Fantasy Betrothed (Closed to Aina)

[Aina]

((I won't write for Sarai since she's sleeping. And sorry this took all day. I was stuck. And then when I wanted to write, I got busy.))

Emmanuel was surprised at how nervous Riccardo seemed. He really hoped he hadn't insulted him. He looked down at the floor, unsure of what to say. He wished that Riccardo didn't apologize since he hadn't done anything wrong. He was also shocked to hear him admit that he was sensitive. He just didn't seem like the type. But Emmanuel was rather judgemental of Riccardo since he didn't know him all that well.

He looked up at him when he thanked him. He scratched the back of his head and he shrugged his shoulder. "We appreciate the roof over our heads," he told him, "We most likely would be dead if it weren't for you."

Emmanuel wasn't sure why Riccardo suddenly wanted to leave. Had he said something? Did Riccardo not like him? He watched his back as he turned to leave but Emmanuel stepped forward and he caught up with him.

"Hold on," he said, but he paused.

He went after Riccardo without even thinking of what he was going to say. "You don't have to leave. I uh...really don't know what to do around here you know," his eyes shifted and his gaze went to the floor again, "I'm not really tired. I can help you, if you need assistance with anything."

Emmanuel finally looked at Riccardo and he smiled a bit, "I know these past few weeks have been stressful. And I know how difficult it is to run a kingdom at least partly. You could use your own right hand man, no?"

He almost wanted to take back what he had said. He didn't mean to be but he wanted to help Riccardo. He knew he was being too forward and it made him a little nervous but his gaze never left Riccardo's as he waited for his response.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Riccardo was surprised when Emmanuel caught up with him and he stopped walking to listen to the other man. His brow furrowed at what he said and then raised when he mentioned helping him if he needed assistance. With Aiden and Sarai more focused on the baby and really just unknowledgeable about what they should be doing, he did feel like a lot of the responsibilities of everything had fallen on him. Not only had he been making decisions to run the house, but interviews for the council positions, trying to figure out Cornelius' next move, keeping tabs on his father, listening to and helping the kingdom's commoners... It was a lot for one man to try to do. He knew Sarai and Aiden would help if he asked, but he couldn't bring himself to.

It was even hard to accept Emmanuel's help. He was offering it up freely, but Riccardo still wanted to turn him away. He could do this. He was useful. He could handle it all. At least, he tried to tell himself this. The truth was, he was tired and he knew he was because that was all anyone seemed to want to comment on when they saw him. Ever since the demons had first arrived, he had felt exhaustion like never before. It didn't help that he kept having nightmares.

"I'm not really sure what I could have you do," he mumbled, looking aside thoughtfully. Finally, he sighed heavily. "I hate to admit it, but some help would be nice, though. I don't know what I could have you do for now, but even some company would be nice if I'm being honest with myself."

He put his hands in his pockets. "I have to listen to some complaints by the commoners tonight, read some letters, go over the guard schedule just one more time for my own peace of mind, and I have a meeting with our newest council member. You are welcome to tag along. Perhaps you can offer some outside advice that might be helpful?" His lip pulled up in a smirk. "It'll be interesting seeing it from a dog's point of view."

 

[Aina]

Emmanuel stood there, waiting for him to respond to his offer. He pursed his lips and his eyes shifted to the side nervously again. Why was he taking long to respond? He gulped when he finally began to speak. He hadn't even realized his body was so tense.

Hearing him admit that he needed help, his brows raised. His smile only widened when he said that his company would be nice. He tried not to let that get to his head.

He shook his head, "I don't mind listening to complaints. My sister does it all the time." He laughed softly but let Riccardo continue speaking.

His brows raised again and he snorted at his comment. "Dog?" he had to press his arm against his gut to contain his laughter. He never expected Riccardo to joke the way he was. He didn't even mind being called a dog. "You know, usually I would be pissed at the pet name but I've been called worse," he told him with a shrug, "I'll gladly tag along with you. And help you with anything you need."

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

"Good," Riccardo said with a nod. "There are probably already people waiting, so let's get started." He glanced down at his clothes. He knew he should change, but he wasn't in the mood to take care of something so trivial. He led the way towards the entrance hall, smoothing down his clothes, retucking in his shirt, and then trying to finger comb his hair as well. "Complaints is probably the least thrilling part of tonight. Be prepared to be bored."

He didn't dare use the throne room. Even if he was acting on behalf of Sarai and Aiden, he wouldn't set foot in that room to do his duties. The last thing he wanted was for it to seem like he was trying to be more than he was. Instead, he and Emmanuel settled into a room close by. Riccardo sat on one side of a long, wooden table, pulling out his notebook and pen and having Emmanuel sit beside him. A few guards positioned themselves around the perimeter of the room and commoners were brought in one at a time to list their complaints and concerns to Riccardo. It really was long and boring.

"There have been sightings of rogues out there and I'm afraid for my family. We were hoping to meet with the king and queen to help with this problem." The man Riccardo was currently listening to huffed. "But they won't even take the time themselves to see us."

Riccardo frowned. "The new princess was born less than twelve hours ago," Riccardo informed the commoner. "Please excuse your monarchs from meeting with you tonight. I can reschedule a meeting between you and them if you'd like. I think you'll find the fastest solution is to speak with me and let us work something out. I have regularly acted on their behalf when they were unable. You can trust that you'll be taken care of to the best of the crown's ability today as you would talking directly with them."

The man frowned, but he looked to be somewhat satisfied by that answer. He started to speak again when a guard poked his head in through the door and interrupted their meeting.

"Lord Riccardo, can I have a word, please?"

Riccardo sighed heavily and looked at the guard before glancing at the commoner. "I believe you brought your family here with you?" The commoner nodded. "We can offer you all lodging for the day and discuss this at a later time. My apologies, but I hope we can come to a pleasing solution to your problem at that time."

The man was escorted out, although he seemed unhappy. The guard spoke once the man was cleared of the room. "Your father has arrived and requested an audience with you."

Riccardo felt like he'd been hit with a ton of bricks. Surely he had misheard the guard. He stood up quite suddenly, hands balling into fists on the top of the table. "What did you say?"

"Um..." The guard cleared his throat. "Your father, King Demetri Tenepri of the Great Lakes Region has arrived -"

"Okay," Riccardo said, eyes wide. "Okay. Great. That's wonderful. Fucking wonderful." He took a deep breath, looking down at the top of the table. His heart was already racing. For weeks, he had been ignoring his father's calls. He had never expected the man to show up unannounced or he would not have dared to keep ignoring him. "Can you escort him out to the terrace? I'll be there shortly."

The guard nodded and bowed out and Riccardo slowly sank back into his chair, staring stonily at the wall across from him. He wasn't even thinking of anything, just trying to calm himself down enough for the unexpected talk with his father. His finger tapped quickly on the top of the desk, however.

"Emmanuel, remind me again how many guards we have here," Riccardo asked, quietly, not even looking over at him.

 

[Aina]

Emmanuel really didn't mind the boredom. This was going to be the most excitement he had all day. Actually all of the last few months. He was used to standing around. At least now he could preoccupy himself with others problems. They were probably more interesting anyways.

He sat next to Riccardo and pressed his hands together. He wasn't sure how to sit really but he remained silent as the commoner was brought in. He looked sympathetic toward the man. Rogues had been a problem it seemed for over a year now and still they had no idea how they started.

He listened still in silence though his eyes widened as the guard informed Riccardo that his father was there. Emmanuel was just as surprised as Riccardo was to hear it. He almost didn't believe it at first. What the hell would Demetri being doing here?

He looked at Riccardo, he struggled to speak from the shock. "More than a hundred I believe," he told him. He cleared his throat. He couldn't imagine what he was feeling at this moment. "I won't leave you alone with him Riccardo," he growled.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Over 100 guards. How many had Roland had? Roland had been a long standing king. He probably had half an army and it hadn't been enough to protect him. Besides, Riccardo couldn't ask for so many people to risk their lives. Astraea, Leon, Rosita, Emmanuel's family, all the people who had put aside doubts to join their home and vowed to protect them. If he asked them to do anything against his father, he would be asking for them to be slaughtered.

What about Aurora, though? A chill went up his spine. She was less than a full 24 hours old and her grandfather was already a threat to her existence. The image of her cradled in his arms gave him as much terror as it did courage. He had to think about her, now and handle things in accordance to what was best for her.

Emmanuel's growl surprised Riccardo and he turned to the werewolf. He shook his head. "Emmanuel, my father would very much like to see your species wiped out. I can't let you or your family anywhere near him. I will redirect some guards to your family's location. You ought to join them and make sure they're protected."

Riccardo stood up. He felt shaky and sick with fear, but he had to handle this. There were too many people who depended on him and Aurora was at the forefront of his mind. "I imagine if my father showed up here, he's pissed already." He took a deep breath. "The only thing I can do is keep his anger directed at me and try not to piss him off even more."

Finally, he looked at Emmanuel. Why was the man so willing to help him tonight? Not just with the boring matters of tending to the kingdom, but also to stand by his side while he spoke with his deranged father. It didn't make sense, but Riccardo found some comfort in how steadfast and loyal Emmanuel was. It only meant that he needed to protect everyone, though. There were too many people he cared about for him to take risks.

"Thank you, Emmanuel, but I really think the best thing is for you to stay out of sight. Doubtless, he probably already somehow knows you and your family are here, but... You should go to them and make sure they are safe. Just... do me a favor? Don't tell anyone. I don't want there to be a panic."

Riccardo looked at the other guards in the room. "Can you find Astraea and Leon? Tell them to direct twenty guards in the werewolves' direction. If I am put in danger, no one is to intervene. I don't want anyone getting hurt. Priorities are to the werewolves and to the king, queen, and princess."

His finger was tapping against his thigh again as he looked back to Emmanuel. "I will see you later tonight?" The thought crossed his mind that his father could be there to kill him.

 

[Aina]

Emmanuel shook his head. Of course his family were priority but his job was to protect Riccardo too. "And what about you?" He wasn't about to leave Riccardo with his father.

His brows raised as Riccardo told him to go to his family. He shook his head again and he stepped toward him. "No way," he said with another shake of his head. He didn't want Riccardo to get hurt. He didn't know why but he had a bad feeling in his gut.

Riccardo telling him to make sure that his family was safe was enough to convince him not to leave him alone. Even as he told him not tell anyone Emmanuel was not convinced that Riccardo would okay. That only gave him more reason to stay with him.

He sighed heavily. He would tell Astraea. Emmanuel was sure she would help Riccardo. The woman he was sure cared for Riccardo a lot. He nodded eventually, at least he could do that much. He could get her to come there and protect Riccardo. "You better be okay when I see you again," he scolded, "I don't like this Riccardo." He let out another sigh, "I'll do as you say but-" He wasn't sure what else to say. He was hesitant he left the room to fetch Astraea and Leon.

It wasn't hard to find them. They were outside, on the front terrace. Astraea was the first to notice him. She saw the panicked expression and she stepped forward. "What's going on Emmanuel?" she asked. It was apparent that she had no idea what was happening.

Emmanuel looked between the two of them. "Demetri Tenepri is here," he told her.

Astraea's eyes flashed red for a second and her brows raised. "What the hell? Why wasn't I informed sooner?" she asked, but her question weren't exactly directed toward Emmanuel. She knew he had nothing to do with it. Her first thought was to Riccardo of course. "And where is Riccardo?" she asked him.

"I'm going to round up the team," Leon said.

"Hold on, Riccardo told me to send guards to the werewolves. There's no way we're going to cower away in the corner. We'll help you guys," he told Leon as he was going to follow him inside. "Riccardo wanted to be left alone," Emmanuel told Astraea, "And not to tell anyone. He didn't want anyone to panic."

Astraea sighed heavily and she rolled her eyes. "Of course...hes always trying to be the hero. His father could kill him," she followed behind them and walked into the house. "This is what we're going to do. No one needs to know, especially Sarai and Aiden. They don't need the stress right now. Tell your pack members that finished their shift to remain in their rooms. I want six guards at their wing. The ones who are going on their shift now will continue. We can't stray from the norm of the routine," she looked at them both,"I'm going to assess the situation. Possibly Demetri didn't come with many guards and we can just tell him to leave. I don't want to leave Riccardo alone with his father for too long. I don't care what he has to say to me." She left to go find Riccardo, she had two guards following her.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

Riccardo was sure Emmanuel was going to argue more with him. He seemed intent on disobeying up to a point and he was glad when he agreed to do as he was told. He nodded as Emmanuel left the room. Now it was only a matter of him going to speak with his father. Dread settled in, of course, as his back twinged as he remembered the pain he'd been in last time he had seen the man. He wished he could predict his father's moves better, and understand what he would do, but he had no idea why his father was there or what he wanted. He should have been answering his phone calls.

Riccardo felt like the walk out to the terrace was a dream. It was all strategic placing his father out there. On the terrace, Demetri would be more or less out in the open, and there wouldn't be a lot of places for any hidden agents of his to hide but plenty of places for their own guards to keep an eye on him. He just hoped it worked out.

"How nice of you to join me," Demetri said when Riccardo stepped out onto the terrace. His father had his hands behind his back, staring out over the beach and ocean. There was strangely no one else out there with him and Riccardo wondered if he had come alone. "You missed your mother's funeral."

Riccardo stopped several feet away, crossing his arms. "I wonder if she would have come to mine had you gone through with your threat and killed me."

Demetri chuckled and turned around. Riccardo was surprised by how tired he looked, almost as tired as he himself looked. "Freedom suits you, Riccardo. I could almost be proud of how capable you have become. You are practically running this rundown kingdom yourself, correct?"

Something about Demetri being happy with him made Riccardo more uncomfortable than if he'd smacked him. "Hardly," Riccardo muttered. "Reviving this place has been a hugely combined effort. Why are you here?"

Demetri's eyes narrowed. "To congratulate you, my son, of course. On your success here." Before Riccardo realized what was happening, Demetri was circling him. The hair on the back of his neck raised. "You've brought together a very odd group of people. Vampires, demons... werewolves, all under one roof." The coldness Riccardo was accustomed to hearing in his father's voice returned. He was shifting, turning, trying to keep his back from being turned to his father as the man continued to circle him. "I know Roland sent the werewolves. Riccardo, your disloyalty truly astounds me. Should I expect you to next join Cornelius and his cause as well?"

Riccardo grit his teeth. "No."

They both turned when they heard footsteps approaching and Riccardo immediately regretted taking his eyes off his father. Demetri grabbed him, an arm around his throat, and a knife positioned over his heart. His breath caught in his throat, but he was more angry than anything.

"No guards," Demetri hissed in his ear. "Send them away."

Riccardo caught sight of Astraea, two other guards having flanked her there. He raised his head slightly. "Astraea, I have this under control. Please, turn back."

((Demetri's a little unhinged right now. None of this is carefully planned which is unusual for him.))

 

[Aina]

Astraea hadn't even gotten a chance to step outside when she froze in place. She saw Demetri's arm at Riccardo's throat and a knife at his chest. Her heart sank in her own chest and her eyes flickered. She heard Demetri's demand. Her eyes narrowed as Riccardo told her to leave. "Fuck that," she spat, "I'm not leaving you alone with him!"

She looked at the guard that had followed her. She beckoned them away. "Stand by," she whispered toward them and they left. She turned back toward Demetri and Riccardo.

"Demetri, if you kill Riccardo nothing good will come of it," she stepped hesitantly forward. "Put the knife down," she said softly. She would rather coax him calmly than angrily for Riccardo's sake.

((Sorry it's short. I wasn't sure what to write for anyone else. I just want to know what's going to happen))

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((Haha that's okay. Demetri really wants to kill Riccardo, by the way. Like, it's actually out of character for Demetri not to kill Riccardo right now. I have to write him different just to keep Riccardo alive.))


Demetri's eyes narrowed as Astraea stepped forward. His arm around Riccardo's neck moved and he grabbed his son's arm instead, twisting it behind Riccardo's back tightly. Riccardo grit his teeth in pain, but otherwise didn't struggle. "I am well aware killing him will change nothing," Demetri told Astraea, voice cold and surprisingly calm again. "But he has broken too many rules, been too disobedient and much too disloyal. I cannot continue to let him live." He jerked Riccardo's arm until his shoulder popped out of socket with a sickening crack, eliciting a hiss and groan from Riccardo from the pain. "Have you grown soft, Riccardo," he hissed in his ear. "You've been dealt more pain than that with less complaint."

"Father, you're an intelligent man," Riccardo tried to say through gritted teeth. His shoulder hurt. "You know killing me here and now would not be in your best interest."

"Oh yes, I know that," Demetri said. "That is why we are leaving so I can take care of you properly."

Riccardo's eyes widened, trying to figure out what Demetri was doing. It was a long way to the front of the house where Demetri's car was surely parked. It'd be impossible to take him all the way there. Did his father even have a plan? Some part of him didn't think so and that was even more terrifying.

"You should have come and paid your respects to your mother," Demetri told Riccardo. "That was unforgivable, my son." He looked back up at Astraea. "I only want him. There doesn't have to be any more shed blood here tonight, but I have a handful of people who can start taking your guards down. Queen Sarai, King Aiden, their new baby girl Aurora and all the rest of you can live in peace. Riccardo is mine."

Riccardo's brow furrowed. "Astraea," he said, hoarsely. All he could think about was Aurora. She had to be kept safe by any means necessary. His father didn't know about her relationship to him. He was the only thing putting her in harms way. "Just... Just go. Just give him what he wants. This was always how it was supposed to end. Everyone will be safe with me out of the picture. Leave me."

Demetri laughed as he pressed the knife down into Riccardo's flesh, just enough to draw blood.

 

[Aina]

((I'd be devastated okay if you killed him. I mean you've "killed" him before lol. You know, I just realized. Is Aiden's mom still around or did she go back?))

Astraea watched cautiously. She still stepped forward as Demetri was still taking. It was when he grabbed Riccardo's arm and twisted it did she stop moving. Her heart stopped and the hand she had at her side, went to the hilt of her sword.

Her eyes widened when Demetri mentioned them leaving. She couldn't let Demetri take Riccardo! But how could she save him when he had a knife to his heart? She tried not to panic. She needed to think clearly.

"You can't take him," she shouted, "If you take him Sarai will do everything in her power to go after you. Demetri, hurting Riccardo won't bring your wife back. Riccardo wasn't the one who took her away."

Her eyes shifted toward Riccardo's and she looked a little scared. She wanted to tell him that she couldn't leave him. She wouldn't. Sarai would never forgive her. Astraea drew her sword and she stepped forward again. Her other hand held a ball of flame. She was tired of negotiating.

~~

Sarai had woken up groggily in her bed. She wasn't sure how long she had been sleeping but she sat up in the bed. She looked around for a glass of blood. She grabbed the one on her nightstand and gulped it down quickly before getting up from the bed. She wrapped her robe around her waist and headed out of her room. She wanted to see what Aiden was doing so she went to the nursery first. It wasn't hard to notice the amount of guards that were in the hallway. There were more than usual.

She looked over at one of the guards from Astraea's team. She remembered seeing her yesterday during the day though. "Gabriella, aren't you supposed to be in guard during the day?"

"Your highness," she bowed in front of her, "Leon wanted us to double up for tonight."

"Did he say why?" Sarai questioned but the girl shrugged her shoulders.

"No, your majesty he didn't say why," she explained.

Sarai was a little worried but she brushed it off. It was possible that it was Riccardo's doing since Aurora was born. She went back to the nursery to look for Aiden.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((You know I have a thing for killing him. Haha. almost wish I could actually kill him. I couldn't do that, though. He is my angsty, complex baby and I need him alive to be angsty. ANd Aiden's mom is still around. She'll be living with them from now on. She was giving Aiden and Sarai space with their baby but she'll pop in again eventually.))

Demetri rolled his eyes. "You ignorant little bitch. Do you think I am so stupid to think this will bring my wife back? This is about ridding the world of a nuisance." He jerked Riccardo's arm and Riccardo's knees crumpled out from under him from the pain. Demetri let him fall to the ground, satisfied by the sound of his pain filled panting. "Riccardo has been a disappointment since the day he was born too small and weak. His pathetic love for poetry, mind enslaved by feeble desires and wants for things that will never be." He kicked Riccardo down and rested his foot in the middle of his back. "Riccardo is a taint on the name Tenepri." He ground his foot down into Riccardo's spine. The sickening popping sound cracked through the air again as he broke his son's spine.

Riccardo's hand clawed at the ground and a long whimper escaped him. The pain in his shoulder and his back nearly threatened to cause a blackout, but he clenched his hand into a fist and picked his head up, trying to stay aware of what was happening around him.

Demetri stepped forward, satisfied Riccardo was disabled for the time being. He twirled the knife in his hand. "You should have walked away while you had the chance. You are -" Riccardo grabbed a hold of his ankle and jerked on it. To his surprise, Demetri went down, landing with a hard thud. The victory was short lived, though, for Demetri turned around, wielding the knife at Riccardo, going straight for the target of his heart.

Riccardo rolled over and caught his father's wrist. He grit his teeth, trying to keep Demetri off of him, and the knife from puncturing his flesh. "Astraea... burn this fucker," Riccardo panted.

--

Aiden was standing, holding Aurora still and talking to one of the guards. As he had been up and awake when the guards had doubled in the area, he was concerned that someone wasn't telling him something. Things felt tense and the guards felt like they were more alert than usual. "You have to tell me if something's happening. I need to know."

The guard shrugged. "We were just told to double up in this area," he said.

Aiden sighed heavily, but spotted Sarai as she walked in. "Hi, Darling! Nice to see you awake." He frowned, glancing back at the guard, but shaking off the feeling. "Did you get some good rest?"

 

[Aina]

((You can't kill that precious brooding man child. Ah okay, I wasn't sure if she was there or not still. Oh boy, that'll be interesting to have her around.))

Astraea almost wanted to laugh when he insulted her. She watched helplessly as Demetri pushed Riccardo to the ground. It as he pressed his foot into Riccardo's spine did she jump. "No!" she shouted and she was going to swing her sword at Demetri.

She watched when Riccardo tripped Demetri to the floor. She stepped back when Demetri fell to the floor it when Riccardo told him to burn Demetri did her eyes light up. She quickly went forward and she swung her sword to puncture Demetri in the chest. She raised her other hand and she gripped him by the neck, burning his flesh. "Let him go," she growled as she shoved him away from Riccardo entirely.

~~

Sarai frowned when she saw Aiden. He seemed to have been asking the guards what they were doing as well. She tried not to let it bother her. It worried her that they weren't telling her anything but her focus was on what Aiden had asked her.

She shook her head. "I didn't sleep well. I am still tired," her face lit up however when she looked down at Aurora in his arms. "How's my princess?" she smiled widely, "Was she okay? Did you feed her? Did she fuss at all?" She didn't mean to bombard him with so many questions.

"Has Riccardo stopped by to see her?" she asked him, she reached out her arms to take her from him. "You don't mind right honey, if I hold her?"

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((LOL I am dying laughing! "precious brooding man child" Oh god you killed me! Riccardo's been my favorite to write about from my canon lately so I'm a bit obsessed and just thrilled whenever you say things like that about him.))

By some miracle, Demetri wasn't prepared for Astraea's blow to the chest. She didn't run him clean through, but her sword punctured deep into his flesh. His eyes widened as if he couldn't believe he had actually been hurt. When she shoved him, he rolled away, but sprung to his feet. Blood poured out from his chest and his throat was burned badly from her. He started to get up, but fell to one knee, hand going over the puncture wound. "Ah..." He chuckled. "You've bested me."

Riccardo weakly let himself fall back to the ground. "Don't take your eyes off him for one second," he panted at Astraea. He pulled his phone from his pocket. "Shit," he murmured as the pain was beginning to register again. He lifted his phone and pressed a few buttons, sending a mass message out.

Several guards filed in soon after the message, some carrying guns to point at Demetri as they rushed in. Riccardo couldn't believe it. They had his father cornered with no escape. It was impossible to comprehend. With his one good arm, he propped himself up, trembling from pain, but smiling smugly at Demetri who was still knelt, hands up in surrender.

"If you come quietly, I might think about not torturing you for the rest of eternity."

Demetri closed his eyes, hung his head and raised his hands a little higher. Riccardo nodded at the guards and they cautiously crept in, putting silver cuffs around Demetri's wrists and then forcing him up to his feet.

"Make sure he is chained up good. Leave nothing to chance with him," Riccardo instructed. He watched with satisfaction as his father was taken away. As soon as he was gone, though, he looked to Astraea with wide, fearful eyes. "I can't feel my legs, Astraea."

--

Aiden frowned at Sarai's answer. "I'm sorry to hear that, Darling." He chuckled at her questions. "Aurora's doing just great. She's eaten and been a perfect angel." He frowned when she asked about Riccardo. "No, but he was with her all day." He couldn't help but sound a little annoyed.

He handed Aurora over to Sarai, though, and looked around. "You get the feeling something strange is going on tonight? The guards seem all tense."

 

[Aina]

((I love him. He has a special place in my heart. I think I even like him more than Eric. Riccardo is just so funny at times. And he's so sad but loving and loyal.))

"Trust me I won't," Astraea answered Riccardo. Her eyes never left Demetri's. She hadn't even expected to disarm him so easily. It seemed too unreal. Her sword and hand were both ready to attack him if she needed to. She was proud of herself for atleast wounding him.

She listened closely at Riccardo and she was glad that more guards came rushing in. She could finally lower her weapon. The guards took Demetri away and she relaxed. She was worried immediately for Riccardo. She knelt down next to him. When he said he couldn't feel his legs her face grew pale and she shouted out, "Get Dr. Seavers immediately!"

She looked down at Riccardo. She took his hand in hers. Her worst fear was that he was paralyzed. She hoped that that was not the case but it was possible. In the meantime she needed to focus on his arm. "I can set your arm back in place for now," she told him as she grabbed it gently.

Her hands radiated some warmth to Riccardo's body in an attempt to ease any pain he was feeling. She wanted to fix his arm but she decided she'd wait till Seavers arrived. Instead she looked at him, and she shook her head. "You're an idiot Riccardo," she scolded him, "You actually thought that I would let your father take you? Are you insane? Sarai would hate me and she would be pissed at you." She was really only saying all this to distract him.

~~

Sarai pulled Aurora to her chest. She smiled at her yet a frown appeared on her lips at his comment. Usually she would have been suspicious of something going on but she wanted to remain in denial. She didn't want to think that they were in danger again. She wasn't sure she took take any more of it. She shrugged her shoulders, completely entranced with Aurora now. "It's probably nothing," she told him.

A guard from down the hallway walked into the room and he leaned over toward the one in the room. They seemed rather tense for some reason and Sarai's face fell as she noticed this. "What's going on?" she demanded.

They looked at her with blank stares. The one who seemed to have been delivering the message tensed up even more as Sarai stared at him, waiting for him to answer her. "Tell me what is going on," she said again.

"Someone's been arrested. They attacked Lord Riccardo," he told her.

Sarai's entire face lost color at his statement. Her voice was caught in her throat, she didn't and couldn't say anything. She looked at Aiden. What did they do? Who the hell attacked Riccardo? Her throat felt tight and she tried not to panic. Aurora must have felt the tension because she began to fuss, and she figdeted in Sarai's arms, she started to cry.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((Erik's definitely more composed, especially now that he's been revamped a bit. He's always got to be honorable and composed and 'a strong man.' It gets kind of boring. Riccardo's definitely more animated which is funny to me since he wants to be composed all the time. That's why Erik is Demetri's favorite son, though.))

Riccardo only felt more panic when Astraea shouted for Seavers to be fetched. He took a deep breath in, trying to calm himself. It didn't mean anything. Surely he wasn't permanently handicapped! His breathing got a little heavier as he started to panic. However, he winced when she grabbed his loose arm, momentarily distracted by the pain.

To his relief, her hands warmed, comforting his aches. He wondered idly why she didn't go for setting it back in its socket, but her words made him furrow his brow. He chuckled when she mentioned Sarai, though. "You're right. She'd kill my father, then you for letting it happen, then me for being taken." He nodded, barely containing his panic again. He looked down at his legs. He couldn't move them. Focusing, he could not move his legs and he was terrified.

"I can't be paralyzed, right," he asked her. "That's not possible for a vampire, right? I'll heal. I'll still be able to walk?" He was starting to break down into a full blown panic, his breathing heavy and quick. "I have to be able to walk! I can't be useless! I can't! I have to be able to walk." Some part of him knew he was repeating himself, but he was scared. "He can't fucking do this to me! I need to be able to walk!"

Seavers suddenly showed up, a bag in hand with some minor medical necessities. He was out of breath as he knelt beside Riccardo and Astraea. "What happened? Where are you hurt?"

"I can't feel my legs, Arthur," Riccardo repeated. He was trembling, but more from fear and panic than pain. Tears started to mist in his eyes. "What does that mean? He broke my spine. I think. I don't know!"

Seavers glanced at Astraea, her hold on Riccardo, and tried assessing anything else about the situation. Remarkably, no one seemed to be bleeding. "Riccardo, take a deep breath. I've handled spinal injuries before and never seen a vampire be permanently paralyzed. I need you to take a deep breath, though, so that you can tell me calmly what happened."

Riccardo took a deep breath, but it was far from calm. He shuddered and his breath hitched in his throat. "I'll be useless. I can't be useless. I have to protect Aurora. A-and Sarai. He can't have paralyzed me!"

Seavers put a hand on Riccardo's good shoulder and gently squeezed. "Deep breaths, Riccardo, or I'm going to have to put you under so we can work."

Riccardo nodded, closed his eyes, and tried to calm himself down, taking a few deep breaths, slowly getting them steadier as time went on. "Can someone get Emmanuel?" He gulped, opening his eyes again. "Please? He needs to know what happened."

Seavers nodded and turned to look at the other guards. "Can one of you, please?" One of the guards nodded and ducked away to go fetch Emmanuel like asked. Seavers looked back to Astraea. "We have a possible spinal fracture, and what else? What's wrong with his arm?" He looked pointedly to the way Astraea was holding Riccardo's arm.

--

Aiden frowned. "I don't think it's nothing," he muttered. He looked up at the same time as Sarai when a guard came to give the others some sort of message. He rubbed the back of his neck, letting Sarai take control of things and ask questions. He was as surprised as her when they said Riccardo had been attacked.

"Darling, Sarai, calm down," he said immediately, putting his hands on her shoulders. He looked at the guards. "You said they were arrested? Is Riccardo okay?"

The guard nodded. "Yes. We apprehended the individual. The doctor is with Lord Riccardo now. As far as we know, he's completely conscious and alive. The danger has passed, but we are still on high alert until given orders."

Aiden rubbed Sarai's shoulder. "We're okay, Sarai. Riccardo sounds like he's okay and whoever the Hell it was is already locked up." He smiled, comfortingly. "We can go downstairs and check on him if you want."

He reached down and gently caressed Aurora's cheek, trying to comfort the upset infant as well as Sarai. "Shhh... Little one, it's okay."

 

[Aina]

((I'm interested to see how much he's changed. I don't think Riccardo would act this way if not for Sarai. She's helped him come out of his obedient self. Him asking for Emmanuel instead of Sarai, he really likes him doesn't he? I feel so bad for Riccardo.))

Astraea tried not panic. She didn't want to allow him to panic so she held his arm tighter to support him. "Wait until Dr. Seavers is here," she told him, "He will fix the break."

She of course was worried. She knew vampires had healing powers beyond that of even demons but a clean break on the spine was dangerous. She prayed that Riccardo would be able to walk again.

"You'll be okay," she tried to reassure him, "Relax Riccardo you might make it worse."

She let out a breath of relief when Seavers finally arrived. She never let go of Riccardo. She was still propping him up. She grimaced toward Seavers and his question. She replied,"He pulled his arm out of its socket. I wanted to wait for you to get here."

Her hands still radiated warmth for Riccardo's sake. She gripped his arm in her hands firmly and she pulled it forward, popping it back into the socket without warning Riccardo. "Does that feel better? It'll have to be put in a sling."

A few minutes later and Emmanuel appeared. "What happened!?" He knelt next to Riccardo immediately. He growled, "I knew this would happen."

~~

"How can I be calm when Riccardo is in danger," Sarai wasn't even paying any mind to Aurora wailing in her arms. She had a deep frown on her face. She didn't want to leave Aurora alone. She also wanted to see Riccardo. Aiden mentioned the attacker and her throat tightened. She wondered who it was. Sarai realized she needed to calm down. It was Aurora's fidgeting that brought her back to reality.

"We were told to keep you in the room," the guard said.

"No-no I'll stay here. I will only get in the way," she looked down at Aurora who was still crying. Sarai lifted her so she rested against her chest. She rocked her gently, and she patted her back. "I'm sorry princess. Shhh...its okay. Everything's okay," she cooed, "I didn't mean to scare you." Aurora began to quiet down some so Sarai sat herself in the rocking chair.

Leon walked into the room and when he spotted Sarai, his face darkened. "Is Riccardo okay?" she asked him.

"I believe so. I was busy trying to calm people down. It was Demetri," he told her.

Sarai's entire face had lost color. The words coming out of Leon's mouth sounded like they were in slow motion. Her worst nightmare was coming true. She held Aurora tighter to her but she didn't say anything. She couldn't bring herself to speak. She stood up from the chair and she handed Aurora to Aiden slowly so as not to drop her. "I need to see him," she meant Demetri but she didn't care to explain who she meant.

Leon stepped in front of her, "It's not safe. You two should stay here with the baby."

"The only thing I'm worried about right now is killing that-" she was going to curse but she stopped, "I want to see his face when I tell him that he's going to pay for what he's done."

"Sarai you can't be so rash,"Leon protested.

"Then you come with me if you're concerned for my safety," she told him.

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((Sarai helped him a lot. Without her, I feel like he would have gotten really dark in this plot. He would not be himself at all. She did so much for him. I wish I could sit her down and tell her myself or show her how Riccardo would have turned out if not for her. And yeah... He does like Emmanuel a lot.))

Seavers nodded at Astraea and watched as she pulled his arm out and back in. He flinched as Riccardo cried out, knowing it had to have hurt.

Riccardo grimaced. "You could have warned me," he puffed at Astraea. Though, the sudden pain had broken his panic attack at least. He gingerly tried to move his arm and was glad to see he could, but it was still a little sore. "It does feel better," he murmured.

He looked up when Emmanuel stepped out to them and felt some shame at having asked for him to come in his panic. The sharp pain of his shoulder popping into place had smacked a bit of sense back into him, but he still felt touched by Emmanuel's concern and quick return to him.

"I'm okay," he told Emmanuel. "I... I told you I'd see you again tonight. I didn't want you worrying too much." He paused, furrowing his brow and glancing at Astraea. "What do Sarai and Aiden know? Did you all keep this hushed like I asked you to?"

Seavers frowned. "You can worry about that later. We need to get you to the infirmary to take care of your spine." He glanced at Emmanuel and Astraea. "I'm going to leave to get some equipment set up. I need to do an X-ray immediately and the machine takes a moment to warm up. Get him there as quick as you can, but be careful." He looked at Riccardo. "Your spine may be severed, but moving you is going to hurt." He put his hand on Riccardo's shoulder. "You will be okay." He nodded at everyone before abruptly standing and racing to the infirmary, gone in the blink of an eye.

Riccardo clenched his jaw. "Let's get this over with."

--

Aiden groaned at the guard's response. He knew it was better that they stay in the room, though, far from the danger, but he hated feeling so defenseless and helpless. He hoped Seraphine and his mother were okay.

He looked up when Leon came in with a grim face. To his relief, it was good news. At least, Riccardo being okay was good news. The part about Demetri being in their home, so close to Aurora...

Aiden took Aurora from Sarai when she handed her off to him and immediately wished he hadn't. "You can't leave!" He let Leon refute her desires, though, and nodded in agreement. He had initially thought Sarai meant Riccardo as well, but when she mentioned being violent, he realized what she meant.

"No!" He growled. Aurora was squirming and crying and Aiden didn't want to have to do it, but he put her down in her crib. "Sarai, you are not going down there, do you hear me? The last time you went after someone we had locked away, you almost died. You and Aurora almost died. You're... You're forbidden from going to the prisons!" He crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't care who you take down there with you, I would not feel okay with you going down there again." He looked at Leon fiercely and then at all the other guards standing around. "I hope everyone is listening. Sarai is not to go down there." He looked back at Sarai.

He didn't mean to suddenly be so angry and so commanding, but he couldn't face losing her again. Why didn't she care that putting herself in danger hurt everyone around her?

"Demetri is going to stay down there until Riccardo decides what to do with him," Aiden said, firmly. "No one is to talk to him otherwise." he stared hard at Sarai.

 

[Aina]

((I'm glad he turned out the way he did. And that she helped him. Him and Emmanuel are going to be so freakin cute I can't wait.))

"It's better that I didn't warn you," Astraea told him, "Sorry."

She still wouldn't let go of his arm however, and she pressed her other one against his shoulder. She knew that he must have been in a lot of plain. She looked up when Emmanuel had walked outside.

"What happened?"Emmanuel was still panicked as no one had answered his question.

The doctor mentioned Riccardo's spin being severed, his eyes widened. "Shit," he ran a hand through his hair, sighed heavily and he looked at Riccardo. "I shouldn't have left you alone," he had his head in his hands, "I don't why I left you alone with him."

Astraea watched as Seavers left after he explained what he was doing. "No time to dwell on what ifs. Emmanuel, help me lift Riccardo up. And be as gentle as possible," she told him.

Emmanuel nodded weakly and he put his hands under Riccardo's shoulders, hoisting him up. Astraea proceeded to hold his legs. They lifted him up slowly off the ground. And they cautiously carried Riccardo into the house toward the infirmary. It took probably ten minutes since Astraea didn't want to hurt Riccardo worse than he was already. When they arrived in the infirmary, she told Emmanuel to place him on the bed.

~~
Sarai's brows raised as Aiden started demanding her that she didn't go see Demetri. She knew he was right but the fury she felt for Demetri was too strong. She wanted to murder Demetri herself if she could. Her anger and determination for revenge made her irrational. Aiden's blatant demand for her to not go down there only made her want to do even more.

She didn't want to get angry with him but she was also stubborn. "And you think Riccardo will want to keep him alive? This man has tortured him since he was a child. He's tried to kill him twice! He executed my sisters, took my uncles kingdom from him and held him captive," she was fuming at that point, "He deserves nothing else but death."

Her face turned red and she had to yell even louder since Aurora had started crying. "But I'll do as you say Aiden for everyone's sake. I'm going to see Riccardo," she glared in Leon's direction as if warning him to stop her. She didn't want to stay in the room anymore for she knew she'd say something mean.

She left the nursery and made her way toward the infirmary. Astraea and Emmanuel had just walked in and were walking inside with Riccardo. She hurried inside, she gasped when she saw Riccardo. "What the hell happened?" she asked Astraea first.

Astraes looked up startled as she saw Sarai walk in. She went to her and she grabbed her hand. She would have rather Sarai not be there but she sighed heavily, "Demetri attacked Riccardo...he pulled his arm out of his socket. And we need to do x-rays at the moment."

"Why? What's wrong? What did Demetri do?" Sarai asked hurriedly, annoyed that Astraea wasn't telling her forthright.

"His spine is broken," she finally said and Sarai's heart sank in her chest. Her eyes widened as she looked over at Riccardo in horror.

((Sarai is such a pain. She hates people telling her what to do.))

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((They are going to be adorable. I feel like Emmanuel's got this sort of togetherness that will let Riccardo actually relax sometimes and that's going to be so nice for him. It'll be adorable to get to write their cute moments together. And Sarai makes me laugh. I knew she was going to be ticked with Aiden.))

Riccardo grit his teeth and squeezed his eyes closed when he was lifted and carried to the infirmary. Seavers was right. It was agony, but he didn't dare let a squeak out. It was his fault. He shouldn't have tried speaking with his father alone. There was no reason for it. He just didn't want anyone else stuck in the crossfires of his father's anger. Thinking about it, he supposed it was best how he had handled it. His father was locked away and he was the only one hurt. It was really a miracle. If only he could know that he wasn't paralyzed.

"Stomach down," Seavers instructed when they made it to the infirmary and went to place Riccardo on a bed. He got to work immediately, hardly paying attention to Sarai even when she got in. He had the X-ray machine running and moved to position it to take an image of Riccardo's back.

Riccardo groaned when he heard Sarai's voice. "You weren't supposed to know," he mumbled. He turned his head to look at her. "I guess you would have found out sooner or later, though." He laughed nervously. "I'm fine, though. I'm fine. My shoulder hurts worse than my back." His face fell. "That's probably not good, is it?" He gulped. He didn't want to start panicking again, but the fear of losing his legs was strong and tangible. "We finally have my father captive, though, so that's good."

"Riccardo, I need you to be very still while I take the X-ray," Seavers said suddenly.

Aiden suddenly came in, having obviously rushed to get there. He had found Rosita again to take over watching Aurora so that he could chase after Sarai and make sure she didn't go see Demetri. He was relieved to find her in the infirmary like she had said. "Oh thank god," he mumbled as he came in.

"Why can't anyone keep a secret. You two really weren't supposed to know," Riccardo mumbled.

The machine was whirring as it took the X-rays and Seavers was setting up an IV drip at this time. "I can get you some morphine after the X-rays are done," Seavers told Riccardo. He looked at everyone around and smiled softly without saying a word as to why.

Aiden crossed his arms, looking down at Riccardo. "I know you're down with... whatever happened to you, but I need you to back me up on something." Riccardo raised his brows in confusion. "Sarai already suggested going to see your father. Can you please help me explain -"

"No, Sarai," Riccardo said. He looked at her seriously. "That's out of the question. Even chained, he's too dangerous for anyone to go see him. No."

 

[Aina]

((I agree. He's also a jokester too. I love how he's gotten Riccardo to laugh and make jokes too.))

"But you could be seriously injured," Sarai retorted when Riccardo spoke to her. She didn't care that Demetri had been captured. Though her endeavor to face the man was still at the forefront of her mind. It was Riccardo's safety that came to mind now however.

Sarai glared at Aiden as soon as he walked in. Astraea was too preoccupied with watching Seavers do the x-ray on Riccardo's back to notice the tension. Even Emmanuel was standing by Riccardo's bedside, worriedly watching.

Everyone was silent until Aiden spoke and Sarai shot him a dirty look. She was going to say that she didn't care what he said, it was Riccardo's response that made her even more angry. "Fine," she spat as she crossed her arms. "We'll discuss it later. I don't want to argue with you two," she grumbled under her breath, and she looked away.

Emmanuel trying to break the silence once again looked at Seavers. "How bad is it?"

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((Yeah. That has to be the cutest thing about them. Riccardo's actually laughed and made jokes with him. It's just adorable.))

Riccardo huffed when Sarai spat and crossed her arms. "Are you really mad about that? Really?" He furrowed his brow. "Why do you have to -"

"Riccardo relax," Seavers murmured, putting his hand on Riccardo's shoulder as he continued watching the machine. He looked to Emmanuel when he spoke and then at everyone else surrounding them. He frowned. "Here." He pressed a few buttons until the X-ray blew up on the screen. Riccardo's spine was clear in view. "This is where it broke," he said, gesturing to the picture, pointing to a particular spot on it. "Several of the vertebrae are cracked. They don't look like clean breaks and it looks like his body is already trying to heal them."

Riccardo's spine looked pretty bad and it was plain on Seavers' face. Riccardo couldn't see the X-ray, but he paled at how Seavers looked at it. "But... I'm healing?"

Seavers looked down at Riccardo and sighed. "That's not a good thing in this case. The bones aren't setting and if they heal wrong, you... you may suffer lasting damage." He looked at everyone before his eyes settled on Astraea. "We need to perform surgery right away. Astraea, would you be willing to assist me?"

Riccardo's finger started tapping quickly on the bed. He stared numbly down at the sheets, hardly able to believe he could lose the ability to walk forever. With the need for physical contact, he looked up, but Sarai was too far away. Emmanuel was closest and he reached out for his hand without really thinking. "Sorry," he murmured. "I... I just... I need something to hold right now."

Aiden breathed out in shock at the news. He looked down at Riccardo. "Oh crap," he murmured.

 

[Aina]

((I'm wondering now if Sarai would get jealous of their relationship. Hmm...I'd have to think on it. She's weird so I don't know.))

Emmanuel looked up at the screen. He smiled in relief. He was going to be alright. "Thank God," he let out a sigh of relief.

Astraea also was relieved. However, her heart sank when Seavers went to explain that if didn't heal correctly, Riccardo probably wouldn't be able to walk. She nodded quickly as he told her they needed to do surgery. She went to grab gloves but she looked down at Riccardo. "We're going to do everything possible to fix it," she told him as she squeezed his good shoulder.

Emmanuel was worried for Riccardo still. He squeezed his hand when he grabbed his. He didn't even care to pull it away. Riccardo needed the comfort and honestly, Emmanuel was scared for him.

Sarai was still silent. She was angry with Demetri. She hated him but right now Riccardo needed reassurance. She frowned at the screen but she went up to Riccardo's side. She noticed how he grabbed Emmanuels hand then.

She chose to ignore it and she leaned over him. She touched his forehead gently with her hand. "I'm sorry Riccardo," obviously it wasn't her fault but she felt terrible for what happened to him, "He'll pay for what he did. You're in good hands and you'll be okay."

She smiled weakly, "Aurora will be waiting when you're healed." She brushed his forehead again and she stood up. She looked at Astraea. "We should give them the room to do the surgery," she said, "Come get me when you're done please."

 

[FursieTheFlixee]

((Oh my god. Oh my god. Yes. That would be so freaking funny if Sarai got jealous! I am dying just from the idea. Aiden would be all smug and Riccardo would be so confused and indignant and it would kill me! Haha!))

Riccardo was grateful when Emmanuel not only didn't pull away but also squeezed his hand. He didn't let go even when Sarai walked up to him and caressed his forehead. Everyone looked as grim and afraid for him as he felt. "He can't do this," he said, softly.

When Sarai stood up and mentioned that they should all leave, he let go of Emmanuel's hand to grab for hers. "Sarai, don't go down there. Please. My father is deranged and I don't want anyone getting hurt." He let go of her hand. "Do you all have to leave already?"

Seavers had gloves on and was positioning the IV into Riccardo's arm. "I'm afraid they do have to," he piped in. "Don't worry, Riccardo. I'm going to administer your anesthesia and morphine soon." He squeezed Riccardo's good shoulder before returning to the IV. He got the needle in Riccardo's arm and immediately added the morphine to the IV drip. Then, he got the anesthesia ready.

"He'll be okay," Seavers reassured everyone. "Please, give us space, now. This should be an hour at most and I'll let you all know when he it is done. It may be some time afterwards before he wakes up." He wanted to add that Riccardo would be fine, that he would be perfectly able afterwards, but he didn't know if he could promise it. There were so many times since he had come to Sarai's kingdom that he felt incapable as a doctor and he felt it then and there. He didn't feel like he was the best man for the job, and he was nervous.

When everyone left, Seavers put the anesthesia mask over Riccardo's face and smiled reassuringly at him. "Count backwards from 10," he instructed.

Riccardo barely made it to 7 before the anesthesia kicked in. Seavers looked up at Astraea. "Thank you for staying," he said, genuinely.

--

Aiden frowned once they left the infirmary, looking at Sarai. "Sarai, I know you don't want to talk about it anymore, but do you remember when you got attacked by Colette and how upset both Riccardo and I were? I only don't want to relive that, darling." He rubbed his neck. "I'm sorry." He sighed. "I think I left Rosita with Aurora long enough, though. I'm... going to go back up to the nursery. Please, don't do anything rash." He kissed her forehead before taking a step back and turning around and heading up back to the nursery.

 

[Aina]

((Maybe not jealous but weary. She doesn't want Riccardo to be hurt so she'd be worried that Emmanuel might break his heart. I think the idea that Sarai and Aiden, probably even Astraea would figure out that they like each other. It'll be so funny.))

"I wasn't-" she began to tell him but it was Emmanuel who interrupted her.

"I'll stay," he said to Riccardo. "I won't leave you again," he frowned however when Dr. Seavers said they would have to leave. He didn't want to. He didn't want to leave Riccardo's side again. He had no choice it seemed. They were ushered out of the room Emmanuel chose to stay outside the infirmary however.

~~

Astraea nodded weakly at Seavers. She was also worried about the procedure. She didn't voice that. She needed to be strong for Riccardo. "I'll do the best that I can doctor," she told him and she readied herself for any instructions he was going to give her. It was going to be a long process but she was determined to fix Riccardo. She couldn't let him be paralyzed. She would never forgive herself.

~~

Sarai refused to look Aiden when he talked to her. It wasn't out of anger but because she felt guilty for her attitude. She almost pulled away when he went to kiss her forehead. "I don't deserve that," she frowned when he walked away. She hesitated but she followed him. He made it difficult to be angry with him.

"I should be the one saying sorry," she frowned as she looked away from him. Her eyes shifted up to his face after a second and they were misty with tears. "Aiden, I'm not angry with you. I hate Demetri. I want to make him hurt the way he made me hurt," she reached for his hand. "Demetri just like Colette deserves to pay," she explained to him. She didn't want to bring up what he did Colette but it was her way of getting him to understand what she was feeling.