Plagued by a Rose [concluded]

Lance's urgency soon turned into amusement as Cecile found herself lost. He quietly wandered along, appreciating the city's structure, although eventually a strangely familiar voice greeted them. Lance turned and froze.


"You--" He seemed unable to form a single sentence as the witch hugged him, stunned, and followed along in a slight daze until they reached the woman's home. By then, he'd regained his senses, but still remained quiet, unsure how to act.


Truth be told, Lance's childhood was an extremely cloudy mess of not-quite-memories. Out of all of them, the witch wasn't the most prominent, yet he still remembered meeting her so clearly. He also, at one point, remembered fire; lots of it. His grandmother had saved him then, but she'd been terribly upset for one reason or another. So had Varudian. And, from that point on, one bleary face never made another appearance. It saddened him greatly, but he didn't understand why.


Shoving his thoughts away, Lance focused on his grandmother's words as she spoke to Cecile. His mood dropped to new lows as he discovered his grandmother couldn't help Cecile. When the princess looked ready to cry, Lance wrapped an arm around her, and shrugged in response to the witch's question. "It's.. a long story." He'd hoped that would be enough, but he remembered his grandmother as persistent, determined, and he knew he'd have to speak about it eventually as it was.


As quiet settled over the group, Ysmena, who had apparently followed them, began speaking, and Lance was glad for the distraction. He was a tad annoyed at the Wilting Rose's persistence; surely they too could see that the throne was not Cecile's goal? He couldn't help but feel that maybe they were trying to manipulate her, but that could've just been the beginnings of paranoia settling in.


Feeling quite annoyed at being ignored while trying to make more of a scene, Kalamitat huffed and disappeared from the room. :If I can't have my fun, neither can you,: it snapped at Maeve's insistence they return and end Lanister's life. When it reached the tallest tower in the city, it sat, and waited as patiently as it could until Maeve calmed down.


:You should thank me for stopping you from doing something very bad,: Kalamitat said as it slowly returned control to Maeve. Afterwards, Maeve didn't move from the perch, but stayed there, thinking over her actions and realizing how stupid she'd been.


Before you sleep, Kalamitat. Where's Yaro? Maeve inquired, knowing she had to try and calm the man down before things got too far.


:That's another favor,: it grumbled, but Maeve felt it beginning a search anyways. :Here.. This feel like him?: It did its best to transfer the feeling to Maeve, who accidentally nodded despite the conversation being mental. With a brisk word of thanks, she was gone, racing along the rooftops until she reached where Kalamitat had said Yaro was. She hurried past the guards, ignoring their shouts of protest until she reached the cell Yaro was torturing Lenin in.


"Don't do anything rash, Yaro!" Maeve begged, but had a sinking feeling it was too late as she watched him stab the man with a blade of ice and ask Lenin one last question.


"Did Kuvira have anything to do with my family's murder?"





Lenin had already hinted at Kuvira having to do with it, and so surely nothing would stop him from going further, unless he just wanted to toy with Yaro. Maeve fell quiet, and could only watch what happened next.
 
Thornton listened to the queen's explanations, but he found it was harder for him to pay attention. His heart was pounding and his thoughts were racing until she mentioned love. The prince stiffened and anger flashed across his face, "he what? He loves her?" Thornton's brain discarded the ways of which Lance helped the princess, and his blood began to boil once again at the thought of him. "He better not", muttered Thornton. Two strong forces were at war in the young rose's head; his protective nature for his sister and his primitive attraction to Kuvira. Kuvira. Her name danced in his thoughts.


Finally the young king had had enough. He closed his eyes to avoid staring at the queen. She continued to talk, buttering him up with her compliments. It stroked his ego. Ordinarily, words like these would not be enough to flatter the man, but these words were from Kuvira. He opened his eyes and found them glued to Kuvira again. In truth, he was enjoying their eye contact, but the conversation took an ugly turn at the reminder of old King Thornton.


Thornton stood there dumbfounded for a long moment before leaning forwards and vomiting to the floor. The unexpected reminder made him sick inside. Thornton fumbled now, "I apologize...", he began. "I know nothing of my father", Thornton once again affirmed before deciding on something rash to distract her from the topic.


Thornton took to one knee, "Queen Kuvira, I accept your terms in these negotiations." He reached for her hand and pressed it gently against his lips before standing. He immediately regretting rushing into such an agreement --without even mentioning it to Cecile-- and now his worries were back to his sister. He sighed. As strange as Kuvira was she was the only person who seemed to agree with him that Cecile was unfit for the throne.


"I do not know how the idea of ruling this kingdom got into my Cecile's silly head...". He hesitated, "we will have to prevent her from making any further advancements."


. . .


Cecile appreciated Lance's comforting gesture as they took in the witch's prognosis. After Lance had nothing to answer his grandmother's question with, Ysmena began to speak. She spoke highly of Cecile's potential, causing her to blush. She cast Lance a sad stare when the grandmaster spoke about her personal sufferings because of political issues outside of her control. Would acquiring power really make up for all of those things? She wondered.


The princess rubbed her temples and moved away from Lance's arm. The scar of her curse itched, or at least her mind wanted it to itch. It was also in that moment that a slightly sick feeling came to her stomach; she sensed something related to her brother although she couldn't be sure what it was.


At last the princess let out a sigh. "With all due respects, grand master, I...", her voice trailed off. Cecile remained quiet for a long moment with a blank expression on her face before an odd series of laughter escaped her lips. After that her eyes seemed to return to their normal focus and her look became a mixture of surprise and confusion as she collected her thoughts.


"I think that I would like best to rest now...", the girl finally managed to say.


The old witch, who had watched Cecile's display of confusion with a worried stare, nodded in agreement. "Perhaps that would be best for her." She stood, allowing for the group to start their leave, but pulled Lance to the side and wrapped her arms tightly around him before he could go. "You need to watch her carefully for any unusual symptoms", she cautioned before trying to lighten the mood, "and come back soon!"
 
Lenin grunted though a smirk was still on his face. He shook his head. "I didn't take orders. I'm an admiral, not a knight. You can kill me or you can make me speak to the queen!"he exclaimed. "Rumors go around Yaro. The nobles wanted them died and one thing lead to another. Maybe it was for the best. Especially if they were whining brats like you. Sticking to old way. I say they were the ones that died with their damn traditions."
 
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Ysmena would sigh, but a smile would be on her face. "The idea of ruling may not appeal to her.....but she is the best option to choose from. Thornton is a fool, and Kuvira is a tyrant. The Roselands need a hero....and there is no-one else but Cecile to fill that picture. "She said, after Cecile fell asleep. "I know her symptoms may be damning.....but we need her."





Lanister sighed, shaking his head. "My king, I believe you made another rash decision....I pray you think on it."Lanister said. Lanister could not believe Thornton. If he could just get rid of Kuvira, then maybe he could make Thornton see how bad an idea this was. But Lanister still had his orders, and his part was to protect the Roselands.


He just wished it was simple. He hated politics.





"I have fought in many battles.....I have killed many times....Yet, the one thing that kept me in line was my family and friends....Now my friends are gone, and my family was ripped from me.....Tell me something, Lenin: What do I have left to lose." Yaro said, as he began freezing the males arm. Yaro would then start stabbing the dagger deep into the males leg, underneath his knee. "Every day I was in the wilds, the only thing keeping me sane was my family back home......Have you ever had friends die before your eyes? I am sure you have, but the pain is no less real.....You did me a favor, Lenin....got rid of my baggage, made lean..."Yaro said, before pulling the dagger out, and running it deep into the man's arm. "The thing about these wounds?.....The blood is frozen, so you can't bleed out.....It will make this last all the more longer......Tell me, Lenin: Did Kuvira have my family killed?"Yaro asked, shoving the blade deep into his elbow.





@Enuky K @Robyn Banks
 
Lance watched Cecile consider Ysmena's offer, glad that at least now she was in more control of her life. She had choices. However, that fact diminished as the girl suddenly blanked out and laughed, before returning to normal. Lance, unnerved as he was, managed to keep a fairly stable expression. When Cecile stated she wanted to rest, Lance stood with her, only to be pulled into a hug by his grandmother ((for whom we also need a name, heh)). He couldn't help but smile, and nodded in return to her request.


"I'll do my best, grandmother," Lance replied, before pulling away from the hug and waving as he followed Cecile away.


Maeve couldn't bring herself to speak anymore. Seeing Yaro like this would've scared her, had she not undergone fierce training to get rid of such a reaction. He didn't seem to hear her, distracted as he was, so she took off back down the hallway and disappeared into the city.


:Looks like nobody's in the mood to be bothered. Shame,: Kalamitat remarked, its mental voice slurred with sleepiness. Maeve didn't respond, and returned to her original perch.
 

Kuvira was caught off guard when The prince leaned over to vomit from the question about his father. Obviously his words and actions were contradicted each other. She took a couple of steps back to make sure, she did not touch the substance.


He soon got on one knee and took her hand. Her mind wasn't fully calculating what just occurred. She stood still there a moment, shocked more or less. She wasn't sure if what he did was genuine or just another distraction. She began to rethink her judgement if he was suitable to rule as well.This wasn't his she expected her proposal to be like. She expected it to be on a more romantic venue, surrounded by flowers. Well she couldn't be picky. Especially since it was a person she didn't expect to be with before.


She nodded at his last response. Until she realized that Yaro was still in the dungeon. "Excuse me for a moment." She said before taking off, making sure she avoided the puke on the floor. She made haste to be there quickly or she feared she would find Lenin dead. Two guards stopped her from going any farther. "I am their queen and I demand to speak with him!" She said before moving them out of the way.


---------------------------------------------------------------


Lenin tried to remain stoic though his shivering became more violent. Before he was able to open his mouth, he spat on Yaro as a sign of disrespect. Suddenly the door flung open the queen pushed Her advisor out of the way with exclaiming the words."Stop it Yaro! That's enough!" She kneel down before him as he tried his best to bow. She touched him before taking off her cloak and wrapping it around him. "You're as cold as ice." Lenin tried to adjust himself in a more comfortable position but it was no use. The queen already rose up to fave her so called advisor. "What the hell do you think you were doing?! Torture my admiral as if he was some kind of criminal. This isn't like you!"
​
 
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Yaro's eyes would meet Kuvira. She would see they were not the familiar red that she knew, instead the cold ice blue they were now. It was almost as if the Yaro she knew....wasn't even there. He would not back down, despite the fact that he was talking to a Queen. "This is not a man.....this is a beast that would stoop so low as to kill an innocent child....I will tell you what I am doing, Kuvira: I am giving out what is due."He would say, playing with the dagger in his hand. "I have his confession already that he took part in their murder...Now I can ask you the question he refused to answer. I want you to tell me the truth Kuvira...."Yaro would take a deep breath, before asking the million gold question.


"Did you have my family killed?...."
 

"Tell me who else can control an admiral." She simply said as she felt her dress, making sure that that her daggers and wand were in place. She knew this wouldn't end well so she had to be prepared. "Please tell me that.".


She backed up farther away from him though keeping her compusure. "It was a tough time after my coronation. Everyone seemed fine with a queen on the throne except one family. They were more founded on a patriarchy. Trying to say I only wanted the throne for power even rumors of assasination start arising.One night the nobles came to me and asked me to get rid of them. Saying they were just an obstacle that was better taken cared of or else they would no longer support me, not trade essentials and luxurious goods for me to distribute amongst the realm. I had everything on the line. Nobles are the foundations of a succesful reign, if i have no supporter I would be as good as dead! Though I had a civilian depending on me I told them that wasn't the queen I wanted to be, but my mother was on their side as well. After three days I agreed to assassinate the head of the house but it wasn't good enough. They wanted the whole line executed. So after considering the outcomes went along with it."


She placed her hand behind her. Taking a firm grasp in her wand. Preparing herself to attack if it was necessary. She eyed lenin who was still shaking violently. She had to get them out of there but she didn't know how.
​
 
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Though Deep down, Yaro knew that what she said was the truth, the fact that she admitted only dug the wound out deeper, as Yaro closed his eyes, trying to keep himself under control. His soul was in a small war with itself, each one trying to fight to have their way with dealing with this 'situation'. Yaro felt numb, he felt uneasy, he felt...cold.


She is alone now, we can overwhelm her! We can kill her!


No....Not yet. Killing her now would be too merciful.


She deserves to watch everything she worked for, everything she 'sacrificed' so much for fall to it's knees.


Before I die alone.....Before my time has come......I will have vengeance.


Yaro would then lift up the dagger....and cause it to disappear. "You were once a close friend to me, Kuvira.....But there is even a limit to my trust.......Adara was 5 YEARS OLD KUVIRA! "Yaro yelled at her, barley restraining himself. "In what world can you justify putting a sword through the heart of a five year old child?!"He said, turned away from her. "I will give you this warning, because you were once my friend.....But your day's are numbered.....I don't forgive, and I don't forget! Now, and forever, I will remember those you've taken from me, til the end of time......"Yaro said, as he placed his hood over his head.


"You have taken what is yours through fire and blood.....But even the brightest flames fear the Night's chill....for every day, it grows more bold, and signals the coming end." Yaro said, rubbing his gloves. "The cold knows no mercy......and you can expect none from me.....Brace yourself, Kuvira.....Winter is coming."Yaro said, as he walked out of their. It was the same words that Degraff, Yaro's Ancestor, told to Kuvira's so many years ago.


(Dun dun DUUUUUUNNNN!!!!)
 
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OOC: I just realized how totally repulsive I made Thornton xD and @Trombone Geek names are hard :c


Thornton was rather embarrassed by having thrown up in the presence of the queen, and for the remainder of the encounter his face carried a pink glow. It was another embarrassing feature of his. He watched as the queen suddenly dismissed herself and felt awful; he could see she was not impressed with him. Thornton knew that he would have to do better to keep a powerful queen happy.


It was then that grand master Ysmena entered the room followed by Lance and Cecile. Ysmena knew how to navigate the city much faster than Cecile who had gotten them lost. Thornton sneered at Lance and beckoned to Cecile to come closer to him. Cecile did as he wanted, but only after complaining about the foul smell of the courtroom. Then Thornton began acting in his usual ways cooing over and cuddling the princess. He was trying to soften the blow as much as he could.


"Cecile, it is time for us to return to our homeland. Queen Kuvira and I have concluded our negotiations, and we must prepare ourselves for a week of celebration in honor of our harmony and matrimony".





At his last word Cecile pushed away from his embrace and stepped back. A long and agonizing silence fell over the room while the girl could only stand there in a dazed trance. Her eyes were wide and her mouth slightly ajar; she was truly speechless. She was about to explode. If Lance thought her previous tantrums were bad, he was about to get a new definition of a temper tantrum from Cecile.


At last the princess erupted. She was sobbing and screaming and lashing out all at once on Thornton. She mercilessly punched and hit her brother, all while he only would stand there and take it. Thornton had an unbelievable patience for the girl, perhaps it was from tolerating her for the entirety of his life.


"How could you do this?!" Cecile sobbed. "I HATE her!" she screamed many times before finishing. Like usual, the girl was tuckered out by her own fury and slumped into a chair where she continued to sob to herself. The thought of Kuvira accompanying them home and living with them was unbearable. The thought of Kuvira taking the Rose throne was even worse.


"There, there", Thornton rubbed his sister's back and ignored her complaints. Her tantrum proved to have no impact on the prince. "You must ready yourself for our return home, sister. This will not be as bad as you think; it's for the best". The king then rose to his feet and turned his attention to Lance. He sneered again, "and you can get out of my sight now", he said expecting Lance to take his leave.
 
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Ysmena would simply look shocked at the fact that he even considered the idea, but Ysmena was no less surprised. She would hug Cecile close, before whispering. "Remember what I told you, Cecile....The Roselands need you. You'll always have a home here. When you're ready to begin learning, Place a Wilted Rose on your window. One of my agents will find you, and bring you here for training. "Ysmena said, patting the girls back.


Ysmena would then walk over, and shake Thornton's hand. "It has been a pleasure to meet you Thornton, and I hope we can keep things...amicable in the future. Just remember: Valpurina is our land. We'll fight to the death to defend it if anyone tries to take it from us. "She said to him.





Lanister would walk over to Lance. "I will return with you to Bathelon.....The Order of the Raven need to put in their place, and you'll need protection.....Don't worry, Lance. Cecile will be safe. I promise. "Lanister said, patting the male's back.





Yaro stared at the entrance to the Void-gates, before looking back at the city. "Betrayed....forgotten....abandoned.....This feels more my home than my own homeland does....But that is because it was taken from us......"Yaro said to himself. He then looked towards the Void-gates. He thought of the many that suffered because of Kuvira and her father. So many must know that their family had brought nothing but chaos to Yunkai.


And he needed to find those people.


"It may have been taken from us......"He said, before looking down at the egg in his hand. It was the egg he was bonded too. They had left it unwatched, so Yaro took it before it could be used against him. " But with this strength....with this power......I will take back what they stole..."Yaro said, before pulling his hood up, and leaving.
 
Lance quietly watched Cecile's tantrum. While the delivery could've been better, he somewhat understood her fears and reasons. He, too, was surprised Thornton of all people had agreed to such a thing, and watched as Cecile finally calmed and plopped into a seat.


"You think you can order me around as if you were of a higher status. You're wrong, Thornton. Please refrain from such a thing," Lance replied stiffly. Lanister came over, looking quite friendly, and patted his back. Lance wasn't quite sure what to think.


"This goes beyond your terms.. What else are you going to ask for to do this?" Lance asked, but was suddenly hit with the realization he'd be returning home alone. No Dante. There would be no Varudian to heal, or greet upon return. Already, the Bathelon king felt lonely, but he hid it behind concern for Cecile.


"First, I'll have to see if my grandmother would be willing to return. I wish to make magic the norm in Bathelon, if I can. And.. Cecile. I'm worried about her," he said, his last sentence quieter so that only Lanister could hear. "Her curse.. She'll need quick access to someone who can actually help her, and waiting for the Wilting Rose Grand-Masters to reach her when they have more important matters just won't work."


Lance rose his voice to speak to Thornton. "I have a proposition for you. Cecile is not safe here; that much has already been proven by her curse. Nor can the Grand-Masters constantly care for her, as they have more important things to take care of. I request for the Rose Princess to return to Bathelon with me, so long as my grandmother is willing to come as well. There, she can learn more than she could in the Rose kingdoms, both about politics and fighting, and my grandmother can keep an eye on her curse. If she and you are willing to let this happen, of course." He knew that it was a bit of a stretch, but he could try. "Besides.. she would be a great help." With her, he could solidify the acceptance of magic in Bathelon, and she would be more free than she had been during both her time in the Roselands and her imprisonment.


"She'd be treated much better than before, I can promise you that."
 
Thornton appeared annoyed at Lance's new attitude. While a prisoner of war Lance had chosen to hold his tongue, but now he would not tolerate being belittled. He turned his back to Lance and focused his attention on comforting his little sister while Lance muttered to Lanister. Cecile only continued to cry to herself.


The Rose king looked up from Cecile when Lance's voice became louder and directed at him. He listened patiently to his proposition, but Lance was only answered with laughter. Truthfully, Thornton did not feel as though such a silly suggestion deserved a legitimate response from him, but after waiting several seconds for Lance to take back his words he realized it was a serious statement. Thornton chuckled once more before speaking, "Sir Lance, my Cecile will not step foot out of the Roselands for as long as I see fit, and she especially will have no business with the likes of you. I can assure you she will have access to adequate care in our kingdom...", his voice trailed off slightly as he remembered his sister's predicament. He glanced to her and back to Lance. "I reject your "proposition"."


Thornton then turned to Lanister and Ysmena. "The grand masters are of course invited to attend the celebration of our pact in the royal castle", he said and bowed to them.
 

After Yaro left she looses her death grip on her wand. A chill went down her spine as she dropped to her kneels and made haste to take Lenin from his chains the bound him to the floor. His shivering didn't seem to stop and only gotten worst by the minute. She couldn't warm him up or she knew he would die from blood loss. "Don't worry I'm going to get you out of here I promise." She assured him before she commanded a couple of guards to lift him up and take him to the infirmary.


She followed behind them only to get lose in thought. She knew she created a new conflict but of course it wouldn't be that troublesome. All she had to do was cut it down before it gets the chance to grow but that was easier said than done. She didn't know where they were planning to go.


As the guards laid him on the bed, a nurse arrived and began to chant a spell to heal his wounds. "Will he be alright?" The nurse didn't meet her eyes before replying. "Only time will tell. he needs to rest the damages are deep and he is freezing cold." Kuvira commanded the closest servants to bring more blankets as she sat beside Lenin. He groaned in pain as his wounds seemed to vanish at a steady pace.


I am sorry your highness. I have failed you for far too long. You should go back to yunkai where you will be safe, leave me here I will only be a burden. Kuvira let out a soft smile something she hasn't done in a while. "No you will come back to Yunkai with me. You have done a great service to me and I thank you for that. Now rest." She gestured towards a servant "When he wakes up I expect him to have the finest meal with red wine."the servant nodded as Kuvira began to depart. "Why must another by for my sins?" She mumbled.
​
 
Yaro.....returned home. His home, now empty of the life that once roamed his halls. Yaro stared at the painting of his family, and it took all his restraint not to scream out in rage. Holding the egg in his hand, He would walk onto the balcony, staring at the Palace. Yaro knew he'd have to play nice for now.....he'd have to stay quiet, stay silent, and hide his pain behind a smile. But he'd show them that his fury was unrelenting. He would not bow, he would not bend, and he would not break. He'd have his revenge, one way or another.


First things first though: He had to wake his Dragon.


Stepping over towards the egg on the table, he would keep his hand on the egg, slowly bringing it to his chest. This egg.....it was all that remained of his family's legacy. He, his aunt, and his cousin were all that was left of the Azarus name. His aunt and his cousin couldn't inherit, due to marriage and such, so he was the only one that could inherit the great house. A great house that gave everything to the crowned it fought and died for......a Great house, that many will never get to see. It filled Yaro with a sense of purpose, and determination.


We'll rise from the ashes.....and from the shadows, we'll descend upon their world, and take back what they stole.


As Yaro thought this, the egg began to shiver and crack. Soon, it's shell would break, revealing.....a small Yunkanian Wintersbreath. Yaro's eyes would widen. It was just like the old stories. The moment he saw the dragon......He felt like a part of his life that he had been missing had finally been filled. Yaro simply ran a hand over the dragon's head. "I won't fail you....Not like the rest....."Yaro would say, looking for something to feed it. Handing it some fresh lamb, he would watch as the Dragonling ate.





Ysmena would bow before Thornton. "We'll be honored to attend. It has been some time since our order has worked so.....closely with the crown. Hopefully, Thornton, you won't prove a dimwit like your Ancestor, and focus properly on Civilian defense. "Ysmena said, keeping to their goals, which was to defend the rose lands from any and all hostility.





I doubt that, very much. Lanister thought to himself. He would then look towards Lance. "The agreement was that we would get the cure, and escort it back to Bathelon. I will follow the duties of our agreement to the letter. I have a task from you, and I will see it finished. "Lanister said. He would not leave a job half finished.
 
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"She doesn't get a say in the matter?" Lance questioned, crossing his arms stubbornly. If Cecile said otherwise, he would back down, but he wanted her say first. "Shouldn't surprise me. You don't seem to ask her about any other decision you make that affects her." But he didn't say anything else about it.


"Thank you for your help, Lanister. When will we be leaving?"


Maeve had seen Yaro leave. Hopefully, by then, he had calmed down.


:Depends on if his split's still in control.: Strange, Kalamitat hadn't fallen asleep yet.


What are you talking about?


:Yaro's soul was split in two, by trauma it seems, since it's a rough cut. One's an asshole, as you saw, like me; the other is the 'normal' Yaro.:


Knowing that was all she was going to get right then, Maeve took to following Yaro, watching quietly from a rooftop as he awakened his dragon and fed it. She leaped down at his side, watching the dragon eat.


"You don't have to be like this. What would your family think? And surely they wouldn't want you moping around on their death, and neither would your friends. They'd find it boring and ridiculous, were they still alive." She removed her mask as she spoke, holding it in her hand as she faced Yaro, locking her hazel eyes with his blue(red?) ones.
 
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Thornton frowned at Lanister's explanation. "Fine, you may each also accompany us to my kingdom, but you are to leave immediately once we have collected the cure." He sent a mean look to Lance, who would also have to join to obtain the mineral for his kingdom.


With the encouragement of Ysmena and the sound of Lance and Thornton's bickering Cecile was motivated to emerge from her soft sobbing. She watched and listened to Thornton's exchange with Lance and became irritated. She was furious with Thornton for choosing to marry such an ugly woman. She was hurt also to learn that he would choose a bride without concern for his twin's feelings about it. Thornton continued on without seeming to realize Cecile was paying attention.


"Perhaps I would ask my sister if she were capable of making the right choices for herself", Thornton responded stubbornly. He would not allow his sister out of his sights in Bathelon of all places. "She's a disaster", he mumbled while playing through his head the many irresponsible choices his sister had made. From sneaking out of the kingdom into the snow and finding herself captured by Bathelon to igniting a war between the Yunakai and their kingdom with a tantrum, the list could go on and on as far as he could tell.


"Tell us, o' vigilant and wise Lance of Bathelon, what exactly do you think my sister could manage in a kingdom? Can you list anything that you would trust my sister with in your own kingdom?" Thornton chuckled slightly, "my silly Cecile is only fit to be cherished; she is not fit for the stress and responsibility of a kingdom". His eyes narrowed at Lance; he had long decided what Lance's true interest in Cecile was. In his eyes he was stringing her along with the sole purpose of having her to himself, but Thornton would not allow a Bathelon king to wed his sister.


At this point Cecile had had enough of her brother's degrading statements. Her face was puffy from crying and her cheeks were solid pink. She became angry and snapped at her brother. "If I have to tolerate living under an evil witch you will have to tolerate King Lance". She turned to Lance and bowed to him, holding out a hand, "o' vigilant and wise King Lance of Bathelon", she began mocking her brother, "would you be so kind and escort me to the royal wedding?" She glanced back to her brother who appeared too stunned to protest for a moment. The mischievous princess knew that the only way to hurt her brother for his actions was through Lance.
 
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Yaro had expected to be followed, just not by.....Maeve. Leaning back in his chair, he'd turn towards her. His eyes weren't red....but they were not blue either. They were purple. While not as angry as he was, he was not fully calmed down either. "....and I'll never know that. I won't lie and pretend that what I do is good or bad.....But this is what she deserves....and what about you, Maeve? You were my best friend, I cannot tell you who I trusted more.....why didn't you tell me what had happened?....."Yaro said, standing up.


"I left my home to find fame, fortune, and to make a name for myself.....I was young, impulsive, and brash. Now, here I am back again, a few years older, feeling no smarter than when I left.....and when I look the path that I walked, there is not a single man or woman that I cared about still standing beside me....I will not kill her, I doubt I could ever bring myself too....but I will show her that, despite all her planning, everything she has will come tumbling down....I won't kill her....."Yaro's eyes would flash red for a second, before turning full blue.


" I will ruin her.."He said to Maeve, sitting back down next to the dragon. "Nothing you say will convince me otherwise Maeve.....you had a chance to tell me, and you didn't. Out of respect, I will not stop you from leaving now....so please, leave. "He said to her, his eyes turning red. He obviously did not want to hurt Maeve. His eyes would then turn blue. "House Azarus must mourn it's fallen..."





Lanister would bow before the two, and follow after them. He would speak up, in support of Cecile. "If you don't mind me saying, Lord Thornton, she's gone through more than most men have....if she's still sane, which she is, it means she's very strong. If you don't mind me saying, she's meant for more than just politics. "He said, though he was speaking in the most polite way he could.
 


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Kuvira took a deep breath befor walking into the room where she saw Prince Thornton last, not quite surprised to see Cecile eyes poofy and upset and Prince Thornton stunned. She courtisied to the people that were currently present before taking a seat at the table. Her fave seemed quite neutral, seeming as if she was in a daze.


"You should let her. There will be nothing wrong it. You will still be able to supervise the two also for her it has nothing to do with politics, its simply a wedding." She said taking a quick glance of Prince Thornton before looking away. She didn't hear the full conversation of the roses' but it was easy to guess. She was amused with the conversation soon drifting off to thing of a strategy. She already had too many problems to simply have it be orbit around a teenage romance story of forbidden love.


Throughout the discussion she made little eye contact with lannister. That snitch was the one that started this. Maybe that's what he wanted. Conflicts for her to face to try and weaken her. She couldn't give him that satisfaction. Snitches will get stitches.
​
 
Lance brushed off Thornton's rude look with all the confidence of a king. "She would be able to make better choices if your people had bothered to educate her," Lance snapped back. "If someone taught her, she'd become greater than you think. Already, with little teaching, she's managed to cast spells. It's time she does things on her own."


"At the moment, since she hasn't been taught anything, nothing. Later on, whatever she's best at. She learns quickly."


When Cecile had an outburst of her own, Lance approved; she was standing up to her brother, who had done nothing but degrade her with his pig-headed statements. However, her next movement caught him off-guard. He stared at her hand for a moment, before taking it and nodding. "I will."


Maeve sighed. "I didn't want to hurt you even more, and Kuvira practically begged me not to tell anyone who didn't already know.. I'm sorry." As sincere as she was, Maeve knew it wouldn't change Yaro's mind.


Sternly, she continued. "Ruining her will be worse than death for her, Yaro. She had to keep her kingdom afloat. If she had lost support, Yunakai would've been torn apart by civil war. Is that a better outcome?" Her voice softened. "I know it's hard, and it's something nobody should have to do, but think of the many over the few."


"You have mourned enough, Yaro. It's time to let go."
 
"I AM SICK OF GIVING UP MY OWN HAPPINESS MAEVE!!!"Yaro yelled, his eyes deep blue now. "-I gave up a comfortable position in the Wilting Rose to serve my Kingdom. I gave up a comfortable life as a noble to explore the world, and bring my treasures back to boost my House. Everything I have done, it has been for Yunkai, and where has it gotten me?! My friends and family are dead, Maeve! I am all that is left now!"Yaro said, his hands on the table, as his eyes would go back to their purple color.





"She is not the only one to blame, I know this.....But I will hide my pain....I will keep quiet.....But do not take my silence for acceptance. I am Yaro Azarus, Lord Paramount of the Great House Azarus. I am the Dragon-Master of AveNix, a Yunkanian Winters-breath. I am the owner of several thousand parcels of land, and over a hundred Vassals.....As was my Ancestor, Degraff Azarus, who waged war against Kuvira's Ancestor, and only united to serve the Lands themselves. "Yaro said, staring at the baby dragon.


"The cool air shall be a signal of the coming snow fall. The fire that Kuvira holds so dear will be snuffed out. Our family Motto is 'The cold shows no mercy'. I shall make our name one to respected again, and bring down swift justice on those that left my family to slaughter.......Winter is coming, Maeve. "Yaro said to her, before standing up. Closing his eyes, he would turn towards her, his eyes red. "-and I warn you now Maeve, for you are someone I once held dear: Find somewhere safe to hide. If you come within my way, I will show no mercy. I cannot afford to be merciful anymore. Even now, by sparing you, I am creating a weakness......but no matter how angry I might be, I l-....I once cared for you greatly."Yaro said, turning away from her.


"Please....Leave...."
 
Before Thornton had the chance to protest against Lance's attendance to their celebration, Kuvira herself entered the room and spoke her mind on the matter. Thornton looked over her as she spoke and smiled. It was from that point on Thornton displayed an entirely new attitude; he would not go against Kuvira's wishes. He gave Lance one final leer; he would have to respect an ally of Kuvira. "Very well", was all that Thornton said before dropping it entirely. He crossed the room and smoothed the queen's hair affectionately. He straightened his posture and turned back to the group.


Cecile only became infuriated. It was her first time seeing the queen since learning of their decision and the sight of her alone was enough to make her blood boil. She couldn't stand seeing Kuvira with so much power over her brother. "I hate you!" She screamed out at Kuvira while pointing at her. "I hate you!" She dug into her sporran and retrieved her voodoo doll which she then threw into Kuvira's face. "I---", she was cut off by Thornton who at that point intervened. He snatched up his sister as if she were a rag doll.


"That is enough, Cecile", he said sternly. At first Cecile struggled in an attempt to break free, but at last she gave up. Thornton dropped his sister and of course Cecile was in tears now.


"I hate her", she said to Thornton before walking briskly from the room.


Thornton sighed and regained his composure after letting Cecile walk away. "I am so sorry for her actions, my queen", Thornton said and bowed politely to her. He appeared mortified by his sister's behavior.


He sighed again and turned to Ysmena, "how soon can we leave for my kingdom?" he asked. He was eager to leave as fast as possible.
 
"I know it hurts. I know how you feel, and when I say that I mean it. But I didn't stop and take revenge. Instead, I got over it. Am I really so much stronger than you, Yaro?" she retorted, but as Yaro continued on he suddenly hesitated.


:Well, I honestly didn't see that one coming,: Kalamitat remarked, and Maeve could practically see the demon grinning. To say Maeve was stunned was an understatement.


"I'm not abandoning you," she said firmly, and it became obvious she wasn't going to back down. "I can help you get over your past and accept it. Bringing Kuvira down won't help you, and it won't get you anywhere. Trust me when I say that."


:Poor Maeve. Doesn't even understand how she feels. Oh, well,: Kalamitat mocked, but its host ignored it. With a huff, it sank back into semi-consciousness. Maeve moved forwards for a moment, paused, and then suddenly grabbed Yaro in a hug. "If you ever need a shoulder, whether to cry or lean or whatever, I'm here."


As soon as Cecile's next tantrum started, Lance sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose, mimicking the same action Varudian had often used when annoyed or trying to keep back his anger. As Cecile left, Lance followed.


"If you want me to teach you anything, and for Thornton to treat you like an adult, you will have to act like one, Cecile," Lance said. Really, this could've been avoided if the Roselands bothered with fair rights. Not that anything could be done about Cecile's mental state now; he'd just have to work with her. If that included using the techniques some blurry face had once used on Lance with his exceptional outbursts as a child, then so be it. How he even remembered such a thing, he didn't know.


"Let's try and talk it out and find a solution, then," he said with unusual patience.


"In some ways, you're like your mother." That thought, for some reason, hurt. He could barely remember who said it.


"What about Kuvira makes you so angry, other than the way she treated you in Yunakai? It was not all that different from how I treated you, and yet now you can stand being in my presence."
 
Cecile was slightly annoyed to have been followed while she was still so heated. She stopped just outside the door and turned to face him. She immediately became defensive. "You're blaming me? That witch comes into my kingdom and takes my brother and you're blaming me!" The princess would only be dismissive of him now as he had violated her trust. "You're treating me like a child! And I don't need your help understanding that I hate her".


The girl slid to the floor in her usual sulking pout. There was nothing she could do to prevent Kuvira from taking the throne, "and you want me to just deal with it", she grumbled at him.
 
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Yaro's fist clenched as she hugged him, and his eyes would go wide (and red) when he felt her hug him. He would place a hand on her hand, before his fist would tighten. From such a close proximity, Kalamitat could feel an internal war inside Yaro, both fighting for dominance of the body. Yaro would then move Maeve's hand away. "Just.....go. Go back to your Queen. Your spies, your men and women: They need you right now....I'll be fine.....I won't stop, now that Kuvira knows I know, I can't afford too....But right now, I need to inform my Aunt and my Cousin, of House Yvonne, of my survival: As the sole legitimate heir of House Azarus, I need to project that my house isn't dead, because I am still standing. "Yaro said, his voice filled with determination, as he stood up. The Dragonling would cling to his back, and place it's head on his shoulder.


Walking into the Treasury vault, Yaro stared at one thing in particular: His Ancestors armor. Worn during the War of Unification, it was a symbol of the strength of House Azarus. Yaro had dreamed of the day that he'd one day wear it, but always thought his brother would inherit it. While not the best circumstances to live a dream, Yaro took his victories where he could get them, and donned the armor. It was comfortable, and fit his face well. The Dragon simply complimented the image of the yellow haired male in the armor.


Gesturing for the guards to lay out the House Banner, Yaro stopped them, before handing them the Ancient Banner. To anyone, it would be a symbol that Yaro's views were traditional, but to anyone that knew History, it was his act of Defiance. Yaro then stood at the Balcony, watching as the people saw him. He was more than pleased to see the shocked reactions.





"An Azarus still lives?"


"Is that a dragon on his shoulder?!"


"The Other houses will be in tithers."


"I thought they were all killed."


"It appears that the other houses have a new challenger on the field."





Yaro was more than a little pleased at the reaction. He knew that this would anger the ones that Kuvira promised she'd 'Extinguish the line of Azarus' for. Yaro was waiting for them to come out of hiding. Once they did, he'd strike without mercy, and show the houses that stood against him what happened when you threatened his House. They'd soon learn the Price for betraying him. As Yaro thought of this, his mind drifted to Maeve, as he turned over towards her, and would take her hands.


He didn't know what to feel. They'd spent two years apart, and what had happened didn't really improve relations between the two. Did he still care for her the same way? That was up for debate, but he'd also have to take into consideration how she felt towards him. She was loyal to Kuvira, and he didn't know if he was willing to take the risk that this would create a knife pointed towards his back. He knew Kuvira wouldn't kill her, for if she so much as touched Maeve wrong, Yaro would make sure he'd hang Kuvira by her guts on the Palace walls.


Ysmena would look towards her associates, the two other grand-masters, before they'd make their way to the void-gates. She'd then open the one that lead to the sewers directly below the the Rose Capitol. "The door here will take you home....but make sure whatever business here you have is done, because once you leave, the way back will be blocked. We do this to ensure our safety."Ysmena said. "We'll all be following behind, but pay no head: We have our own ways of returning."
 
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