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Rea sat strait, feeling rather uncomfortable, despite the luxurious purple cushion that protected her from the cold silver of the throne she reclined upon.
Below her servants scurried hither and thither, slaves constructed yet another wing to the already enormous palace, and performers capered about, hoping to gain her favor.
She was dressed in a beautiful gown, the like of which she'd never seen before. It was thick velvet, downy to the touch. Its hue was so deep a blue it was almost black, and it clung tightly to her skin, showing off her figure. All the other clothes she'd ever worn in her life had made her fee fat and ugly, but in this she felt positively exquisite. She was pretty sure that at least seven pounds of flesh had disappeared from her form, leaving her as slender and graceful as she'd always hoped to be. A table weighed down with delicious delicacies sat on her right, a bowl of water in which to wash sticky fingers and a cloth on which to dry them on her left. She wore a beautiful crown made of a peacock's plumage and silver cord, and though it was a little gaudy, she thought it was rather nice.
There was no doubt about it, this was a wonderful situation in all appearances. And yet... She was discontent. All the grandeur, all the luxury couldn't disguise the fact that she was a prisoner, kept here against her will. Her captor seemed almost genuinely affectionate towards her, but still she cringed from him. There was something... Off about that man. As if he was not quite what he appeared to be. His appearance in itself was rather unnerving, as well. His hair was pure white and very, very long. He usually had it tied back with a ribbon, but it was still obvious how unnaturally soft it was. His eyes were dark purple, and there was something rather ominous about them. And the hungry looks he sent her...
"No." She said, almost too softly to be heard.
"What was that?" Dragon leaned closer, his eyebrows drawing together. "What did you say?"
"No. I decline your offer. All this..." She waved her hand. "it is wonderful, almost too wonderful to believe... But I cannot accept it. I'm sorry, sir, but I must refuse your proposal." She stood, removing the beautiful crown and holding it out to him. "I must go. I have... there are things that must be done."
He didn't take the crown just yet. "Are you sure that this is what you want? It is not a wise choice, my Relain. I can give you anything, everything you want... That peasant swain of yours can offer you nothing but drudgery and misery." He sneered. "You are too good for him. Stay, be my bride. All I want is you, Relain. Please, reconsider your decision." He wasn't begging, not at all. He was coaxing, more like, and still hadn't taken the crown.
Rea shook her head. "No... No, I can't. Verdigand may not be able to offer me much, but I am comfortable around him and I am not afraid of hard work. And..." She took a deep breath. "I love him."
Dragon felt as if wolves were tearing at his insides. He growled deep in his throat, snatched the crown away, and threw it to the floor. "Very well! Have it your own way."
Slowly, slowly, her surroundings began to fade. Before she could move, Dragon had caught her up in his arms, and kissed her strait on the mouth.
She would never forget the passion of that single kiss, and would forever be uneasy, wondering whether or not she enjoyed it, whether she felt every bit as much pleasure at it as she was sure Dragon had. Finally, though, he disappeared, as did everything else. She was alone, and a little ways before her was the shack that she had left her other suitor in.
Her steps dragging slightly, she smoothed her ruffled hair, took a deep breath and opened the door.
Verdigand sat in front of the hearth, staring moodily into the flames. He looked up when she entered and gave her a welcoming, if somewhat troubled, smile.
"Verdigand... I accept your proposal. I would be honored to be your wife."
 Ithtar · Thu Nov 05, 2009 @ 07:07pm · 0 Comments |
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