slight ketchup warning

The estate towered over her, making someone who felt so, so dominant, now miniscule. Turrets protruding from every angle, almost spike like. Practically a warning yet still somehow a temptation. Begging you to come in, yet warning you of confinement, imprisonment. But really… how could one resist the shining marble of the polished tile and the gargoyles that almost cooed to you upon entrance. How could one resist? The temptation lingered on your fingers, perched itself upon your lips, and secured its binds upon one until escape was simply unimaginable.





I could not help but feel this onslaught of emotion as the carriage rolled to a halt near Akuji Manor. A sort of unease lingered but I so foolishly dismissed any hint of this feeling, letting my pride take over which was something it so often did. What was worse- being forced into a building I had never entered with some man I was now to deem my fiance, and my soon to be husband? Or the horrid expression he displayed upon my entrance in the carriage. Mother always spoke of her ambitions and her (to my evident disdain) love-life, but now it felt so surreal as I was reliving it. Arranged marriage and all. Plus, who in the heavens names their son Azrail? Quite an awful name if you ask me. If I am to marry him, I will surely have to do something about that predicament.



“Well Miss, this is our final stop. Enjoy your stay at the Manor,” said the coach-man. I made sure so as to embrace and give him a peck on the cheek- much to Azrail’s disdain, which he failed to contain. The ravens let out their call in time with the beats of my heels. Almost a farewell, a solemn goodbye to us as we entered the manor.



“What a shame to be spending the week in such a lovely setting with someone of your composure and attitude,” I said upon entrance. Unfortunately regarding Azrail for the first time since the carriage ride. “I must set out a few ground rules primarily, before we even decide what it is we will be doing while here.” I slipped off my shoes and unraveled the ribbon that struggled to contain my hair. Blatantly stating what Azrail was to and not to do around me. The man had to understand I had boundaries I could not afford him trespassing upon . He in vain attempted to interrupt me multiple times but finally disregarded my presence. I didn’t mind, it was better that way after all. In silence was where I got most of my best thoughts. If the stay was as loud as it was in the carriage I most certainly would not be getting anything done.







The morning air seeped through the windows as the sunlight veiled my face in a certain warmth. Quite the ideal start except for the fact that I was not able to bask in the beauty on my own. I promptly let my eyes sweep the room as a knock filled the air. Looking down at my current nightgown I threw on a sort of robe, and hurried to the door. Mother had instilled deeply in my mind the way I was to carry myself. Not a word would escape my mouth during these rather unpleasant sessions. Being the heir I had no choice. So everything from posture, to the way in which you are to greet one from a neighboring vicinity, was permanently drilled in my mind. So naturally I straightened up and let my arms hang loosely by my side (but not too loosely for I had to show that I was one of power, weakness was merely unimaginable), only to greet the Coach-man.



“Good morning Mr. Guinivere, what a pleasant surprise it is to see you here,” I exited the door wrapping myself tightly in the robe. My family had hired his in the coach-man business for generations. Our trust never faltered around them and I had grown quite fond of his presence. I knew nothing more than friendship was possible quite unfortunately, all that he could ever be to me was an escort but most importantly someone I could talk to. In his hands he carried a small box and a bag containing a large bundle of gathered fabric. I did not remember the necessity for anything of this sort but immediately knew it was the working of my mother. She was never that of the subtle sort.



“Hello Miss Ernaline, Missus Merek has requested I deliver you a note she wrote along with a care package of sorts,” he said gently lowering the package into my hands. Our fingers grazed against each other slightly. I could feel my cheeks flush, as they often did when I was around him. He was a safehold, giving me a feeling and a resort to head to in some of my most horrid of moments. But for some reason he had never left- even when he had total reasoning to do so. I nodded a thank you to him as he gave me a low bow. “Oh and Miss Ernaline, I hope to catch a dance with you at the ball tomorrow,” a dimple creased his cheek as he left me stunned. I let my hands wander across the papyrus and tug at the seal. The bold letters calling out to me.



“Celebratory ball!” leave it to mother to make a dazzling event out of the most irrelevant of matters. In my mind I did not need a spouse, but the rules in which I followed strongly begged to differ. I read the words over, not noticing the sudden appearance of Azrail. He plucked the paper out of my hands and quickly scanned it over.



“Oh! A ball? What fun!” he exclaimed, mocking excitement. He popped a grape into his mouth and I kid you not- sauntered down the hall. Surely contemplating the women that were going to be present there.



How exciting.









I had spent countless hours listening to the sounds of the workers diligently prepping the manor for the festivity. It was all I could hear. The clatters and bangs harmoniously playing a sort of delusional symphony in my mind. I had been delivered my meals and sentenced to a stay in my room for the remaining day. They were awfully silly to think I would abide. I threw on a gown and escaped the room to find Azrail resting his arms on the rail, watching the commotion and scene.



“What brings you here Princess? My charm finally lured you over? Couldn’t resist the temptation any longer?” his pride practically polluted the air.



“Mister Domine, how did you know. You are simply the only reason for my being here. I could never imagine a moment without you,” I retorted quickly, sugary sweet. I leaned over the railing next to him, ensuring that I kept my distance. His eyes scanned over me, investigating me and my character. I hadn’t been close to him since that oh so pleasant carriage ride. Hadn’t been close enough to get a proper image of him. He had quite stunning blue eyes, ones where a woman could easily find herself falling- losing themselves into.



“Like what you see, Princess?” he fluttered his unfairly long lashes at me and stepped closer. Closing the massive gap between us in one sweeping motion. I made sure to hold out one hand and waggle a finger at him, this was all despite the heat that I could feel inching up my face.



“Mister Domine, why don’t you go find someone your own size,” I swiveled on my heel and let my back face him. The silk from my gown twirling and then coating me in the cool fabric once more. I threw him a look over my shoulder and walked down the hallway, trying to somehow induce quick recovery from the red that now coated my cheeks.



“Princess, will I at least get a dance with you at the ball tomorrow?”



“Only in your dreams mister Azrail,” I yelled as I entered the room once more. Unfurling the emerald green bundle of fabric, this was one thing I could applaud mother for. Her more than impressive knowledge of clothing and the latest fashions. This dress was quite stunning to say the least, and for once, I could not wait to sport it at the ball.









“A little looser please,” I peeped through a strained breath. I never understood what it was with women and their silly corsets, but unfortunately I had to wear one to the event. I had gone through 3 before I found one of a fitting size, much to the seamstress’s disdain. It wasn’t that it didn’t fit, no they all fit just fine. But I needed something of comfort. If I were to be dancing all evening I should not have to struggle for a breath. Simply unacceptable.



“Is that good Miss Merek?” the seamstress asked as a hint of annoyance flecked her words. She turned me around and admired her handiwork.



“Thank you Miss Meldren, it is greatly appreciated,” I offered a smile and stepped off of the platform. Walking over to the full length mirror, waving a hand to dismiss her, and offering another thank you. A young face, surely not one of a Queen, greeted me. Flaming red hair framing her face, and a vain attempt to tame it was evident. On her face were rosy cheeks as well as freckles all over. There was the contrast of an emerald green dress, accented with hints of white that flattered her figure perfectly. The fabric glistened in the light and fell gently over my hips. Long lashes framed my eyes and I could not help but feel giddy at the sight. It was awfully embarrassing. However I could not deny the fact that prepping myself invoked a wave of self-confidence.



I spun around once more and felt something snag on my dress. Tugging to free myself only to hear the shattering as the mirror cracked into thousands of glass shards on the ground. I muttered something that would embarrass my mother highly and crouched to the ground. Not allowing myself to think and sweeping the glass into a jewelry tray. Some piercing my hands and others showing a convoluted reflection of myself. Face and body distorted to show a rather frightful sight.



I could feel the sudden presence of someone else beside me, their hands sweeping up the glass. I made out a brown eye in the glass shards and a sudden warmth filled me. I snuck a glance over to the coach-man and offered him a warm smile. “Hello Mister Guinivere,” I said quietly, shyness filling me. He wore an outfit that flattered his deep brown eyes and complimented his hard working figure. His eyes softened at the sight of my scraped hands as he picked them up in his own.



“Are you alright Miss Merek?” he said softly, grabbing a piece of fabric from his evening attire and wrapping it around my hands. It was one of those moments where I couldn’t help but feel so deeply in love with him. I felt him leaning closer to me, and I couldn’t help but do the same. His hands still protectively over mine, and the sudden feeling of his lips soft and warm against my own. It was only for a second, I swear. For I recoiled sharply and pulled free from his protective hold.



“I’m an engaged woman Mister Guinivere, you should know better than to put me in this situation,” I said swiftly pulling myself up, and looking into his hurt filled eyes. I couldn’t do anything else but leave, the temptation to have more than a friendship always lingered. But it was impossible.



I nodded an abrupt goodbye and exited the door to find Azrail standing and waiting for me. Irritation flickering across his eyes.



“Are you alright Princess,” he mocked, grabbing my hands in his. “Are you going to plant a kiss on me too? Or is that reserved for Mister Achlys?” he released my hands and looped his arm through mine. Silence filled the air between us. Heads both held high, walking in sync, as we entered the ball.













As we neared the end of the staircase the realization of just how big of a commitment I was getting myself into finally dawned on me. I couldn’t help but feel slightly nauseous as the multitude of gowns and suits encircled us. Faces proclaiming wealth and success. Just a bunch of fakes trying to compete with one another in the hierarchy they had constructed. It was disgusting. Their claps rang in my ears, their pompous faces and expensive gowns clogged my view. Azrail swallowed the whole show up, I had assumed anything that involved him being the center of attention was more than enough for him. An act in which he was the (or one of the) star.



“Thank you,” he said with a bow and slipped out of my arm, walking over to a group of women, but somehow no one noticed this. I was merely the one who was necessary to produce an heir- he was the true center of attention. His going abouts and courtship with other women was something no one paid no mind to. No matter how scandalous. I walked over to a table and picked up a glass of champagne, drinking it in one taking and leaning against the table. It was odd this feeling, how although I was surrounded by so many people I still felt so alone… so isolated.



“Oh! You must be Ernaline,” an angular face greeted me suddenly. If not for eyes and demeanor, I probably would not have guessed she was Azrail’s sister. She carried herself pridefully and eyed me over, her lips turning into a frown. I had heard much gossip about her in the village. Talk about how she was in line for Queen and how her reign would surely bring about many changes.



“It is a pleasure to meet you in person Miss Domine,” I said plastering on a smile and sticking out a hand which she accepted.



“When I heard about you… I expected something, well, different,” she took in my every feature, pausing on my hair. “I know a guy who can fix that, if you’d like his contact,” she took a lock of my hair in between her fingers with a humph. I could feel myself growing increasingly flustered and was hoping somebody would interrupt this most unpleasant conversation.



“Well, it was lovely to meet you,” I said suddenly, slipping away from the table and losing myself in the crowd, who all chattered amongst themselves. I could pick my mother out in the crowd, with her corset tied all the way and a stunning red dress. She was chattering with a man, but the conversation seemed tense… unpleasant almost. While I was attempting to decipher what was being said, music began to play. Softly and slowly. Men and women began to pair up and glide along the floor. Lost in their own joys.



“Go on, dance with him,” a sudden voice whispered in my ear. It sounded more like a hiss, the voice of my mother surely. I was correct. “You cannot stand in the corner pouting, you are making our kingdom look bad,” she shoved me in the hip and I wound up collapsing into his arms as he was switching partners. Our faces merely inches from one another, breaths warm and his quick from the activity.



“Well Princess, this is a lovely night now isn’t it?” he said coolly, wrapping his arm around my waist. I could feel my body tense at his touch.



“Most definitely so,”after some time I reluctantly put my arms around his neck and swayed to the beat. Our steps and movements becoming one.



The silence between us circulated through the air, nothing but the sound of steps slicing through it. During these moments I could not help but feel a sudden fear at what was to come. So much change would occur in these next days, and I was a central component in it. Yet he looked so effortless, so careless… most definitely not one fit for the throne, especially when he himself could not even rule his own thoughts. I felt myself grow clammy and my composure faltered along with my thoughts, confidence. “I’m sorry but I cannot do this anymore,” I confessed as I broke free from his grasp, turning to run towards the drink table for whatever beverage was available. Anything to calm my racing heart and thoughts. But at that moment, I felt a warm hand grab at my neck, then the same hand slipping as a warm liquid pooled at my neck and fabric of the dress. It was a beg for help, however it was just a few moments late. Her scream tore through the air, only to be muffled by those around her, mouth agape and a still filled glass clattering to the floor. With one final motion her hand pulled at my dress and her whole body collapsed to the ground. Dress swallowing her slender frame and lips still remaining in that horrifying position, agape and begging for help.



Azrail’s sister, Felice, had been killed. All hail the new king.

THIS IS SO LONG WOA HOW MANY HOURS DID YOU TAKE RNCJDE

phrogile wrote:

THIS IS SO LONG WOA HOW MANY HOURS DID YOU TAKE RNCJDE

AHAHA TOO LONG AND THIS IS ONLY BOOK ONE HHH, ITS NOT EVEN THAT LONG AND IM NOT EVEN DONE. JUST TRYING TO COME UP WITH FILLER EVENTS

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iiramisu wrote:

phrogile wrote:

THIS IS SO LONG WOA HOW MANY HOURS DID YOU TAKE RNCJDE

AHAHA TOO LONG AND THIS IS ONLY BOOK ONE HHH, ITS NOT EVEN THAT LONG AND IM NOT EVEN DONE. JUST TRYING TO COME UP WITH FILLER EVENTS

NRCJCNDXDJNHEX

HDGSKSHUHRBSN- THIS IS * AMAZING OMG

seriously tho

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