novachrysalia | 2019 CMO

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[Maria could understand it a little better. With only the one daughter, the king wanted to make sure she married the finest lord possible... and one that could ensure plenty of heirs. Or at least, that's what Maria always suspected was the real reason; along with an age-old prejudice against the Cainhurst royal family. It doesn't mean she approves of it, and doesn't judge him for it, but she can at least understand where he's coming from. Sometimes, she doesn't care much for her family and their ways, either.

She's not really expecting to have surprised Zelda quite so badly, and she steps forward, cautious, but not trying to mask her steps too much so the princess knows where she is at any time.] It's me, Zelda... are you alright? That was quite the smack.

[Just gonna... get right up next to her; she won't grab Zelda's hand to look at it, but she does try to spy it from a comfortable distance, before offering her own hand in case the princess wants to proffer it. ] Have you been here all night? I didn't see you anywhere else.

[If only her father knew that Zelda was far from ready, if ever, to be a mother. The line would likely end with her. She personally saw nothing wrong with that since she was one that preferred personal freedom over ruling. Freedom to do what she wished to, which was learn all about the world outside of the walls over the city.

That just wasn't something she could speak freely about with all the spies her father kept around himself just in case. At least her room was safe from those. Unless her father suspected something was amiss.]

Maria! [Drawing her dressing gown further across her, the princess feels redness hit her cheeks again as she realizes how under-dressed she is for a visit.] It should be alright...

[She holds it out to show... but unlike what she said, there is already the hint of a bruise forming. Something to be dealt with later.] I was too upset to be of good company today. It felt more prudent to hide away lest one see a side of me that is very unflattering.

[Maria takes the proferred hand, gently, looking it over, before rubbing a sword-calloused thumb across the angry mark on the back of Zelda's hand... and then leaning down to press a brief, gentle kiss to it, before letting Zelda have her hand back.

And, gracefully, Maria's eyes don't linger anywhere that might be considered inappropriate, considering how Zelda looks comfortable and ready for bed.]

Is there such a side to you? [It's the tiniest amount of a joke, but she's also more genuine than she seems. She doesn't think there could be a side of Zelda that is unflattering - people are allowed to be upset.] Still, your presence was missed... and your father seemed more tense than usual without you. I had to excuse myself from dinner early, as well. [Mostly because it was really tense and awkward.] I'm a little surprised he hasn't banned me from the castle just yet.

[The kiss makes her heart feel like it went from a slow walk to a full gallop. Zelda takes her hand back, letting the fingers of her other touch the spot that the lips that touched.]

I am afraid so. Since I was young, and it has taken considerable time to curb it. [Though tonight was not a night where she could feel control happening.

There's a quiet sigh before she stands. A small blanket is pulled off the bed that she drapes around her shoulder.] My father, despite being king, is far from socially capable. It is what he had my mother for before her untimely demise. Having someone beside him to help guide conversations. Give advice when he does not know what to say. That is my place. As for banning you? He would do no such thing unless he invite a possible war. You have many more allies than what you believe.

[Maria can very generously be described as "intense" at the best of times, so when her expression slackens, and grows more fond, it's a very notable change. Like now, and with that little light in her eyes that says she doesn't really believe that Zelda's 'unflattering' side would really be that 'unflattering' at all.

Maria makes her way over to the desk, leaning her hip - or, really, more her thigh because she's just so tall she can't really lean her hip against most things - as she relaxes further while Zelda gets the blanket.] Sometimes it doesn't feel that way. [She doesn't necessarily blame anyone who isn't entirely comfortable around the Cainhurst nobles, but sometimes it felt like that discomfort was all anyone ever showed... anyone but Zelda.]

I find myself pleasantly relieved that it is not I who invited your ire, however. [She pauses, as though to consider something, and then... looks over to Zelda, grabbing and holding her gaze, and once she's done that...] Do you... think this is fated, Princess?

You do put about a rather intimidating air. There is none who would approach you without fear of drawing your ire or disdain. [Zelda lets a small laugh escape, shrugging the blanket closer.] I have never held such fear of you.

[Finding herself captive of Maria's eye, there's a few moments before she answers.] Fated? I wouldn't think one such as yourself would ever think of something like fate. What makes you ask me this?

[... Hm. Maybe she shouldn't have said anything. She's not easily embarrassed, but she knows she has to try to be diplomatic now, so maybe some of that mood is rubbing off on her. ]

I'm not sure... it seemed the right thing to ask.

[A pause.] Either way, I'd rather you not fear me. [Wouldn't be much of a relationship if Zelda was afraid of her in any way.]

[Watching Maria curiously, Zelda breaks their eye contact and heads over to a book shelf. She lets her fingers run over a few spines before a dark blue book is pulled from the shelf.]

If you are curious about the types of fate there are, I have a volume that describes them all in quite a bit of detail. It is very philosophical and can be a rather dull read. There are a few of these types that have been disproved, though one seems to be something that can occur in this world.

[Might it be what Maria is referring to?] Even if you made an attempt to scare me, I am doubtful it would do much to dissuade my opinion of you.

Curious... they can quantify such things? [Well, now her curiosity is piqued, and once that's going, she cannot be contained. Well, for the most part. She steps forward to take the book, and opens it briefly, before remembering she's here for another purpose.] I would hope my fate is not simply to be to intimidate others around you, however, if not you.

Science tries to quantify everything. I do wish more people were interested in the pursuits of it. [She wishes she was allowed to do just that. Zelda didn't mind being a princess for the most part since it allowed her some freedoms that others wouldn't have, such as being able to get and read as many books as possible. She just wishes that freedom extended to outside the walls, where she could choose her own fate.]

I do not know what to do to make you less intimidating to others. [She raises a finger, a slight smile on her face.] One of my tutors told me that men tend to fear women who are not ones to simply bow down to their every whim and fancy. You stand up to them and are not afraid to be yourself. I believe it is a very admirable way to be.

The less inexplicable things in the world, though, the less people will have faith in what they think causes them. [Science as an obstacle for religion. No, she's not on religion's side in all of this - quite the contrary, she's rather not pious at all. ]

Hm...? Ah... [She's not really embarrassed, but she doesn't quite know what to say to that. It's a compliment, she knows, even before Zelda quantifies it as one, but it's still a strange thing to think about. It's not like she had to work very hard to be this way. She just... is.] I think you are well on your way to being the same. You haven't given in to your father's demands yet, and that counts, right?

Even if science explained everything, there are those who will keep the faith. I have a few books by men who combine science and religion. [Though they are a hard read, even for Zelda. Using a god to justify how the science works was a strange concept.

Smile faltering, she folds her arms in front of herself.] My father will only tolerate so much, so I fear I cannot be as open as I wish I could be. There may come a day in the future where no matter how much I demand it... I will have to give in to him.

Hmm... yes, I suppose I have heard of a few scholars of that, as well, but it seems to push toward the death of religion. Churches would fear it. [She's totally okay with this, but, also, it's just sort of fascinating to learn about.

... And then she's distracted again, by the thoughts of the future, by losing... this. This quiet, wonderful moment with the beautiful princess. Surely, once her father married her off, Zelda would be forbidden from spending much time with Maria again, and she couldn't tolerate that idea.

It hurts in a way that's become quite familiar over the struggle she's had with Zelda's father, but is still painful all the same.] Then... I will do something before then. Even if it must be drastic... I won't... see you bound in marriage with nothing but your own misery for company, just because your father thought he knew what was best. [A pause, and then, more quietly, like she's expecting an answer that's going to hurt her more:] Unless it is your choice, and your choice only.

Churches do fear it. A few books I have are banned under their "guidance". [She at least has the protection of her rank to keep from being burned as a heretic.

There's a brief flash of fear. As if disobeying her father scared her that much. Yet the last part of Maria's statement rang like a bell in her mind. Zelda can't help but smile as she nods.]

It is my choice. And if it were asked, I would choose you over anyone my father deems acceptable.

Yes, of course. [She honestly wasn't doubting Zelda or anything, what she's doubting is this situation. It seems such a difficult battle, no matter how she fights against it.

Suddenly, she wants to take the princess into her arms and just bask in her warmth and presence. What Maria doesn't do is that - not yet, though she does reach forward a bit, holding her hand out toward Zelda.]

And I will continue to fight to make that future a reality. No matter what fate may say.

[She takes Maria's hand, her smile growing somewhat shy.]

I would not fight fate if mine were intertwined with yours.

[Zelda really hopes it's that way. If fate was real, and it really tied people together, it wouldn't be so bad to be bound to Maria.]

Nor would I. [She can definitely share that sentiment, and she wraps her fingers warmly around Zelda's. It's still not enough to really satisfy the emotional restlessness she can feel, but she'll take it for now. No use doing anything scandalous, even if that "scandal" comes in the form of something as simple as a huge.] And even if it is not, I will fight to try to make it come true anyway.

[She pauses, and then...] The Marchioness of Riverglen is having that ball next month. Accompany me to it? Without escorts, without your father - unless he plans on going?

I know you would, and I am gladdened that you would. [If they could get away from here, Zelda would stop caring about scandals. She wants to hold on to Maria in more ways than one.

Her eyes widen as she thinks.] My father turned down the invitation. He is not one for what he considers frivolous parties for those who are not almost equal in stature to himself. [She can't help a smile from tugging at her lips.] I would be honored to accompany you. The escorts my father would send could be easily bribed to spend the night in the towns taverns.

[Even in this castle, Maria sort of wants to forego caring about "scandals" - it's unlikely anyone will walk in just so easily, but she holds her tongue and her propriety. No, time and a place. Some day, the obstacles will be cleared, and they can both get what they want.

The idea that the party - as far away as it will be, way out at the marches, on the border territories, and the one furthest from the seat of power as is possible that is not Cainhurst itself, will help. And that the guards can certainly be bribed with enough alcohol and girls from the brothels will work to Maria's advantage.] Yes. I'll put in a word with the madame as well to keep the distractions rolling. [She gently reaches to take Zelda's hand again, to turn it over and bring it to her lips to press another kiss to the back of it.] A night to the two of us sounds wonderful. And I know the Marchioness will be keen to keep loose tongues in check. [It wouldn't do if the Viscount here couldn't send enough reinforcements if there was a siege, after all.

She pauses, reluctant to back up again. She should go, but... in truth, all she really wants is to keep Zelda's hands in her own, or pressed against her cheek.]

[It's good that it will be far away. Maybe Zelda can actually relax for once. Away from the usual crowd. Away from prying eyes that would love to make her look like a disloyal child to her father. This makes her appreciate Maria so much more.

She feels herself flush at the kiss.] I will have to thank her after. If she is as discreet as you believe she is.

[Her free hand is moved up to gently touch Maria's cheek. This was Maria doesn't have to let go, and Zelda can return some affection of her own.] I must admit that I am quite excited for a ball for once.

[Not everyone totally loves the king. The counties at the marches aren't particularly fond of his clear favoritism toward those closer to the heart of his kingdom, when they're the ones most at risk of danger if someone invades. Which also means the Marquis are closer to each other than they are to the king - Cainhurst mostly included, though their unsavory reputation sometimes scares off the other lords who don't know much about them.]

Not everyone likes or trusts Cainhurst, but... Riverglen is a friend, and more than that, Marchioness Isabella gets frustrated easily with what travels about as "scandal". It will not be her that spreads any rumors, and I think we can have some faith she won't invite troublemakers to the fray if she knows them to be as such.

[There's always a chance that someone will break news to someone who will spread it, of course. Nothing is 100% guaranteed. But Maria thinks it shall be safe enough as long as anything more incriminating they might get up to is done in relative seclusion.

She can't even worry about it too much, though, because a warm hand at her cheek brings her from the thoughts of whom might be on the list that would be liable to make a spectacle out of her and Zelda. Her eyes drift shut, and she leans her cheek into the touch, leaning down a bit so their height disparity doesn't mean Zelda has to hold her hand up too far.] I'm sure it will be lovely, though I'm sure it will still very much be a ball. [Which means the pitfalls of such a thing will still be... there.]

My father is not too fond of her. I have never had a chance to meet her myself. Father... doesn't deem it appropriate for me to meet with those he does not like. I have only heard rumors of her admirable traits as no one will openly display like for her in front of father.

[Zelda has always wanted to see the counties far from her home. This would make a good opportunity not just for some quiet time with Maria, but also to show she holds no ire against those who are not touched by her fathers "grace".

Maria might be delighted to know that Zelda actually likes the height difference. It might just be from the books she read, but to her having a partner that is taller makes her feel safe.] As long as I need to wear such heavy dresses to hide my "modesty" that father demands, I will enjoy my time there.

[Well, not all of the nobles are great, but she also thinks the sycophants in the interior territories of the kingdom are probably the only ones this particular King deigns to grace his favor. Even if they're not the ones keeping the kingdom in general safe.

Oh well, Zelda has a good head on her shoulders. She's a good heir, and will make a good queen, some day. If Maria is lucky, she can even stand with Zelda as queen-consort or something of the like. She doesn't need to rule (unlike the others jockeying for Zelda's hand, it's not the power that attracts her), but she would like to keep their relationship in some manner.] I think Isabella will understand, and I will, as well. If you turn heads at the ball, then it just means everyone can see in you what I do.

[And she raises Zelda's hand to her lips again for another soft, but linger kiss, resting her head against it a little afterward.]

[Secretly Zelda hopes she's not forced into marriage before she ascends the throne. There might be a plan in the back of her mind already that if she is unwed when that happens... though she harbors some deep down doubts if Maria would stand at her side. All this talk and secrecy behind their relationship, and Zelda still doesn't know what the other woman wants for their joined future. She hopes it's a joined future.]

Turn heads? I am not as gallant nor as beautiful as most of the women in this kingdom. I doubt anyone but you will have their eyes on me.

[The kiss makes Zelda part her lips slightly. Can you be jealous of your own hand? She chides herself as Maria rests her head.]

Do you suppose... we could be even a little more open around Lady Isabella's company? Or must we keep our affections behind closed doors even there?

[If Zelda would speak on them, Maria would be more than happy to allay her fears about not wanting to stay by her.

But she doesn't know that, so all she can react to is what is spoken. What is spoken, though... she frowns a little.] You don't need to be the most beautiful woman in the kingdom to turn heads, you've more than enough beauty of your own for that, but... I would yet argue that you cannot compete with others, Zelda.

[She noticed that look, and while Maria can very often not be called playful, she does find herself warmed by the reaction to her kissing Zelda's hand, so she tilts her head again, and brushes her lips again.] I would advise against being too open, but... perhaps we could relax a bit. Besides, the guest list is rather exclusive... and her manor is quite large.

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