being her desire to continue living as she has, her parents would find it unacceptable and repulsive. They, in their fury, could even dissolve the marital agreement made between the two emperors. It was just as Amarah said, she truly had no say in the affairs of her own life…what she wanted, did not matter. …it was no wonder she fled her home. It was Arjuna, her appointed fiancée, that gave her something she had never been given before; the freedom to choose. …and she chose him. In the end, they chose each other to share their lives together with. Alder would not allow her first time making a decision for herself, to be her last, neither would he allow his brother to be swallowed back into the din of sorrow that he had just found his way out of. Amarah was his light and he was going to make sure she stayed that way. A ragged sigh was dragged from Alder’s chest, as he continued to ponder the dilemma and tried to find a solution to it.
Alder looked down at the sleeping face of his little brother and smiled. He was sleeping peacefully, the first time he had done so in countless weeks. It was a relief to see him so tranquil. He unfolded one of his arms from behind him and gently caressed his hairless, blue head, then returned his attention to the lone star glittering in the heavens. This was a dilemma.
Although both toms agreed that Amarah’s discovery and desire to remain a commoner for as long as she could was an understandable whim. Alder was as content as Arjuna to oblige her wish, but what of the rest of the family. Their mother, Avalon, was born a commoner, so she would likely have no objections. Palm would find the situation perplexing and somewhat illogical, but if it made Arjuna happy, then he would go along with the arrangement as well. The only obstacle, was Artemis, their father.
Unlike Avalon, who was born into the common class and her children that loved her and were half peasant themselves, Artemis was a royal, through and through. He would not understand and would most likely be offended at the very idea of a princess living among common folk. It wasn’t that he disliked the commoners, they were his people, after all, but he recognized that a princess was in a class well above the average villager. What’s more, Amarah was not a native to Calico, but of Kitwa. To have her, a foreign lady of royalty, living among them was something her parents would be furious over and diplomatic ties between the two kingdoms would be more than a little strained.
Despite it being her desire to continue living as she has, her parents would find it unacceptable and repulsive. They, in their fury, could even dissolve the marital agreement made between the two emperors. It was just as Amarah said, she truly had no say in the affairs of her own life…what she wanted, did not matter. …it was no wonder she fled her home. It was Arjuna, her appointed fiancée, that gave her something she had never been given before; the freedom to choose. …and she chose him. In the end, they chose each other to share their lives together with. Alder would not allow her first time making a decision for herself, to be her last, neither would he allow his brother to be swallowed back into the din of sorrow that he had just found his way out of. Amarah was his light and he was going to make sure she stayed that way. A ragged sigh was dragged from Alder’s chest, as he continued to ponder the dilemma and tried to find a solution to it.
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General | Posted 4 years agoAlder shook his bright red head and said, “No, I did not want to go to the festival. I was just waiting…for…you…” he said slowly, as he seemed to examine his sibling’s face. This was not the same melancholy Arjuna that had left the palace that morning. Something was different about this one. “Something good has happened.” he surmised. “You are much happier now than you were this morning. I’m relieved to see you quite a bit lighter, but I am also curious; what has put you in such good spirits, little brother?”
Of course Alder would have noticed. A blind man could have seen the rapture that had claimed him, so of course one of the people that knew him better than he perhaps knew his self would have seen the change in him.
“Yes,” he answered, somewhat shyly, “I’m actually glad that I ran into you, but that can wait. You looked as though you were waiting for someone. Who are you looking for?”
“Not looking, waiting.” Alder corrected. “And, I was waiting for you.”
“For me?” he asked, fairly surprised. “But, why? Is something wrong?” he asked with concern.
Quietly, the firstborn placed his hand atop his brother’s hairless head and ruffled it, lightly. “Well, it does not appear that anything is wrong, anymore. You were out of sorts this morning, so I wanted to make sure you came home without incident. I was worried that something might have happened to you.”
The second prince opened his mouth to reply, but emotion swept over him, claiming his words. He smiled brightly and nuzzled the other man’s brow. “I’m sorry.” he said at last. “I worried you, I worried all of you and I’m sorry for that.”
“Nonsense,” he replied, returning the gesture of affection, “that’s what you do in a family, you worry for one another and want for their happiness. You were miserable this morning and it’s true that it had me more than a little concerned. But, it seems that something has happened to drag you from your despair. What has happened, Arjuna? Tell me.”
Of course Alder would have noticed. A blind man could have seen the rapture that had claimed him, so of course one of the people that knew him better than he perhaps knew his self would have seen the change in him.
“Yes,” he answered, somewhat shyly, “I’m actually glad that I ran into you, but that can wait. You looked as though you were waiting for someone. Who are you looking for?”
“Not looking, waiting.” Alder corrected. “And, I was waiting for you.”
“For me?” he asked, fairly surprised. “But, why? Is something wrong?” he asked with concern.
Quietly, the firstborn placed his hand atop his brother’s hairless head and ruffled it, lightly. “Well, it does not appear that anything is wrong, anymore. You were out of sorts this morning, so I wanted to make sure you came home without incident. I was worried that something might have happened to you.”
The second prince opened his mouth to reply, but emotion swept over him, claiming his words. He smiled brightly and nuzzled the other man’s brow. “I’m sorry.” he said at last. “I worried you, I worried all of you and I’m sorry for that.”
“Nonsense,” he replied, returning the gesture of affection, “that’s what you do in a family, you worry for one another and want for their happiness. You were miserable this morning and it’s true that it had me more than a little concerned. But, it seems that something has happened to drag you from your despair. What has happened, Arjuna? Tell me.”
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General | Posted 4 years agoIt had been a long day, but a joyful one, a very joyful one, Arjuna thought to himself, as he walked down the long road to the palace. The situation of his runaway bride resolved, he felt much lighter than he had that morning, when he left his home and wandered into town. His hope was that the festivities would take his mind off of everything, to allow him a moment’s mental rest. He had not been particularly optimistic, but still he went…and he was absolutely brimming with happiness because he did. There was a lilt in his step and a small smile on his face. He was looking at the ground as it passed by him while he walked across it. When was the last time he had felt this or any measure of joy? He could not recall, as it was, it hardly seemed to matter, now. His princess was safe and well and what’s more, she was here, on Calico, his home…soon to be, or rather, in actuality, their shared home.
She had been here in the City of Calico for weeks, under the guise of a minty colored queen, still with the deep, captivating, viridian eyes he had come to love. He thought it funny, in retrospect, that their paths had not crossed before now. He visited the town, often, forcing himself to give the appearance of perfection that a prince was supposed to carry. Even though his life was in shambles, he still needed his people to believe otherwise. It wasn’t easy and he suspected that there were some that had their suspicions about the validity of his apparent mirth. He was not a very good actor, he wore his emotions on his sleeve. Anyone that knew him at all, could tell that he was not alright. It was the truth that his parents and brothers knew too well. He tried, even with them, to appear to be joyful, but deep down, he knew that he could fool his citizens, but not his family. Still, he was trying his best and so, they did all that they could to comfort and assure him. Now, though, his merriment was not an act, it was the true reflection of the relief that had filled his heart.
“Arjuna?” a voice called.
Knowing who it was without looking, Arjuna raised his amber gaze to meet his brother’s striking green eyes. “Alder?” he replied. “Are you heading out?” he asked, as the eldest of the princes was at the entrance to the path leading up the hill where the palace stood. He did not appear to be in any hurry. In fact, it didn’t seem as though he had been going anywhere at all. He was standing…no, waiting for something, or someone.
She had been here in the City of Calico for weeks, under the guise of a minty colored queen, still with the deep, captivating, viridian eyes he had come to love. He thought it funny, in retrospect, that their paths had not crossed before now. He visited the town, often, forcing himself to give the appearance of perfection that a prince was supposed to carry. Even though his life was in shambles, he still needed his people to believe otherwise. It wasn’t easy and he suspected that there were some that had their suspicions about the validity of his apparent mirth. He was not a very good actor, he wore his emotions on his sleeve. Anyone that knew him at all, could tell that he was not alright. It was the truth that his parents and brothers knew too well. He tried, even with them, to appear to be joyful, but deep down, he knew that he could fool his citizens, but not his family. Still, he was trying his best and so, they did all that they could to comfort and assure him. Now, though, his merriment was not an act, it was the true reflection of the relief that had filled his heart.
“Arjuna?” a voice called.
Knowing who it was without looking, Arjuna raised his amber gaze to meet his brother’s striking green eyes. “Alder?” he replied. “Are you heading out?” he asked, as the eldest of the princes was at the entrance to the path leading up the hill where the palace stood. He did not appear to be in any hurry. In fact, it didn’t seem as though he had been going anywhere at all. He was standing…no, waiting for something, or someone.
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General | Posted 4 years agoShe opened her mouth to reply, but no words came forth. She wanted to return his words of affection, but those words had not yet formed within her heart…not yet. To her, he was a friend, someone she could talk to about many things. To that extent, she loved him, with the love that was shared between friends…but not as a lover. He smiled.
“It is alright if you cannot say those words to me.” he added, touching his nose to hers. “One day, I hope and believe that you will.”
She blushed as a smile found its way to her face. She nodded and whispered, “I will…one day.”
He kissed her once more and held her close to his heart until the inevitable return of doctor forced them to part. Still, there was a relief that was felt between the two. For him, the relief was knowing that she was safe and that she wanted him to be her mate. For her, it was that she had found a way to speak to him and let him know that she was safe. The guilt of running off was swept away, no longer a burden on her shoulders, while despair and worry no longer weighed him down as it had for weeks. Both were free of their respective shackles, the prince and his beloved princess.
“It is alright if you cannot say those words to me.” he added, touching his nose to hers. “One day, I hope and believe that you will.”
She blushed as a smile found its way to her face. She nodded and whispered, “I will…one day.”
He kissed her once more and held her close to his heart until the inevitable return of doctor forced them to part. Still, there was a relief that was felt between the two. For him, the relief was knowing that she was safe and that she wanted him to be her mate. For her, it was that she had found a way to speak to him and let him know that she was safe. The guilt of running off was swept away, no longer a burden on her shoulders, while despair and worry no longer weighed him down as it had for weeks. Both were free of their respective shackles, the prince and his beloved princess.
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General | Posted 4 years ago“…then I will return to you.” she supplied.
He smiled at her with apologetic eyes. “It’ll be fine.” he promised. “I’m sure of it.”
She smiled and fell into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. He didn’t want to leave her, to let her go, but he knew that their time was short.
“Your friends must be worried for you. They may come to look for you, to make sure that you are well.” he whispered.
She sighed. “Yes.” she replied, holding him just a little tighter than she had before.
“I should return home, as well.” he said, quietly. “I will wait as long as I can to tell them that I’ve found you. Hopefully by then, I’ll have found the right words to convey the situation. But, if I have not, I will speak to Alder, he will know what to do.” he said, feeling her nod against his chest. “I will miss you, Amarah,” he whispered, “but it would perhaps be better if I did not see you again until the day I come for you. If not, I am sure they will find you through watching me.”
She gasped, but his logic was sound. Any rendezvous between them before it was time for her to go to the palace, could indeed reveal her location to anyone that may have thought to watch the prince. Once again, she nodded.
“I understand.” she said, quietly, her voice barely a whisper.
“Amarah,” he whispered, tilting her chin upward to meet his gaze. “I do love you.”
He smiled at her with apologetic eyes. “It’ll be fine.” he promised. “I’m sure of it.”
She smiled and fell into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. He didn’t want to leave her, to let her go, but he knew that their time was short.
“Your friends must be worried for you. They may come to look for you, to make sure that you are well.” he whispered.
She sighed. “Yes.” she replied, holding him just a little tighter than she had before.
“I should return home, as well.” he said, quietly. “I will wait as long as I can to tell them that I’ve found you. Hopefully by then, I’ll have found the right words to convey the situation. But, if I have not, I will speak to Alder, he will know what to do.” he said, feeling her nod against his chest. “I will miss you, Amarah,” he whispered, “but it would perhaps be better if I did not see you again until the day I come for you. If not, I am sure they will find you through watching me.”
She gasped, but his logic was sound. Any rendezvous between them before it was time for her to go to the palace, could indeed reveal her location to anyone that may have thought to watch the prince. Once again, she nodded.
“I understand.” she said, quietly, her voice barely a whisper.
“Amarah,” he whispered, tilting her chin upward to meet his gaze. “I do love you.”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Anything.” he replied, smoothing disobedient strands of hair from her face.
“Please…let me live this life for just a while longer. I just…I do not want to give this precious thing that I have found away…not yet. There is still so much to learn and see and do and I…these girls….”
“…they mean a lot to you, don’t they?” he supplied. A meek nod of her head was all the reply he needed. He kissed her brow and continued. “Dearest, I know well the enchantment these people hold. I wouldn’t deny you their company.”
She beamed a smile more dazzling than the sun and threw her arms around him. “Oh, thank you!” she breathed. “I promise to come to you before the arrival of our wedding day.”
“I will hold you to that.” he teased, holding her close. “That day is yet a few months away, but it would probably be better if I came to escort you to the palace. I’ll come for you, let’s say, a week before the ceremony?”
She smiled, shyly and nodded her head.
He kissed her once more and she felt the softness of his kisses more and more intoxicating each time.
“Amarah…” he whispered, “I…my parents and my brothers…they are going to know that something is amiss. When you went missing, I had been worried to the point of sickness.” he admitted. She touched his cheek apologetically as he continued. “They will notice that I am not in the emotional deficit that I was previously. I may have to tell them that I found you and that I know that you are safe.”
She nodded. “I do understand. I do not wish for things to become any more difficult for you or your family. Please, let them know that I am safe and well. ….and please let my mother and father know, as well. I left a note for them before I left my home in Kitwa, but I fear that I have caused them to worry greatly, as you have.” she added, quietly.
He nodded. “I will do my best to ensure that they understand the situation. But…if they grow anxious…”
“Please…let me live this life for just a while longer. I just…I do not want to give this precious thing that I have found away…not yet. There is still so much to learn and see and do and I…these girls….”
“…they mean a lot to you, don’t they?” he supplied. A meek nod of her head was all the reply he needed. He kissed her brow and continued. “Dearest, I know well the enchantment these people hold. I wouldn’t deny you their company.”
She beamed a smile more dazzling than the sun and threw her arms around him. “Oh, thank you!” she breathed. “I promise to come to you before the arrival of our wedding day.”
“I will hold you to that.” he teased, holding her close. “That day is yet a few months away, but it would probably be better if I came to escort you to the palace. I’ll come for you, let’s say, a week before the ceremony?”
She smiled, shyly and nodded her head.
He kissed her once more and she felt the softness of his kisses more and more intoxicating each time.
“Amarah…” he whispered, “I…my parents and my brothers…they are going to know that something is amiss. When you went missing, I had been worried to the point of sickness.” he admitted. She touched his cheek apologetically as he continued. “They will notice that I am not in the emotional deficit that I was previously. I may have to tell them that I found you and that I know that you are safe.”
She nodded. “I do understand. I do not wish for things to become any more difficult for you or your family. Please, let them know that I am safe and well. ….and please let my mother and father know, as well. I left a note for them before I left my home in Kitwa, but I fear that I have caused them to worry greatly, as you have.” she added, quietly.
He nodded. “I will do my best to ensure that they understand the situation. But…if they grow anxious…”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Arjuna, I spoke honestly to you, as I always have.” she said, pressing her brow to his. “It was not you that I was running from. On the contrary, I wanted only to be closer to you. I wanted to know and see the world that I was soon to call home…your home. I wanted to see your people, your way of life, your customs, the life of this country…but, not as the Princess of Calico, but as, Amarah…or rather, as Mint. …and I have. I love this land that is to be my home. I am very happy to be here and I am very happy…to be with you.”
She paused and nuzzled his cheek before continuing. “I am so sorry for all of the trouble that I have caused you. You are truly wonderful for tolerating my selfishness. Even now, you are not angry with me, you are simply grateful that I am without harm. Truly, you want for my happiness.” she said, tears falling from her eyes. “You have given me something that no one has ever offered to me; a chance to choose. You allowed me to be free.” she choked, as he touched her cheek, smoothing the tears from her visage. “You were chosen for me, but with my own will and my own heart, I choose you. That is…if you still desire me.”
The ache his heart felt moments before was instantly replaced with a jubilation that vowed to keep the shadows of despair from his soul forever and always. Gleefully he sprang to his feet, holding his future bride securely in his arms as he spun her around. In an instant, his lips found hers, kissing her fully and completely, stealing her breath away, as she had moments ago stolen his.
“My sweet Amarah,” he whispered, “no matter what happens, I could never turn you away. I will always want you, for now until forever.”
It was strange, but even though she was only mildly acquainted with her soon-to-be groom, she felt a sense of devotion to him that she couldn’t explain, yet that she welcomed all the same. “Arjuna, I…I would ask a favor…” she said, quietly.
She paused and nuzzled his cheek before continuing. “I am so sorry for all of the trouble that I have caused you. You are truly wonderful for tolerating my selfishness. Even now, you are not angry with me, you are simply grateful that I am without harm. Truly, you want for my happiness.” she said, tears falling from her eyes. “You have given me something that no one has ever offered to me; a chance to choose. You allowed me to be free.” she choked, as he touched her cheek, smoothing the tears from her visage. “You were chosen for me, but with my own will and my own heart, I choose you. That is…if you still desire me.”
The ache his heart felt moments before was instantly replaced with a jubilation that vowed to keep the shadows of despair from his soul forever and always. Gleefully he sprang to his feet, holding his future bride securely in his arms as he spun her around. In an instant, his lips found hers, kissing her fully and completely, stealing her breath away, as she had moments ago stolen his.
“My sweet Amarah,” he whispered, “no matter what happens, I could never turn you away. I will always want you, for now until forever.”
It was strange, but even though she was only mildly acquainted with her soon-to-be groom, she felt a sense of devotion to him that she couldn’t explain, yet that she welcomed all the same. “Arjuna, I…I would ask a favor…” she said, quietly.
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Eh?” she gasped.
“You can go and live freely as you will. You can explore the world to your heart’s content and see wondrous places that you could never even imagine. You can experience anything you desire, on your own terms. …you can be happy.”
She was speechless for a moment, then leaned forward to hug him, tightly. “Thank you.” she whispered. “Thank you for giving me my freedom.”
He could feel his heart breaking. He truly loved her and it was because of that love, that he was able to let her go. Slowly, he wrapped his arms about her for what he was certain was the last time and kissed the crown of her head. “Enjoy your life.” he whispered. “That’s all I want for you.”
She pulled back a bit to look in his eyes. “Then,” she began, placing her hand upon his cheek, “if you will have me, may I please enjoy my life together with you?” she asked.
He blinked in surprise and gasped. “I…you…” he stammered, as he felt her lean into him and pressed her lips sweetly against his. All the breath in his body left him and his mind was spinning, trying to make sense of what was going on.
“You can go and live freely as you will. You can explore the world to your heart’s content and see wondrous places that you could never even imagine. You can experience anything you desire, on your own terms. …you can be happy.”
She was speechless for a moment, then leaned forward to hug him, tightly. “Thank you.” she whispered. “Thank you for giving me my freedom.”
He could feel his heart breaking. He truly loved her and it was because of that love, that he was able to let her go. Slowly, he wrapped his arms about her for what he was certain was the last time and kissed the crown of her head. “Enjoy your life.” he whispered. “That’s all I want for you.”
She pulled back a bit to look in his eyes. “Then,” she began, placing her hand upon his cheek, “if you will have me, may I please enjoy my life together with you?” she asked.
He blinked in surprise and gasped. “I…you…” he stammered, as he felt her lean into him and pressed her lips sweetly against his. All the breath in his body left him and his mind was spinning, trying to make sense of what was going on.
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General | Posted 4 years ago“It was not you.” she whispered, placing her hand atop his that rested on her cheek. “In all my life, I have done nothing without the supervision of another. I never had a choice or a say in anything. All of my decisions were decided for me. And then, I was told that I was to be wed to a man who I have always called, friend, and move to a country of which my feet have never touched. For once, before all of my freedom was spirited away, I had to see this world that we are to share together, with my own eyes. …I wanted to see your home with my own sight.”
“And so you came here, to Calico.” he stated.
“Yes.”
He smiled, sadly. “So, do you like it here?”
“It…is not Kitwa,” she admitted, “but,” she added, squeezing his hand, tenderly, “I have grown to love this land…and its people.”
For the first time, he looked up at her, into the green eyes that he had fallen in love with years ago. He gave the hand that was safe in his a squeeze and held it tight, yet tenderly. “Amarah, I…I…”
“Yes…?” she whispered.
“Amarah…if you wish…if it is your desire to…to refrain from being my wife,” he sighed, “I will understand. I won’t hold you to our arrangement.”
“And so you came here, to Calico.” he stated.
“Yes.”
He smiled, sadly. “So, do you like it here?”
“It…is not Kitwa,” she admitted, “but,” she added, squeezing his hand, tenderly, “I have grown to love this land…and its people.”
For the first time, he looked up at her, into the green eyes that he had fallen in love with years ago. He gave the hand that was safe in his a squeeze and held it tight, yet tenderly. “Amarah, I…I…”
“Yes…?” she whispered.
“Amarah…if you wish…if it is your desire to…to refrain from being my wife,” he sighed, “I will understand. I won’t hold you to our arrangement.”
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General | Posted 4 years agoA startled gasp left her, as Mint stared into the golden eyes of her fiancée. “How…did you know?” she asked, breathlessly.
He smiled, his eyes full of warmth. “I would know your eyes, anywhere.” he answered. “And the way you dance is somehow hypnotic and alluring and only you can move like that. If I had any doubt of your true identity, all of it was shed when I was nearer to you and was able to inhale your scent more clearly. It was easy to tell. Yours is an aroma that is always very sweet.”
She blushed beneath her fur and smiled, bashfully. She had gone through the trouble of changing her hairstyle, the color of her coat, and altering her markings to hide herself in plain sight, but even so, he was able to find her out the moment their eyes met. …she should not have been surprised and yet, here she was startled at how easily he was able to detect her.
“I’m so glad you’re safe, Amarah.” he said, softly, his attention focused on the hand of hers that was nestled in his palm. “When your parents shared the note that you had run off, we were all worried. We had no idea if you were well, or safe, or even happy. All that we knew was that you were gone, because you wanted to see the world before you were bound to me. I am sorry that I have driven you to this. It was never my intention to make you flee from your own home. We princes and princesses that are not the firstborn, have our mates decided for us. We do not have the privilege to choose for ourselves. Still, I had to ask Father to do this for me, to allow my bride to be you, someone that I knew and trusted…and had fallen in love with.”
He heard her gasp at his words and fumble with his hand that sheltered hers. She twined their fingers, then untwined, and then twined again. It was impossible to look at him. She could not meet his gaze and yet there was so much to be said.
He smiled, his eyes full of warmth. “I would know your eyes, anywhere.” he answered. “And the way you dance is somehow hypnotic and alluring and only you can move like that. If I had any doubt of your true identity, all of it was shed when I was nearer to you and was able to inhale your scent more clearly. It was easy to tell. Yours is an aroma that is always very sweet.”
She blushed beneath her fur and smiled, bashfully. She had gone through the trouble of changing her hairstyle, the color of her coat, and altering her markings to hide herself in plain sight, but even so, he was able to find her out the moment their eyes met. …she should not have been surprised and yet, here she was startled at how easily he was able to detect her.
“I’m so glad you’re safe, Amarah.” he said, softly, his attention focused on the hand of hers that was nestled in his palm. “When your parents shared the note that you had run off, we were all worried. We had no idea if you were well, or safe, or even happy. All that we knew was that you were gone, because you wanted to see the world before you were bound to me. I am sorry that I have driven you to this. It was never my intention to make you flee from your own home. We princes and princesses that are not the firstborn, have our mates decided for us. We do not have the privilege to choose for ourselves. Still, I had to ask Father to do this for me, to allow my bride to be you, someone that I knew and trusted…and had fallen in love with.”
He heard her gasp at his words and fumble with his hand that sheltered hers. She twined their fingers, then untwined, and then twined again. It was impossible to look at him. She could not meet his gaze and yet there was so much to be said.
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Of course not, My Prince.” she answered. “I understand completely. Please feel free to lock up as soon as I exit. I will try to return quickly, but if not me, then one of my subordinates will be back soon.”
“Thank you.” he said, gently setting Mint on a nearby cot, then followed the physician to the tent opening.
She slipped out of the tent, yet even as she departed, he could see eager citizens jockeying for a spot to look inside the tent at the young prince and the lovely queen sitting on a cot. Once she was clear, he grabbed the latches to the tent and tied them securely in place.
“Well, it looks like we have this cozy little space to ourselves.” he said, returning to Mint’s bedside and settling down in a seat beside her cot, where the woman sat, seemingly awaiting his return to her side.
He gently took one of her hands in his and brought his other to her cheek, stroking it gently. He pressed his brow to hers and shut his eyes.
“I’m overjoyed and relieved to see that you are well,” he whispered, slowly opening his amber eyes, only for them to be lost in the piercing viridian gaze of, “…Amarah.”
“Thank you.” he said, gently setting Mint on a nearby cot, then followed the physician to the tent opening.
She slipped out of the tent, yet even as she departed, he could see eager citizens jockeying for a spot to look inside the tent at the young prince and the lovely queen sitting on a cot. Once she was clear, he grabbed the latches to the tent and tied them securely in place.
“Well, it looks like we have this cozy little space to ourselves.” he said, returning to Mint’s bedside and settling down in a seat beside her cot, where the woman sat, seemingly awaiting his return to her side.
He gently took one of her hands in his and brought his other to her cheek, stroking it gently. He pressed his brow to hers and shut his eyes.
“I’m overjoyed and relieved to see that you are well,” he whispered, slowly opening his amber eyes, only for them to be lost in the piercing viridian gaze of, “…Amarah.”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“I will make sure she is returned to you, once she is evaluated properly. Will that be acceptable?”
Three still speechless girls, nodded their heads, obediently. Politely, the prince nodded and gallantly carried the young woman off, much to the awe of her coworkers and many of the on-looking jealous females, longing to be in her position. Even if the prince was engaged to another, he was still a prince and to be held and snuggled in the arms of such royalty would still be a delightful honor…and a pleasurable one, as well.
The pair continued on to the medical tent, drawing the attention of some and the ire of others as they passed them by. Whether they coveted the young monarch or the extraordinary beauty in his arms, all eyes were on them. When they reached the tent, Arjuna quickly ducked in.
“My Prince?!” the doctor inside the tent exclaimed, leaping to her feet. “Oh my! Young lady are you ill?”
“She endured a fall during a dance routine on stage.” Arjuna answered.
“I see. Are you in pain?”
Gently, Mint shook her head.
“Okay, then would you please wait here in the tent for a moment? I received a call over the walkie about a person that has cut himself at his stall and all of my nurses are out helping others. He’s bleeding quite a lot and I need to get to him, quickly.”
“Of course.” he replied. “Ah, but we have drawn the attention of a fairly substantial assembly. If it is alright to do so, would you be at all objectionable to me securing the tent until you return?”
Three still speechless girls, nodded their heads, obediently. Politely, the prince nodded and gallantly carried the young woman off, much to the awe of her coworkers and many of the on-looking jealous females, longing to be in her position. Even if the prince was engaged to another, he was still a prince and to be held and snuggled in the arms of such royalty would still be a delightful honor…and a pleasurable one, as well.
The pair continued on to the medical tent, drawing the attention of some and the ire of others as they passed them by. Whether they coveted the young monarch or the extraordinary beauty in his arms, all eyes were on them. When they reached the tent, Arjuna quickly ducked in.
“My Prince?!” the doctor inside the tent exclaimed, leaping to her feet. “Oh my! Young lady are you ill?”
“She endured a fall during a dance routine on stage.” Arjuna answered.
“I see. Are you in pain?”
Gently, Mint shook her head.
“Okay, then would you please wait here in the tent for a moment? I received a call over the walkie about a person that has cut himself at his stall and all of my nurses are out helping others. He’s bleeding quite a lot and I need to get to him, quickly.”
“Of course.” he replied. “Ah, but we have drawn the attention of a fairly substantial assembly. If it is alright to do so, would you be at all objectionable to me securing the tent until you return?”
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General | Posted 4 years ago“Mint!” the girls shouted, rushing to their coworker’s side.
They knelt beside her and helped her to sit up. She smiled at them with apologetic eyes.
“I am sorry.” she said, quietly. “I was not paying attention.”
“Are you alright?” Sugar asked, urgently.
“Are you hurt?” Candy asked, worriedly.
“Daddy’s a doctor.” Tange said, calmly. “Do you want him to have a look at you?”
“No, no…” Mint said. “I am alright.”
“Are you certain, miss?” a voice said, drawing their attention, followed by their shock and awe.
“Prince Arjuna!” they exclaimed, as he knelt among them. He smiled, kindly and said, “That was a rough fall. Are you certain that you are unharmed?”
With wide eyes, Sugar, Candy, and Tange looked to Mint whose eyes were as wide as theirs. Not a word was spoken among them. Arjuna smiled.
“Here,” he said, reaching beneath Mint to lift her into his arms, “let’s get you to the medic tent and have them take a look at you.” he decided, getting to his feet with her in tow.
Mint gasped when she was suddenly lifted into the arms of the prince, but no words would come to her, much like the absence of speech that had struck the other girls. Smiling kindly, as he always did, Arjuna addressed the speechless girls.
They knelt beside her and helped her to sit up. She smiled at them with apologetic eyes.
“I am sorry.” she said, quietly. “I was not paying attention.”
“Are you alright?” Sugar asked, urgently.
“Are you hurt?” Candy asked, worriedly.
“Daddy’s a doctor.” Tange said, calmly. “Do you want him to have a look at you?”
“No, no…” Mint said. “I am alright.”
“Are you certain, miss?” a voice said, drawing their attention, followed by their shock and awe.
“Prince Arjuna!” they exclaimed, as he knelt among them. He smiled, kindly and said, “That was a rough fall. Are you certain that you are unharmed?”
With wide eyes, Sugar, Candy, and Tange looked to Mint whose eyes were as wide as theirs. Not a word was spoken among them. Arjuna smiled.
“Here,” he said, reaching beneath Mint to lift her into his arms, “let’s get you to the medic tent and have them take a look at you.” he decided, getting to his feet with her in tow.
Mint gasped when she was suddenly lifted into the arms of the prince, but no words would come to her, much like the absence of speech that had struck the other girls. Smiling kindly, as he always did, Arjuna addressed the speechless girls.
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General | Posted 4 years agoAn eruption of excited cheers and shouts of encouragement roared through the crowd. Between the pandemonium of the audience and the fervent request of the host, the prince found that he had little choice but to concede. Slowly, he ascended the wooden staircase to the stage and gracefully strode across its shiny, polished planks. When he reached the judge’s table, a panelist leapt from their seat and offered it to the hairless, blue tom. He nodded his thanks to the departing judge and sat down. Having reached the extent of his understanding of the procedural decorum, he looked up at the bright-eyed queen and awaited further instruction.
“Alright!” Star shouted. “The next team up are the girls of the Sweet Shoppe!”
A round of applause, cheers, and whistles erupted from the crowd, as the girls entered onto the stage. Immediately, Tange skipped to the forward left of the stage while Sugar went to the right. The girls exchanged glances and nodded their agreed readiness to begin. Tange raised a flute to her lips and began to play. After she played a few notes, Sugar raised her bell-like voice and sang. The two began to create a beautiful melody of joviality, spirit, and festivity, when Candy leapt onto the center stage.
The pretty pink girl flipped and jumped around, displaying energetic, yet graceful feats of athleticism for the crowd. From hands-free cartwheels to summersaults and backflips, the assembly of onlookers were thoroughly entertained. They cheered and applauded at her dynamic and somewhat dangerous acts. Finally, she brought her routine to a close-by returning to center stage and gesturing to the backstage where Mint emerged from the shadows, dancing sensually onto the main stage.
She captured and captivated the audience into a speechless stupor. Translucent ribbon veils twirled and swirled around her as she spun and swayed like a leaf on the wind as she performed her exotic, entrancing, hypnotic belly dance. She was one with her fluttering veils. They moved like billowy extensions of her lovely body. Together, they looked like sweet-smelling smoke streaming from a scented incense burner. Except for Sugar’s singing and Tange’s playing, the arena was completely silent. The audience was hypnotized by the beauteous, foreign dancer.
As she usually did when she danced, she kept her eyes closed, for the most part, adding to her allure. She only opened her eyes briefly, here and there, to make sure she was positioned away from either edge of the stage. She opened her eyes during one such check and happened to glance at the judge’s table. A sharp gasp left her as she beheld the panel of judges and momentarily lost her focus. She tripped on one of her veils and hit the ground, hard.
“Alright!” Star shouted. “The next team up are the girls of the Sweet Shoppe!”
A round of applause, cheers, and whistles erupted from the crowd, as the girls entered onto the stage. Immediately, Tange skipped to the forward left of the stage while Sugar went to the right. The girls exchanged glances and nodded their agreed readiness to begin. Tange raised a flute to her lips and began to play. After she played a few notes, Sugar raised her bell-like voice and sang. The two began to create a beautiful melody of joviality, spirit, and festivity, when Candy leapt onto the center stage.
The pretty pink girl flipped and jumped around, displaying energetic, yet graceful feats of athleticism for the crowd. From hands-free cartwheels to summersaults and backflips, the assembly of onlookers were thoroughly entertained. They cheered and applauded at her dynamic and somewhat dangerous acts. Finally, she brought her routine to a close-by returning to center stage and gesturing to the backstage where Mint emerged from the shadows, dancing sensually onto the main stage.
She captured and captivated the audience into a speechless stupor. Translucent ribbon veils twirled and swirled around her as she spun and swayed like a leaf on the wind as she performed her exotic, entrancing, hypnotic belly dance. She was one with her fluttering veils. They moved like billowy extensions of her lovely body. Together, they looked like sweet-smelling smoke streaming from a scented incense burner. Except for Sugar’s singing and Tange’s playing, the arena was completely silent. The audience was hypnotized by the beauteous, foreign dancer.
As she usually did when she danced, she kept her eyes closed, for the most part, adding to her allure. She only opened her eyes briefly, here and there, to make sure she was positioned away from either edge of the stage. She opened her eyes during one such check and happened to glance at the judge’s table. A sharp gasp left her as she beheld the panel of judges and momentarily lost her focus. She tripped on one of her veils and hit the ground, hard.
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