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Post by Elysia Titaia-Delgado on Jul 26, 2017 1:07:07 GMT
The light was gone from the sky beyond the stern walls of the castle of Imfala, seat of the ruling king and queen. Left behind were only deep shadows amongst the dangerous crags that made up their home and pinpricks of starlight so faint and so far away they could have been a figment of wild imagination. It was well past dinner and most denizens of the castle were beginning to settle into their beds, for sleep or other things. As with most nights, the Queen was not yet abed. And again, like most nights, she was not alone. But it was not the King who was with her.
"The treasury report now." Her voice was quiet, commanding. She sat in an elaborately carved chair, dark wood inlaid with alabaster, behind a matching small table. Seated on various stools and less elaborate chairs were three men. Though not exactly at ease, none of them found it exceptional to be in this chamber with her. In truth the meeting had started hours ago, only to have been interupted by some other urgent matters and put aside until she could find more time. It just so happened that she had time now. She listened as one man gave the requested report, intent. She already knew that things were well in hand but she liked to keep up to date. It always felt like the moment she let these things begin to slide was the moment something disastrous would happen.
She had yet to change from her royal dress. Metal wire worked like lace covered most of her body, rose-gold scattered through with pearls. It was only just modest. Heavy ivory skirts shot through with gold draped effortlessly around the chair and table, hiding her slim legs and feet- she'd kicked off her shoes, her only concession to the end of the day. Hidden beneath her skirts, she could use the toes of one foot to slowly work one of her stockings off. Her feet were sore- it had been a very long day. His report came to an end and she nodded absently- nothing was a surprise. "You three may go- send in Ardent."
They left and before the door had closed a petite, effeminate Immortal entered. His androgynous appearance and relatively plain features made him terribly forgetable in the hustle and bustle of the castle. He swept her a bow and she favored him with a smile though she didn't trust him any closer than arm's length. "And tell me Ardent, what is happening in the castle that no one else will speak to me of?"
For all she didn't trust him, she did like listening to him speak. He had a storyteller's knack for performance. Finishing with one stocking she shifted slightly in her seat and set to work on the other. Her arms were equaly as covered as her legs in tight fitting silk sleeves of the same ivory shot through with threads of gold. The sleeves joined at the back between her shoulders. Behind her the sheer train of what come might've called a veil pooled, scarlet as blood. The rose gold crown that held it on was delicately jeweled with pearls and rubies, worked in the shape of fanciful flowers that looked as though they might double as weapons. He spoke of the going ons of the servants and the nobility that her castle played home to, and touched briefly on the matter of the human girl. Friendless, lonely. It seemed a life as king's bedwarmer didn't entirely agree with her.
What a shame.
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king of the immortals
straight.
married - complicated.
Immortal
Offline.
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Post by Justus Delago on Jul 26, 2017 18:20:27 GMT
Justus was a difficult man to understand personality wide2, but as the king he was stern. He had a lot on his plate and never did he complain. Even the days he had to go to war, he didn't know if he would be back definitely or not. He was corky enough to say he would be in private he was never sure. He had a responsibility to his people. Even though he left Elysia in charge of the kingdom while he was gone- this was still his kingdom. Man was a shadow of their gods but Kings... kings were a reflection them. This was something his father had taught him at a very young age.He kept it with him all of the 900 years of him living.
When he was away he trusted in his wife more then anything to do what needed to be done and also make sure that his rulings were being executed. They were final. His laws were absolute and anyone that tested him usually felt whatever fury he had in him at the time. Everytime he returned though he felt he needed to remind her that he needed her for balance. He needed her to be merciful, so they could have true justice. Rules are mental, created in the head guided by reason. Mercy is emotional inspired by the heart guided by care. He didn't need her to be him. He needed her to be the opposite when he was back in the kingdom. He was the head of the kingdom , the queen. The queen was the heart of the kingdom. Justice without mercy was cruel and heartless. He needed her for balance.
Justus could have courted plenty of women to become queen but Elysia was the only choice he could think of. He trusted her with his life . She was his best friend , his soulmate and he had once loved her. Being alive so long and not aging obviously tested them both. The king had mistresses , but the queen was expected not to. Justus never questioned her about it , though he very well could've. He knew his temper however and it was best if he didn't think she was doing the same as he. That was punishable to extreme consequences but he'd never. Even on their outs he loved her to the moon and back probably.
Silk clothing with his surcoat on as he walked the halls with the governor. His brown eyes seemingly almost glazed over with boredom. Walking into the room with the queen sitting , looking as stunning as usual. Her beauty was never lacking and that had never been the problem in their marriage. He looked at Ardent with disgust. "You are tiptoing into treason. You are defiantly a rat. No leave. , his words like bricks. He wasn't sure what he had been talking about but he knew this man liked to gossip. The governor also left the room, Justus strolled over to Elysia , letting his hand graze her collar bone.
" What trouble are you causing today ? " , he was clearly joking as he stopped by her side.
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Post by Elysia Titaia-Delgado on Jul 26, 2017 18:51:50 GMT
Elysia's gaze feasted on the sight of her husband as he entered, appreciating the scene he presented. They made a stunning couple, that much she knew. He was a harsh man but somehow she never feared standing up to him- even if it sometimes meant their fights got carried away. Her mother had once said that she was too stupid and stubborn to know when to be afraid. Perhaps she was right. As he sent the man out she rose, lips slightly pursed in exasperation.
"My king." She offered the honorific softly, her voice the same carefully controlled, melodic tones she always used. Stepping from behind the small table she curtsied to him, sliding away from his touch and leaving stockings and shoes pooled on the floor between them. "I am only causing enough trouble to make the day interesting." She straightened, hands clasped before her, the picture of regal elegance.
Though she chafed beneath the dwindling of her own power whenever he was at court and against the double standards that always seemed to weigh more heavily on her, she rarely showed it. Elysia was a calculating woman from a long line of brilliant strategists and her gender had not dimmed that heritage of genius one bit. Now she stepped around the table and offered him her hand, extending the other towards the plush love seat near the shuttered windows. It was a subtle thing, coming to him on her terms even though he had come into her suite without so much as a thought to knocking. Not that the guards at her doors would ever try to stop him. He was king, after all. It was his privilege.
"What brings you to me tonight, Justus?" Formalities now gone through, she let her tone become more casual, posture relaxing slightly. "Or are you simply hiding from the trouble you've caused?" She liked when he joked with her. It reminded her of times before power had divided them.
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king of the immortals
straight.
married - complicated.
Immortal
Offline.
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Post by Justus Delago on Jul 31, 2017 18:55:36 GMT
Justus had known Elysia for most of his life. She had been his right hand for as long as he could remember. They complimented each other nicely and no one would have disagreed with him if he had said so. Not only because he was the king , but because that this was true. Once he stepped into the room his eyes landed on her , she was radiant as always. Her demeanor was seductive but she was firm with her attitude. Her attitude was what attracted him to her the most. While everyone else told him what he wanted to hear , she told him the truth. She was no door mat and even though he was king , she still gave him a hard time. Justus liked the push back , he loved the fact that she gave him hell sometimes. She was unique and she was special. Even when they were having their problems , she was still his best friend. Justus would trust Elysia with his life , when there wasn't anyone else to trust she was there and he never wanted to lose that. He wished he could better understand what the problem was between them now , even though they weren't completely in sync. They never missed a beat on each others life.
His brown eyes watched as the snake left the room , he really did loath that man. He was very aware that he was a sneak and Justus didn't want his toxicity anywhere around Elysia , even though he couldn't stop it completely. He could stop it when he could. Of course he came in unannounced , it wasn't as if her guards were going to tel him not to. He was the king and even though he had great respect for her ; he was still free to roam the castle as he pleased. He laughed lightly as she spoke , he knew better then that. She was indeed a troublemaker and he knew this. This was another thing that he loved most about his beautiful queen.
She extended her hand and he took it in his. Running his thumb over her soft hands , sitting next to her he relaxed. " Do I need a reason to see the most beautiful. The most loving , non trouble making queen that ever lived ?" , he asked her as he placed a hand on his chest as if he were shocked at her question. ]b]" I never hide from trouble , I swim in it. "[/b] , he raised his eyebrow as he rubbed her leg gently. He had noticed that she had slipped out of shoes. "Are you happy?" , he asked her in all seriousness.
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Post by Elysia Titaia-Delgado on Jul 31, 2017 19:09:44 GMT
She settled comfortably on the seat, watching him as he sat with her. She reached up to remove the crown and veil from her hair, setting it on a side table and letting the fabric fall carelessly to the floor. Then she began to pull the pins from her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders as she listened to him. She could not undress from her costume without aid, but there were a number of things she could do to make herself more comfortable. And if Justus was the only one who would be seeing her then she certainly didn't stand on decorum. He had seen her much more undone than this, by firelight and by moonlight.
"I know you do. It's amazing it hasn't caught up with you yet." When he touched her leg she lifted them draping them across his lap with careless affection, the smooth pale skin revealed as the full skirts rode up. "I suppose you don't need a reason, but you usually do." She flicked her hair back over her shoulders, slowly relaxing in his company. It was not exactly a switch, from being 'Queen' to being 'wife'. It was more of a dial. And it took time for her to lose the protocols and careful politicizing.
His question, however, took her by surprise. She stilled, body tense and quiet as she tried to divine the hidden meanings in those three seemingly simple words. He appeared too serious for her to pass it off with a laugh and a smile. So she considered his question with the weight it seemed to deserve. Was she happy? She didn't think about it often.
"I am not unhappy." She phrased her answer carefully, giving him only the truth. He deserved that from her. "I take pride in our kingdom and in what I do. I want for nothing. Sometimes I miss the whirlwind romance of our early marriage, but we are Immortal. This things ebb and flow."
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king of the immortals
straight.
married - complicated.
Immortal
Offline.
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Post by Justus Delago on Aug 12, 2017 0:51:59 GMT
For the longest , she had been the only one that he felt at ease with besides his mother. Long before he had seen his father die , it felt like he had been alone for a long time. Even though he wasn't entirely alone , it had felt this way. His mother was understanding , but he could not talk to her about everything that that plagued his mind. When he had been around Elysia , she kept him down to earth. She kept him level headed. Justus wasn't sure about why this was - or why she meant so much to him. He just knew that he never wanted to lose her. They have been together for centuries and even though they were at a pause romantically , she was still his better half. She was still his best friend and he was not afraid to admit that any time of the day or night. She draped her legs across his lap , he welcomed this with his warm hands. Rubbing her legs softly. It was hard for him to be gentle Not because this was his demanor or personality , but because his strength was hard to control. He didn't need to control it now however , it was easy with her. Her looks were unmatched by any other. Yes , some might be exotic to him but her beauty was far from human. Sometimes he wondered was she some type of goddess that just played with him here on earth. Even though he knew what power she was granted at her ceremony , he was surprised it wasn't that of timeless beauty,
She thought about his question before she answered it , his light colored eyes resting on her. Yes , he was serious. He wanted to know what she was thinking. Long ago she use to tell him freely , now they had gotten complacent. He sat for a second , silence fallen in between them both. It didn't make him uncomfortable to be silent around her , it just meant he was thinking. "This doesn't mean your happy either." , he replied to her with a soft sigh escaping his lips told him that she missed the romance they one had and he nodded quietly. " I agree. Remember when I would sneak out of the here just to see you?" , he smirked as he laughed lightly. "I miss that Justus and Elysia." , he breathed out as he tilted his head back. He closed his eyes , running his hand through his hair.
" Do you wish for that again. The centuries that have passed we've been together ... I think we fall in and out of those stages. Why do you not tell me if this bothers you ?" , he asked her with a arched eyebrow as he laid eyes on her once again. " Do you want me to help you undress or do you want one of the ladies to come in and do that for you?" , he rubbed her leg teasingly.[/b][/b]
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Post by Elysia Titaia-Delgado on Aug 17, 2017 18:24:43 GMT
It was something she always appreciated about Justus that she wasn't sure anyone else did. How hard it was for him to be gentle, for him to be careful. Though he was a hard man and showed that face to the world, she was acutely aware of the amount of control he exersised and the toll power took even on the best of men. She liked the careful roughness of his touch- his strength (and not just the magical kind) was part of what she had always admired about him.
"Happiness is... complicated." She tilted her head back to gaze up at the ceiling. It was a strange and complex thing, happiness. She was most content at times like this, when Justus was near her and the outside world had drawn back. Or when they had their heads together over some new project for the kingdom, though those times were rare. Justus did not share power well, she had discovered. And so at the same time she also felt most alive when she was ruling, and Justus was elsewhere dealing with wars or embassies or what have you. The memories he recalled brought a broader smile to her lips, more relaxed and less practiced.
"That Justus and Elysia were young, my love." She leaned foreward, reaching out to run one of her own hands through his hair in the path of his hands. Soothing where the strands had become rumpled. "I don't wish to be young again, Justus. I like being queen." She laughed, a sound bright and warm and seemingly at odds with her normal cold facade. "It doesn't bother me that it happens, it is only that I miss it and then rejoice when we find it again. But it is no more useful for me to weep and fret over the loss than it would be useful for me to be concerned with the little poppet you stole from the humans."
She slid her legs away from him and stood, turning her back to him. Her eyes narrowed slyly as she looked back over her shoulder. "I'm sure you can manage as well as one of my ladies." There was a single button holding the sleeves together between her shoulder, in a place quite hard for her to reach herself. Beneath that, the wire bodice was laced together like a corset with a blood red silk cord. The layers of skirts and petticoats were easy enough for her to deal with herself.
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king of the immortals
straight.
married - complicated.
Immortal
Offline.
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Post by Justus Delago on Aug 19, 2017 15:04:37 GMT
Elysia had always been someone he would show the most restraint to. His powers both a blessing and a curse. It was a blessing during battle. Justus was usually the strongest person on the field. The strength he held was u match for the most part. He could easily knock a man's head clean off with his bate hands ; forget giving him. sword because that was just a added on bonus for him on the field with hundreds of creatures. It was rare for him to across anyone with his kind of un raw power. Sometimes it could be a curse when it came to being gentle with people he cared about. He kept his power at bay long enough but it physically hurt him in times to hold back so much. With Elysia it had been a bit easy hobestly. He didn't have to think about holding back. Justus naturally did for her. It wasn't something he noticed because after all these years ... all these centuries he wouldn't dare lay a hand on her. She wastands much to important for that. She was to beautiful to hurt .
Happiness was complicated and he nodded in agrrement. Justus rested his eyes on her as she spoke. She understood him like no one else. It's hard to remember us being young once. But I love when those memories do come to mind , he cracked a smile. She spoke about them being young and he laughed You are right., he nodded. He pressed his head into her hand as she followed his hand through his hair. Nuzzling her hand softly out of habit.
You were destined to be Queen. This was what you were born to be. This is your fate. , he said with all seriousness in his voice. She was born to be Queen. To lead. He didn't like to share his power over the kingdom that wa true but when he had to...he couldn't think of anyone else to be a better person to do so then Elysia. She had looked the part since they were young . The kingdom loved her. He undoubtedly loved her but this was just of the many rough patches they would go through. His was the problem being immortal. They had many ups and downs. This was one of things that happened to immortal people over time. He could never grow bored of her but they were just in a funk. But he didn't take how he felt about her away.
She was allowing him to undress her. His hands slid down her back slowly. Just to get the feel of her. Resting one hand on her hip . The other hand he used to start to unbuttoned and untie the ribbons. It was hard to hinkle about anything else but how beautiful she looked. The most beautiful in the kingdom., he murmured under his breath breathlessly
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Post by Elysia Titaia-Delgado on Aug 22, 2017 17:18:53 GMT
She lifted her hands to pull her hair out of the way as be began to unlace the pearled bodice, arching her body against his hands. It wasn't really a calculated movement, just a cat-like enjoyment of the intimate moment. Being undressed like this was surprisingly vulnerable- she was allowing him to remove her armor, that which helped her to stand in the face of politicians and courtiers. To make them see her not as a woman but as their Queen. It was a distinct difference. Elysia the woman was just another courtly flower, a beautiful woman to be wooed and won, to hang on the arm of her husband and make their home run smoothly. Queen Elysia was a power in her own right.
His words too were like a balm on a wound she didn't know was open. As he finished unlacing the bodice she let it fall forgotten to the floor, piled with the silk sleeves and she turned to him. Twining pale arms around his neck she looked up into his face, suddenly gone serious.
"And you were born to be the greatest general our kind had ever known. There is not a living soul who would not follow you willing to battle." The sincerity in her words was as great as his. She bowed her head then, resting her forehead against his chest. It was a small motion, the closest to submission perhaps she ever got. "I am sorry, Justus. Sometimes my thoughts are unkind to you."
She dropped her hands from around his neck though she still did not lift her head, instead undoing the fastenings of her skirt and letting the heavy layers fall around her feet. Naked, she met his eyes again, chin tilted up and one brow arched. The trace of softness and submission were gone, replaced again by pride. "Are you staying with me tonight, my king? Or is your mistress waiting for you?"
There was no judgement in her tone, but it was somewhere between an invitation and a challenge. Whatever emotions were caught up in the statement were still kept well in control, not allowed to color her voice or expression.
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king of the immortals
straight.
married - complicated.
Immortal
Offline.
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Post by Justus Delago on Aug 27, 2017 20:34:54 GMT
Justus had been through a lot over the centuries he had been alive. Elysia had been so different from the other girls at court. She had been bold , independent , outspoken but witty all at the same time. She was unique and she stood out more so then anyone else. His mother had been worried at first , that she had been too independent for him. Elysia just wasn't one to be controlled and honestly Justus loved that about his wife. He didn't marry her just because of her beauty , he married her because he knew she was good for their land and he knew that she had a good head on her shoulders. Being queen must have been something that was destined for her even before she was born. That was what it seemed like anyway.
He watched her as she let the items fall to the floor , his hazel eyes resting on her as she spoke. His eyes closing just for a moment as he felt her touch. She told him that there wasn't a soul that wouldn't follow him into battle and he nodded , thinking he looked away for a moment. " Thank you. " , he spoke softly for a moment. A times he had been worried , especially before the treaty. There were times when he knew that a lot of his men would not return home. Maybe other races were more fearful of death but the immortals never knew that kind of fear. Death never crept up on them , unless they were in battle. When you watched your own father loss him mind seeing people die , sometimes secretly Justus wondered when it would be his turn and would he be as gracious as his father was in the time of his passing. He hated to think like that but it was hard for him not to at times he was alone. He had a wife and a mistress , but neither could be with him every night.
Sitting back he watched her undo her skirt , naked. It had been a far in between that he got to see his wife , his queen like this. His eyes running over her hungrily. Then she asked him was he staying with her or Kamira. He searched her face for a second before he stood swiftly. " You , I'm staying with you my queen." , his hand resting on her hips if she allowed it and pulling her close. Growling teasingly in her ear. " I love seeing you like this. I love seeing you period but you always .. tease me so." , he spoke into her ear as he nuzzled his head into her neck. His lips tracing her neck.
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Post by Elysia Titaia-Delgado on Aug 30, 2017 16:49:41 GMT
"As you desire, my lord," her voice purred next to his ear, and she could not quite keep the possessiveness from the 'my lord'. It didn't matter that she shared Justus with other women- she wasn't jealous of them particularly, nor did she require him to herself. But his power and his eternal love- those were hers. And she would happily kill to protect her stake over them. Her hands moved deftly to his clothes, sliding beneath his surcoat, seeking the touch of his skin. She let her body press in close against him, guided by his hands on her hips. If she had her way, they wouldn't even make it to the bed- not yet at least.
[fade to black]
The sun had not yet risen. Elysia lay amidst the rumpled sheets abruptly awake though she had only gotten to sleep a few hours before. And yet weariness had fled her as swiftly as it had come, as though the night with Justus had only energized her rather than exhausting her. Her hair was tangled around her shoulders, snow white skin and honey hair a stark contrast to the blood red bed linens. She pulled the blanket over herself to drive away the chill of the early morning and settled closer to Justus' body, running her fingers gently through his hair. Already her mind was working, running through the never ending list of royal duties she had to perform.
First though, she would need tea. She had been drinking a particular contraceptive tea every morning practically since Ezra had proven to be a healthy child and likely to survive to adulthood. She had told no one this except the healer whom she had gone to for the tea. Not even Justus. Though she did not lie to him, keeping secrets was a matter of habit. Besides, this one hurt no one. She wondered if he would stay long enough to breakfast with her or if she would dine alone.
Pushing the thought away, she snuggled a little deeper into the bed. All of that could wait for a little while longer.
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king of the immortals
straight.
married - complicated.
Immortal
Offline.
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Post by Justus Delago on Sept 5, 2017 0:04:17 GMT
Elysia was the love of his life , he never wanted to replace her in that retrospect. She was irreplaceable. She was irreplaceable She was irreplaceable to him and she was irreplaceable to the kingdom. Her loyalty was unmatched and he would never grow tired of her to the point he wanted her to leave his side. That was where she belonged , side by side with him. How could he tell her she was perfect without him coming across as soft ( not that it bothered him much when it came to his wife ). Yes , he had Kamira but she was nothing like Elysia. That was a place in his heart that was already filled , he cared for the young girl but not the way he did his wife. As much as he hated to admit how much he needed Elysia , he did need her. He would like to believe that it went vice versa , that she also needed him just as much. He never wanted Elysia to feel jealous , though he was sure that wasn't apart of her personality. How could she ever be jealous of someone that wasn't in the position she was in ? Her touch made her quiver , the only person that could do that to him. Grabbing her firmly but gently at the same time , he kissed her passionately. He had missed her like this. She was so hard at times , but he loved when she was this open with him. It was hard to be vulnerable to one another , these were the times he cherished.
[fade to black]
Justus usually wasn't one to sleep in , like Elysia he was usually up before the sun was up. He never tired , there were too many things to do and he would never openly admit to needing any rest. He had spent endless nights in battle , endless night debating on what was good for the kingdom and endless had spent nights with the queen. His queen. Of course she was everyone else's queen too but she belonged to him. He would never let Elysia leave his side , he didn't know what he would do if she ever tried. A low groan escaped his lips as he rubbed his eyes , feeling her delicate touch running through his hair. Opening one eye to look at her he smirked. She nestled in closer to him and he pulled her closer to him. This was a rare moment for him it seemed like recently she had no time for him. Not that he should be the one to complain considering how busy he was through out the day. He couldn't honestly think that she would be on his beckon call.
"Good morning my queen. How is it that you are awake before me ?' , he joked as he wrapped one around her. " Your so beautiful in the morning." , he breathed. He said it without much thought , but it was true. Running his hand along her back. " Ready to throw me out or you have a little tolerance left for this old king?, he asked her as he wiggled his eyebrow.
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Post by Elysia Titaia-Delgado on Sept 13, 2017 16:47:03 GMT
"I suspect I am awake just as early as you are, Justus. This morning I just find myself energized for the day." She traced his cheek with her fingertips, smiling gently. She let her head rest against his shoulder but her eyes were open, plans for the day already taking shape in her mind. The sun began to gild the room, highlighting the clothes cast hastily aside on the floor. A lazy, smug smile curled her lips. At his question she looked up into his face again, then rolled her eyes at his silly question. She pulled out of his arms, casting the covers aside and reaching for the heavy dressing robe laid over the edge of her vanity.
"I always have tolerance for you, darling, but little tolerance for laziness." Her smile softened any sharpness in her voice. She wrapped the deep ruby colored velvet robe around her slender shoulders, tying the sash loosely and lifting her hair free of the collar. She reached for the long knife she sometimes wore for protection and slipped the garter sheath up her leg, letting the robe fall away from her thigh as she fastened it into place with the practice of habit.
"Join me for breakfast before we return to our courtly duties. I would like a few more minutes with you before responsibility pulls us apart again."
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