Fantasy The Devil's Throne - IC [Open]

[ElectricDandellion]

Elena Ravenswood

Elena felt herself relaxing a time her sister’s comment, although she could sense her sister didn’t appreciate her rage. “It’ll be nice,” she mumbled, though still stricken with sadness. Though, she felt comfort in Joyce snapping at their brother so arrogantly and easily. It stretched her lips into a light smirk, One she covered with her hand abs to not infuriate their brother further. Alistair was the only living creature that she felt she could relax around. Perhaps then she would be able to have proper joy since Grace had died. That would be nice.

Head flashing towards the door again, she noticed her parents suddenly walking in, her mother walking around to greet them all individually. As she felt her mother’s lips on her forehead, she lightly smiled. “Good evening, Mother,” the words, although she wished they would come out blunt, forced themselves out softly and gently, very warm and welcoming. The way her mother could make her fear more than her father could left her slightly weary of her, but she was her mother, and so she did care. Watching Krista kiss Christopher’s forehead, she felt herself scowl slightly. Of course she’d pay him more attention...what was that she whispered? Elena scoffed under her breath in slight belief, turning to look at her eldest sister and raise her eyebrows. The future heir was their mother’s pride and joy, clearly.

But as her mother spoke, staring at her with that expression, that smile, she instantly knew she was in trouble. Her mother had a tendency of figuring out everything and anything about everyone. Perhaps someone watching had told her- Christopher? Eyes stabbed daggers at her brother at the thought. “The rest of our siblings seem to be somewhere much, much more important that they decided they were too important to join us for dinner,” she mumbled, taking a sip of water, hesitant to drink the port with her mother around. “Shame, really. Just the more for us to indulge in, I suppose,” Elena added, face expressionless.

Seeing her father, she nodded in his general direction. “Good evening father, hopefully you too had a good day?” She questioned, finger tracing the condensation on the rim of her glass. Truth be told, she wasn’t as scared of her father’s power as she was her mother’s, despite knowing his cruel nature.​

 

[Misty Gray]

Christopher Ravenswood
& King Robert Ravenswood
​

​

Christopher shook his head following Jocelyn's rant at him, before an emotionless chuckle escaped his mouth. "That's our problem, Sister. I'm not King, yet the man currently holding that title puts those choices into my hands. As for questioning my literacy skills, I do believe Cassandra has failed you in teaching the difference between hung and hanged. Though I blame her student, if I'm being honest."

Christopher couldn't help the small smile from appearing on his lips as he noticed the way his sisters didn't like how his mother had shown a semblance of affection towards him. The fact Elena would begrudge him such a brief moment angered him and made his consider why he even kept his father's secrets. The fact his siblings had been allowed to have fun and hadn't experienced torture at their father's hands made him bitter that they would deprive him of the affection from his mother that she failed to show him throughout his younger years. "Mother, if you walk around the place long enough you'll see many more things you don't wish to." With mention of Rosalind, Christopher shrugged his shoulders. "I sent Arabella to look for her. Believe it or not, I've been too busy to keep tabs on everyone in this palace. Though not for lack of trying..."

"I arrived to dinner with my wife, as I always do. I had hoped you'd pick up on the example I was setting. A King should be a gentleman," Robert noted, looking to Krista and warmly smiling. He had listened to his wife's words about helping Christopher manage with all of the tasks he was setting him, but he wished to push his heir as he would have to take control of an entire kingdom when he became King. "I do hope poor Rosalind finds her way here..."

"Between overseeing executions, finalising your birthday plans and patrolling the palace to ensure YOUR staff are working hard, forgive me if I don't have time to escort a grown woman to dinner! Had you done the same amount of work today, perhaps Mother would have had to find her own way here too." Christopher's voice remained calm, but it was clear there was pure anger and contempt beneath his words.

The King chose to ignore Christopher's words on this occasion, instead directing his attention to Elena. "I did have a good day, dear. What have you been doing with yourself?" he curiously asked. As he watched her trace her finger around the rim of the glass of water, his eyes then looked towards the glass of port. His youngest seemed different in some way - a little off. "What is in the other glass?" he asked, pointing to the port.

Christopher's eyes opened wide as he saw the alcohol in front of his sister. The King's question would only lead down a path of more questions until he finally realised the girl was, or had recently been, quite drunk. "Excuse me," he interrupted, standing up from his seat. He then walked towards Elena and picked the glass up, carrying it back with his to his own place at the table. "I wondered where I'd left that," he casually remarked. Once he was seated again, he took a drink from the glass of port. His sisters were pissing him off, but the last thing he wanted was the King to direct his anger at Elena, especially when he himself was already getting on his father's nerves.

ElectricDandellion (Elena) Melanin-Gxdess (Krista, Jocelyn) Angelofwishes7 (Alexander)

 

[ElectricDandellion]

Elena Ravenswood

Elena sighed as her siblings continued to argue, awkwardly placing her hands in her lap, clasping then and unclasping them in boredom. You’d think that the family would’ve run out of things to argue about at this point in time, but evidently not. Their sharp tongues were forever dipped in bitter poison. That much was obvious.

As she sensed another argument was about to arise, she took a deep inhale, audibly exhaling her anger. Could they, just for once, enjoy a nice, calm, family dinner like the rest of the population. Elena had thought that with everything they could’ve possibly desired to have in reach, there would be less arguments among them, but she was proven wrong. So, so wrong. But, as her father mentioned himself being a gentlemen, Elena internally scoffed to herself- an action no one else would be able to hear, but one that she could allow herself the release of having. Her father’s actions towards her mother were sometimes far too impolite to be considered humble. He hardly escorted her around the palace, and Elena was sure she saw her mother alone more often than with her father, but that she was not willing to mention our loud and endure the punishment of speaking up so.

As Christopher’s tone strengthened, she felt herself jump, eyes widening. He really was daring. Quite frankly, she was surprised that he would even speak to their father in such a way, but after all, he was future king. To her surprise, he didn’t react, and instead began speaking to her. “I’m glad to hear your day was well,” Elena remarked softly, placing a stray clump of hairs that tickled her cheek behind her ears. “Not too much, Father. I’ve been in the garden most, but Jocelyn and I will be going to the stables later,” A soft smile pinching her lips, she spoke again, “Alistair has not yet been ridden for a few days. I would hate for such a beautiful stallion to turn feral,” Though, as he stared at her hands on the glass, she sensed herself growing nervous, taking a deep gulp as he spoke. When he questioned the other glass, she froze. Mouth partly open, and eyes jittering over to the glass, she stumbled to find words to explain the reason for the alcohol in the glass.

Just as she found herself frozen, she heard Christopher excusing himself, and his seat push across the wooden floor. As he walked towards her, her cheeks turned pink in embarrassment, before he picked up the glass and pretended it was his. Her heart dropped to her stomach with relief, and she hurriedly nodded as he spoke. Elena was shocked to see him saving her, and only hoped Jocelyn would follow in tow. “Yes,” She spoke loudly now, so that her father could hear from the end of the table. “You must’ve left it there after teaching me which forks to use for each different course.” Her lies were believable, and she gently smiled in his direction, eternally grateful. God knows how her father would’ve screamed at her if he knew it was hers.

Switching the topic back to Rosalind, to have Christopher's back now, she spoke. “I’m sure, anyhow, that Rosalind can find her way here. To prove her worthiness of being a Good queen, she will have to learn to be independent and less dependent of Christopher. That way she will be able to control power and not crumble without Christopher’s assistance. We wouldn’t want her to weaken under pressure as future Queen now, would we?” Elena took another sip from her glass, her gaze locked in a warm fashion on her father’s.

Misty Gray Melanin-Gxdess​

 

[Misty Gray]

Cassandra Summers​

After Elena had rushed off to dinner, Cassandra remained in the same spot as she thought over the girl's words. The Princess had told her she had a match in mind for her, something the woman chose not to respond to as she felt it would only encourage Elena more to see her curious. In reality, Cassandra was curious as to who this man could be. She really hoped the poor man would not be put into an awkward position tomorrow evening, especially should he have no interest in her. "Oh, Cassie, why do you put these crazy ideas into their heads?" she quietly berated herself. Cassandra believed the Princess would have her work cut out for her trying to find a match for a single woman who was no longer considered young.

Cassandra regained her composure and switched her mind back to her duties. She headed straight to the kitchen to make sure everything was running smoothly. She overheard a couple of maids mentioning the atmosphere in the dining room was already chilly, even with half of the family yet to arrive. After directing some of the girls to attend to their duties rather than gossiping, Cassandra stepped back out onto the corridor. She approached the dining room doors and placed her hand on the handle, ready to pull it. She froze as she overheard Christopher's voice raised to question how the King had spent his day. "Perhaps in a few minutes," she whispered to the nearby guard. She slowly pulled her hand away and stood against the opposite wall. "You're safer out here, Lance," she lightly assured the guard, the corners of her mouth raising to a devious smirk.

After hanging on for a short time and hearing no further raised voices, Cassandra decided it may be safe to enter the dining room. The guard opened the door for her this time and Cassandra stepped inside, maintaining a warm smile on her lips as she regarded each of the family members present. Given that she was relatively close with the King and Queen, she felt confident entering the room and wasn't intimidated by those above her. Christopher could be insufferable and she often didn't hold her tongue if he pushed her enough, but she knew as that man grew colder she may not get away with being so outspoken in the future. She stood beside the servant, Mary, who was no doubt uncomfortable in the toxic atmosphere. "Go to the kitchen and get a jug of fresh water. Take your time," she whispered to the girl, hoping to give her a little break. Cassandra glanced to the Master of Security, sending him a knowing smirk. She wondered what he thought of the volatile atmosphere around him this evening.

 

[Bellz]

Rosalind Langston​

"You are already late Rosalind what are you doing!?' Hattie clucked about as she normally did whilst Rosalind tried to get ready as quickly as possibly. "Well when you tie me up in a death trap, things run a little slower Hattie my dear, I can hardly breathe with this on." Rosalind wasn't complaining too much about the corset she normally wore but she liked to get Hattie's feathers all ruffled up. Rosalind knew she would be late now but there was nothing she could do about it for the time being. Once she slipped into her dress for dinner and she slipped into a pair of matching shoes, she headed out the door, leaving Hattie to straighten up her quarters and have some time to herself. Rosalind had expected Christopher to be waiting, he had done so a few times before. Looking around, the dark Prince was no where to be seen. Biting her lip gently, she knew she was really late now before heading down the hall in the direction she was sure was the way to the dining room. Soon during her travels however, she would find herself seeing that all the halls practically looked the same. Her eyes went wide as she wondered if she had truly gotten herself lost until a familiar face appeared in the hallway. "Arabella!" She sighed with relief as she walked faster towards the girl. "Lead the way darling, I can't believe I made it this far. Was I headed the right way?" She asked curiously as she waited for the girl to turn on her heels and head back to the dining area with her.

There was little time for talk as Rosalind was well aware that she must have been very late now, the effort she put in to getting their quickly was nerve racking to her for the moment, not wanting to get on anyone's bad side. Stepping foot at the double doors, the guards were about to open them before Rosalind held up her hands. "One moment please." She turned away from the door and looked to Arabella a moment. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed herself from the little adventure it took to get there before composing herself completely. Tucking a stray hair behind her ear, she nodded to the guards again and placed a delicate smile on her face as she entered the room. The tension in the air was suffocating and slapped Rosalind in the face as soon as she took her seat at the table. "My apologies everyone, I was heading in the right direction...however the hallways began to look very similar. Arabella found me however, and led the way." Once firmly sat, she adjusted her dark colored dress and looked up at the family that was now seated around her. Her brow raised slightly but she said nothing as her eyes met Christopher's for a moment, sending him a clear message of wondering where the hell he had been.

Both could have been saved the embarrassment and the trouble of being ridiculed later if he would just get over his prideful ways. Rosalind wanted to make it clear that she wasn't happy about this arrangement in the slightest, however, that didn't mean she wouldn't try to make it work. He was just making it difficult for anything to work at the moment, so she won't put in the effort until he does.
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Mentions: Misty Gray With:@Misty Gray Melanin-Gxdess Emotional Enigma ElectricDandellion

 

[Bellz]

Margaret Ravenswood​

Margaret smiled at the conversation she was having with Maxwell, he was far more down to earth than the rest of the people she was forced to associate with on a daily and he had a passion for animals much like she did. Maggie would have stayed longer, however, once again looking down at the mud and hay along with wet grass on the bottom of her dress, she knew she needed to get ready for dinner. "Patch eh? Don't tell poor Cherry that!" Her voice was soft yet teasing and playful. "I do apologies Maxwell, but I must head off to dinner before one of my family member's has my head." Maggie admitted with a soft grumble before sighing. "I shall return in the morning to tend to the other horses." With that, she turned and headed towards the Palace, not leaving Maxwell a chance to say any formal goodbyes.

Maggie had returned to her room and cleaned up quickly with the help of her ladies in waiting. Soon she was practically running down the hall towards the dining room. Luckily, as she arrived and slowed her breathing, she could see that she wasn't the only one late to the dinner. The future queen herself was missing from the table and Maggie took her seat without being noticed by her family who were already arguing with one another about whatever they felt was important. Maggie allowed a servant to pour her a glass of wine, seeing as how she would already need it to get through this dinner.

She hoped the food would arrive quickly. Conversation with her family was something that she always dreaded, as it always seemed to end in some sort of tension disaster. The tension in the air at the moment was rather high for dinner just starting. Instead of stuffing her face with food like she did to avoid conversation, she took to her wine glass and held it up to her lips, drinking slowly, listening as the bickering continued. She looked at her family over the glass, praying she wouldn't be dragged into it but knowing she would have no choice but to be dragged. Rosalind arrived just in time to save her from anything, gracefully gliding to the table and taking her seat before apologizing to the table. Maggie offered her a nod as she polished off her first drink, holding up her glass for more.
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Mentions: Misty Gray with: Misty Gray Melanin-Gxdess Emotional Enigma ElectricDandellion

 

[Misty Gray]

Christopher Ravenswood
& King Robert Ravenswood

The King watched as Christopher took the glass of port back to his place and set it down beside his glass of wine. He figured his son took after him with his own keen taste for alcohol, but would be sure to lecture him about it later. The Prince needed to keep a clear head and have his wits about himself as much as possible. Too much rested on his shoulders to fall into the path of alcoholism. The King was, of course, wrong in his assumptions that Christopher had a drink problem. Christopher would argue the only problem was that he was never drunk enough.

Robert looked back to Elena as she spoke up about Rosalind. It took him by surprise to hear the Princess defending her eldest brother and it was also a shock to his system to hear her speaking up about grown-up matters in the first place. "You're quite right, Elena. A future queen does require independence and common sense. There just needs to be compromise in the meantime." He looked back to Christopher. "You will not let this happen again. If you can't control your fiancee's movements then how do you intend to command the country?"

As if on cue, Rosalind entered the dining room. Her timing was perfect as it disrupted Christopher's thoughts. Had she not arrived, he would have surely snapped at the King and with his patience completely worn, he wouldn't have held back. That would have only led to his own suffering behind closed doors. The Prince took a deep breath and regained his composure. He could now see that his father was baiting him into an overreaction, not only for him to look bad in front of his siblings but for any punishment to be warranted. He needed to play along if he were to avoid all of that.

Christopher listened to Rosalind's apology and when she sat down, he turned to her to meet her eyes. She was annoyed with him, of that he could tell. This entire day was becoming far too tedious. He looked down to his lap before eventually turning back to Rosalind and admiring her beauty. He was too stubborn to get to know her, but he could at least appreciate her looks until the day he felt compelled to learn about her. "I'm glad Arabella was there to assist you," he told Rosalind, his voice calm and genuine. Arabella was diligent and hardworking, he had to credit her for that. "I will ensure I'm there to escort you in the future," he added.

Once everyone was present for dinner, the maid began serving the food, with Cassandra watching on like a worried mother watching her child take her first steps. She had faith in Mary's capabilities, but not in the way fate worked. She would remain firmly in her spot in case there were any complaints...


@ everyone at dinner - Kind of leaving this open in case any of you want to throw in a little table drama or interaction! Christopher is a ticking time-bomb tonight.
ElectricDandellion Melanin-Gxdess Bellz Angelofwishes7 Lost mkuchiha
Mention: Emotional Enigma

 

[Melanin-Gxdess]

Jocelyn sat for a second, thinking over the context of hung and hanged and realized he was right. She pursed her lips and nodded at him. "You've won this round, dear brother." Taking a sip from her drink, she accepted her mother's kiss and watched as she made her way around, lingering on Christopher. It didn't bother her too much, figuring the future king needed more of his mothers love now more than ever. She just sat and observed everyone in the room, definitely feeling the tension that was in the air. Her head nodded along with Elena as she told her father their future plans. "Yes, taking a ride today will be lovely." It wasn't meant to sound sarcastic, it was just her tone and how she always spoke. Her mother glared at her and she simply shrugged. She couldn't help how words came out of her mouth and there was no way she was going to try and learn how now.

Christopher and her father basically going at it piqued her interest, however. No one knew where the future Queen was and frankly, she could care less. Not because it was your stereotypical ice princess move, but because she didn't like her. Much to upbeat and peppy to be marrying into the family. Yes, her sister's were sort of the same but she grew up with them and grew used to it from them. If they were expecting her to get used to this girl they were out of luck. "If we're being honest, you should be able to find the dining room on your own. It's literally the easiest room to find." She was jumping to her brother's aid, despite their earlier sibling argument. That was one thing about the royal children. They would always jump to each other's aide when needed.

Once Christopher lashed back, Jocelyn opened her mouth to speak again but her mother beat her to the punch.

"Now," she began, turning her head to face both her son and husband. "We are not going to start with your issues again during dinner. This is one of the only times we get to spend time together." She would need to make a mental note to chastise Robert for saying what he had later. For now, she'd let it go and gave Christopher a smile. "Escort your future wife to dinner tomorrow, okay?" For her husband she gave him a stern look. Her attention was then brought to her younger daughter and the cup of port she had. Of course, Krista knew what it was, being some version of Elena in the past. Though she wasn't going to berate the girl in front of her father. Besides, Christopher took the cup and claimed it as her own, warming her heart. Seeing her children cover and take care of each other, despite their sibling rivalry, was something she always wanted.

But, the warmth in her heart began to fade when she heard her husband again messing with her son. She tapped her husbands wrist and gave him a 'knock it off' look before speaking. "Oh, leave the boy alone. Let him enjoy his dinner, in peace please? I'd like to keep to political talk far away from the dinner table as possible." She was grateful when Rosalind walked in, cutting off the king from speaking.

Krista's feelings towards the girl were mixed. She liked her, but at the same time she found her a headache and annoying. At the moment, she was annoying. Jocelyn's words about being able to find the dining room lingered in her head as she found herself agreeing. Though, because she was a nice person, wouldn't say any of that aloud.

​

 

[ElectricDandellion]

Elena Ravenswood

As her eldest sister spoke of the horses, Elena felt her stomach empty. “Jocelyn, do not feel forced to come with me if you don’t want to. Your tone says that much,” she rolled her head back slightly and sighed quietly. Perhaps it would have been nicer to be on her own riding, especially as her sister didn’t seem to be too eager.

The look her father gave her after she spoke up made her scowl internally, though externally, her brows furrowed lightly. It seemed to have shocked him to have heard his youngest speak up about such matters, and, being the youngest, wasn’t particularly expected to. Though, the look of pure confusion made her slightly amused. “What is that look of bewilderment for, father?” She smirked jokingly, “I do, despite popular rumour, have opinions on the matters in this here palace,” A grin twisted on her lips as she spoke jokingly, hoping to lighten her father’s mood to at least release the tension in the dining room. As he spoke of compromise, she merely lightly nodded, not quite agreeing in the slightest. If Rosalind were to be the future queen, then her dependence on others had to drop significantly. After all, what good is a queen who doesn’t even know her own home.

Suddenly, the thought of their future home when Christopher became king crossed her mind. Would they all still live here? Would he kick them out? The very thought gripped onto her mind like a vice, that was, until her other sister walked in, and she smiled at her in welcome. “You didn’t miss much,” Elena mumbled to her sister, rolling her eyes. “Unless much is father and brother bickering, it was rather interesting,” she whispered, in a tone that made it so that only the two would be able to hear.

As Jocelyn remarked on finding the dining room, Elena nodded in dire agreement. It was true, out of all rooms, the one guarded by security was easily the most obvious room dinner was to be held in. “Clearly, it is a rather extreme hassle, Jocelyn, have some sympathy,” Voice dripping in sarcasm, she was hoping to at least make her eldest sister smile at her comment, so she knew she was joking. If not, she wasn’t ready to start another argument.

However, her conversation stopped abruptly when Rosalind walked in. All conversations seemed to drop, and she personally allowed her eyes to follow the woman. The least she could do was arrive on time, and she noticed Jocelyn’s sharp gaze on the future queen reflecting similar emotions. Elena, and many of her other siblings, were aware that Jocelyn didn’t think too highly of Christopher’s fiancé. She did, after all, have her head in the clouds, a trait not typically beneficial for a future queen. Her apologies seemed to be dismissed by everyone, though the way she looked at Christopher was clear that she was annoyed at him. Perhaps she was entitled to, having been lost in the palace finding the dining room. Elena found it somewhat hard to believe, but she had been born in the palace, and knew her way around it like the back of her hand.

Though intrigued by the arguments and rather amused by them to say the least, she was grateful for her mother to stop the arguments. A headache was starting to form from the ruckus arising in the room, and Elena certainly didn’t want to endure the pain caused by the stress, and possibly, the alcohol she had earlier consumed. But, as her head turned, she noticed Cassandra in the room, and she sent a warm smile in her direction, knowing the woman was well adored by most of the family. She saw how she let one of the maids out for a few moments, probably to allow her to relax after the overwhelming family had entered the dining room.

As food began to get served, Elena picked up the correct cutlery, waiting for the others before she started to eat. The food was delicious, and it sent a radiance throughout her body after the chaos she put it through earlier on that day. “The chefs have outdone themselves,” Elena remarked, wiping her mouth with the back of her cotton napkin before adding, “Cassandra, please let the chefs know that their services this evening have been outstanding,”

It only took her a few minutes to realise that Cassandra and Alexander had exchanged smiles. Yes, they’d make a good match indeed.

Misty Gray Bellz Melanin-Gxdess​

 

[mkuchiha]

At his room, Romeo drew a warm bath and proceeded to scrub the days events out of his system. When he finished, he put on a towel and headed back to his chambers to dress. He wore a simple cream colored tunic, a forest green vest, and trousers of the same color. He finished the outfit off with some brown hunting boots and an ornamental belt with a sheath that held a small hunting knife.

When the youngest prince entered the dining room, he was shocked to see that the whole family was already there.

Romeo bowed slightly to his parents, but didn't make eye contact.

"Sorry I'm late." He apologized before taking a seat.

 

[Bellz]

Rosalind Langston and Margaret Ravenswood​

Despite her future husbands coldness to the rest of the world, the genuine tone of voice seemed honest. The rest of the room seemed to be irritated by her late arrival, but Rosalind was taught not to care what others thought. She was future queen after all, a queen was never late, everyone else was simply early. At least that was what she needed to tell herself to make it through this dreaded dinner. She was well aware of what most of the family was less than pleased to have her but it didn't matter to her either way, she wasn't marrying the family. If Christopher had enough sense to be cordial with her then she was content. She nodded her head slowly at his words and offered a soft smile. "Thank you, your highness." She murmured to him before turning to the rest of the table, she was aware of his eyes staring her way a bit longer than usual, seeming to only admire her looks and nothing else about herself. Rosalind was fine with that, she would treat him in the same manner. Sure she knew a lot about the prince's past from servants and such but it seemed to her that something was missing that they weren't telling her or perhaps they just didn't know. She wondered often what made him so cold.

For now, those thoughts were pushed away as the table seemed to quiet down in her presence looking around she held up her hands slightly. "Oh please don't stop conversation on my account, continue." She said, trying to make sure the the room knew that if they had been talking about her, she didn't mind in the slightest. Conversation seemed to only cease when you walk into a room if the guest were talking about you. Rosalind took a deep breath before a servant was at her side pouring her a drink. Exactly what she needed in that moment to calm her nerves. She thanked the servant kindly before taking a sip from her glass.

In that moment, the youngest prince was the last to enter the room. A small smirked arrived on her face as she wondered if they would judge him as harshly as they were judging her. Probably not, which was what she always assumed, they were family after all and she was not. Rosalind remained calm and confident in herself however, "Have I missed anything in my short absence?" She wondered out loud, allowing herself to look Christopher's way, seeing as he was the only one willing to speak to her so openly.

Maggie surprised her by speaking up first. "Nothing of dire importance Rosalind." Her soft voice was the only one to be heard at the silent table. The shy princess bit her lip nervously, meeting the future Queen's kind eyes before she looked away, always unable to maintain eye contact with anyone for long. She too turned back to her drink after the servant refilled it, she brought it to her lips once more and let the liquid consume her, hoping that they would be able to have a nice and quiet dinner tonight.
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Mentions: Misty Gray With:@Misty Gray Melanin-Gxdess Emotional Enigma ElectricDandellion mkuchiha Angelofwishes7 Lost

 

[Misty Gray]

Maxwell Tanner​

Maxwell had let Margaret leave without further delay. The last thing he would have wanted was to make the Princess late for dinner and find himself in trouble for delaying her. Still, he'd enjoyed their conversation and how friendly she had been to him. He hoped the others would feel just as comfortable around him in the future as he hated how the barrier between royalty and servant had recently been strengthened again. He watched the Princess leave before he returned Cherry to her part of the stables.

Once finished tending to the horses, Maxwell headed back towards the wooden shack he called his home. It didn't look like much from the outside, but he'd made it very homely inside and would much rather reside there than in the shared quarters other servants slept within. His own sister, Amelia, slept inside the servants' area of the palace and she assured him he was better off living where he did.

After changing out of his dirty clothes, Maxwell returned outside and sat out on his old wooden rocking chair, watching the last of the sunset and then gazing to the clear starry sky. He was briefly distracted by Willard, the old gardener. They had a brief conversation before the older man retreated to his own living quarters. A small smile crept onto Maxwell's face as he relaxed out in the calm, peaceful air. He didn't doubt the next day would be stressful and restrictive, being that he was to work inside the palace.

 

[Melanin-Gxdess]

Hearing the disappointment in Elena's voice, Jocelyn started to reassure her. "If I didn't want to tag along, I wouldn't have said yes, dear sister." She took a sip from her glass as the food was brought out and placed in front of her. Sometimes she wished her tone was a bit different and that she could control how she said the things that came out of her mouth. Alas, she couldn't and therefore her sister would just have to suck it up. Jocelyn then smiled at her sister's comment. The effort she had taken to even try and make her smile was something she loved about her. Joyce would definitely have to make it up to her at a later time. "Clever girl, you." She said in a playful voice before picking up some bread and placing it in her mouth.

Soon, the rest of her siblings filled into the room and she just shook their heads. She was sure their mother was going to say something to them, but for now she seemed so invested in her dinner and whatever was going on between herself and her husband. The sight made Jocelyn queasy, the whole romantic thing. She herself could never see herself in such a relationship, though she knew she would eventually be forced into one. There were a few people she wouldn't mind being her husband, however, but only because they'd be nice to look at every evening.

When Rosalind asked what they were talking about, no one spoke up. Jocelyn looked around the room and shrugged, taking this as an opportunity. "Oh nothing really. Just how easy it is to find the dining room. That and how independent a queen is supposed to be, things like that." She laughed to herself and then made a 'tsss' noise. "Basically, how you are nothing like a queen." She said bluntly. To say she disliked the girl was not the right word to use. She was an outsider to her and her family and Jocelyn just didn't like new people or change. So of course she was going to be a bit bitchy. ​

 

[Misty Gray]

Christopher Ravenswood
& King Robert Ravenswood

Christopher couldn't help but smirk when Jocelyn admitted he had won the latest round of their ongoing petty battle. Of course, he didn't need to be told such a thing. When it came to his siblings, he would always win. If he didn't, he would just have to change the rules.

The King raised a curious eyebrow as Elena asked him why he was surprised she'd spoken up. Then she explained that she too had opinions regarding palace matters. "Well, I'm proud that my daughter has an analytical mind, of course. I'd hate to have idiot children," he said, with a warm, somehow encouraging smile. "Though, as you get a little older, you will realise you don't need to have opinions, dear. You will be able to let your future husband do all of the thinking then."

When Romeo entered the dining room and apologised for being late, Christopher looked to his father. He wasn't surprised by the King's lack of response, but it didn't mean he wasn't irritated by the man's silence. Had he been late, he knew he would have been lectured or yelled at. Hell, even Rosalind was getting her fair share of criticism for it. No, the King was clearly set on trying to get to Christopher this evening, so much that he was allowing the others to turn up late.

"Don't be late again," Robert calmly told Romeo, sending him a brief glare.

Christopher listened as Jocelyn spoke to Rosalind in quite a rude and disrespectful manner. Perhaps it was because he enjoyed being the controversial one, but he didn't like what he was hearing. His eldest and youngest sisters were being quite bitchy towards his fiancee and it was grating on him. Perhaps he and Rosalind had something in common, being that neither of them seemed to fit into his siblings' little worlds. He reached for his glass of port and took a long, slow sip as he glanced to Rosalind beside him. He wanted to see how she would react to Jocelyn before he considered stepping in and putting his sisters in their place. He also had to wonder if the King was going to stop Jocelyn, being that he had chosen the woman to be future queen, so by default, his daughters were questioning his decision-making.

Melanin-Gxdess (Jocelyn) Bellz (Rosalind) ElectricDandellion (Elena) mkuchiha (Romeo)

 

[ElectricDandellion]

Elena Ravenswood

Elena looked towards Jocelyn with a grin, nodding gently. “I suppose so,” she mumbled, watching as she took a sip from her wine. Seeing the purple-crimson liquid made her stomach flip. Truth be told, she was excited to see Alistair in all of his glory. The beautiful, black stallion was a gentle giant. Her favourite and only horse. She had never wanted another after Alistair. She was also glad to have made Jocelyn smile, and lighten the mood slightly.

Hearing her father talk and compliment her on her analytic mind had a small, genuine smile emerge on her lips. However, when he mentioned a husband, she audibly scoffed out loud, face stricken with a mix of disgust and worry. Eyes drifting to her mother, she attempted to receive some sort of assistance in handling their idiot of a father, who believed that her opinions suddenly ceased to exist as soon as she were married. Her eyes then floated to Rosalind, shock still drowning her own expression. Was Rosalind expected to not have an opinion on matters now she had been married off? Surely having a submissive, regimented, lifeless wife was worse than having a slightly outspoken one. Her heart suddenly grew sympathetic for Rosalind, with her eldest brother as her future husband, she had no hope. “In that case, father, perhaps I shan’t get married at all,” Elena blinked a few times, still surprised at what he had said. “If my opinion does not matter to a suitor, then that suitor is not suitable nor does he matter to me. Besides, I’m too young to be thinking of marriage, surely?” Thick brows furrowing into a frown that wouldn’t alter, she shook her head and clenched her teeth. There was no way she would tolerate such behaviour in a future husband with an attitude like that of her father. Her attempts at lightening the conversation with her father, however, had completely backfired and had her fiery and irritant.

Hearing Rosalind speak about continuing the conversation, she smirked at her bravery at speaking up to the whole family. She respected that more than she could visually let on, more than a soft smile. “Rosalind,” she mumbled, taking a long sip from her glass of water, “What is your opinion on supposedly not having an opinion when married?” Elena asked, in a rather kind tone, but her eyes slithered to stare daggers at her father, then kindly drifted to Christopher. “Do you think father is right in saying that I should, in fact, be asking Christopher for your opinion.” With a grin of disbelief, she put her head in her hand. “Christopher, would you prefer me to ask you for Rosalind’s opinion, or rather, should I ask the woman herself who has actually conjured up that opinion for herself?” Finding herself suddenly snapping, it was clear that she was not snapping at either Rosalind or Christopher, but rather her father.

As Romeo rocked up late, Elena scowled. Eyes drifting to their father, she found her frown deepening. “Well that certainly is not fair,” she suddenly spoke. Wow, her filter tonight had definitely been obliterated. “Whenever I’m late you give me a lecture about it, hell, you even got iffy with Rosalind about it, but Romeo gets off the hook as easy as that?” Elena felt her eyes look longingly at her plate of food. “Unbelievable,” she whispered under her breath, picking up some buttered bread and chewing it reluctantly. She had really put herself in trouble now after what she had said, a certain nervousness now eating at her stomach, though she avoided making her worry visible externally.

Bellz Misty Gray Melanin-Gxdess mkuchiha​

 

[Angelofwishes7]

Alexander Rotinya Krow

​

Alexander watched as the rest of the family made their way to the dining room and took their place at the table. Though sadly with every person that entered, the atmosphere became evermore stressful and harsh. The mixture of emotions and heated arguments where to be expected with the family at dinner time. Though, Alexander did wish they would get along and enjoy each others company while they were together, even if it was a rare occasion. One day when they've all grown and separated they may wish for dinners like this together to happen again, to have a chance to be a family. Alexander pushed the thought from his mind, they may learn in time, but for now, those thoughts would help nothing.

When he noticed Cassandra walk in and smile at him, he couldn't help but return it with his own signature charming smirk. He and Cassandra were some of the most experienced staff here and he enjoyed her company. Not to say there weren't others who had been here just as long or even longer than them, but quite a lot of staff lost their drive or motivation when working for the royal family for so long. They lost their happiness and uniqueness, but Cassandra was an exception to that, always kind-hearted and friendly to those around her.

Alexander slowly brought his gaze back to the royal family, looking at the table as a whole rather than staring at someone particularly. Though his gaze quickly moved to the doorway when the door opened. Romeo had just walked in. Taking a second to look down at his watch then look back up to the prince, Alexander took a deep breath. The prince was late, and this was just going to add to the commotion and hassle that was going on with the rest of the family. Watching the prince apologize then take his place with the rest of the family at the dining table, Alexander's theory was soon confirmed as Elena spoke up. He sure did hope that the young princess didn't get her bother in too much trouble with her words. She seemed more angry with her father rather than Romeo, but her actions could cause issues for more than just herself, and it made Alexander wish that they princess would think about her words and the actions they could cause before she spoke out in anger or frustration.

It was times like these that Alexander wished he could speak up and say something to everyone, but he knew better. Instead, he lightly bit his tongue and watched on, not getting involved unless spoken to. The only other way he'd get involved was if any of the royal family became physically violent, but that would a huge surprise since the family never really did more than argue and bicker with each other. He was only a bystander, and he knew his place in this room.

-------------------- Mentions --------------------
Lost ElectricDandellion Misty Gray Melanin-Gxdess Bellz mkuchiha

-------------------- Interactions --------------------
Open​

 

[Bellz]

Rosalind Langston​

Rosalind was a little taken aback but Jocelyn's words, though according to the servants around here, she had a reputation for being cold. She hadn't talked to her much...not that the girl allowed her to. She wasn't the type of woman to be cold, however, the way she tended to stick up for herself often annoyed other's as she was sweet as a peach while doing it. She looked to the table who seemed clearly to be anticipating some sort of response. Rosalind simply let out a sweet laugh before smiling Jocelyn's way. "I do apologize if I don't come across as a Queen to you, however, if I let your little option get in my way then I really wouldn't be well off as a Queen now would I darling?" She paused to take a casual sip of her wine before setting the glass down. "Granted the dining room may be easy to find for yourself, however, in today's agenda I am sure you weren't doing duties that a Queen would have to take care of, quite frankly, I'm sure you had your fair share of fun today. Must be lovely, acting like a child and having no consequences. Whilst I grew up and are now quite tired from today's endeavors, the dining room was a little tricky to find because of such fatigue." Rosalind's smile was permanently fixed on her face but her eyes said something a little more than what her smile was portraying. She tilted her head slightly, "Making little clever comments is for children, I suggest you stop acting like one." With that Rosalind turned her attention away and before much could be done on Jocelyn's part, the previous conversation that she had missed seemed to be heating up.

She barely had any other time to take another sip of her wine before Elena began speaking. Rosalind listened closely to the girl's concerns. She didn't have siblings, if she did though, she would want a little sister. Elena followed suit with Jocelyn a lot of the time, not being very kind to the future Queen. However, she gave Elena a little more slack than Jocelyn, as she was still a child. The girl's outspokenness concerned her, not that she didn't respect it, it moved her deeply actually. Rosalind knew the King's perspective on the matter however, it was made clear when she was chosen. Now that all eyes were on her again, Elena questioning what she thought on the matter, she wasn't sure what to do. Her eyes went wide a moment, turning her head to look Christopher's way, surely he had to have been taken aback by such a question. Once she stopped speaking, the girl looked nervous, eyeing her father across the table in fear it seemed. "Elena..." Rosalind spoke to the young princess, her tone a bit softer than it had been for Jocelyn. "A wife can be outspoken and have her own opinion...however, in society, there is a time and a place for it. In a private setting such as this for example, is a reasonable time for your voice to be heard. Public affairs are off the table when it comes to voicing our opinion." She wondered if she was making this situation any better or worse, it didn't matter if the King or even Christopher were to lecture her about these words later...she needed to comfort the young princess, she needed to know the there was still hope. "A woman controls from the inside my dear, surely our husbands as just husbands will support the words we chose to tell them, the opinions we want to share. But in the world, outside of home, the men are something much more than what they are to us, and it is our duty to make it seem that way. Don't mistaken what you see politically as what happens privately." Rosalind once again felt like she was shoved into the spotlight and she wanted to hide under the table. She squeezed her glass lightly before bringing it up to take another sip. The food that sat before her looked unappetizing now, her appetite gone.
________________________________________________________________
Mentions: Misty Gray Melanin-Gxdess Emotional Enigma ElectricDandellion mkuchiha Angelofwishes7 Lost

 

[Misty Gray]

Christopher Ravenswood
& King Robert Ravenswood

When Elena concluded she shouldn't get married at all, King Robert let out a hearty laugh. It was a mixture of patronising mockery. "You're not too young, dear. I could start communications with potential suitors this evening, if you think I'm not serious. You need to remember your place, girl," he sternly told her.

Christopher momentarily forced his attention from Rosalind to stare a single, piercing dagger at his father. "Would that not mess with the order of things? Heaven forbid you would go against your own plans," he hissed. Whether she liked it or not, Jocelyn was the next in line for marriage and he didn't believe for one minute that the King would really be so petty. He didn't wish to dwell on the side argument, instead drawing his attention back to Rosalind as she spoke. A twisted smiled crossed his lips as he listened to his fiancee fire back at Jocelyn. The way she called his sister a child was sweet music to his ears. He could easily resolve his issues with his siblings or care not if an argument was never closed, but Rosalind was taking a big risk upsetting a woman who was not yet family. If he would have one thing in common with his future wife, it would be that they were both outcasts to his siblings. "Well, she got you there, Jocelyn. You truly are acting like a child. Perhaps you should look to the future, where Rosalind is the Queen and her importance exceeds your own."

Christopher then looked to Elena, who was posing questions clearly aimed at getting to their father rather than himself. He listened as Rosalind spoke first. He felt compelled to allow her to speak and finish her answer before he would give his own. "Around this table, Elena? Rosalind is correct that there is a time and a place. Around this table, in the privacy of our family, Rosalind is entitled to an opinion. I'm entitled to tell her if it's wrong, mind you," he added, not even joking. He glanced to his mother and bit his bottom lip as he chose his next words. "I'd want my wife to speak up on family matters. If I wasn't treating our children the way a father should, I'd want their mother to speak up." Robert and Krista would be right to take that as a personal attack on them. He then looked back to Elena. "I would prefer you to ask Rosalind for her opinion," he concluded. Even Christopher himself wasn't sure if he was simply answering in a manner that would annoy his father or if he really would be considerate of Rosalind's ideas. In the end, he knew it would be his own word that mattered, in politics and in private.

Unlike Rosalind, Christopher quite happily ate some of his dinner. Arguments and disruptions were normal to him by now. Mostly, he enjoyed seeing those around him squirm, so this didn't kill his appetite in the slightest.

Elena then directed her attention to Romeo's poor timekeeping and began questioning the King's choice to let the Prince of lightly. This did cause Christopher to stop eating as he had a clear view of his father's hand tense up. The others wouldn't have the same split second warning the heir had. He barely placed his fork down on his plate when the King rose to his feet. "UNBELIEVABLE?!" the King's voice roared. "What's unbelievable is your attitude and your belief that you can question me. Perhaps we have been too easy on you, girl. That's going to change," he said, glancing to Christopher. He then looked back to Elena, his face red and full of fury. "Leave your dinner and get out of this dining room. NOW! GO!" his voice boomed. "You will be dealt with, but you will not interrupt my dinner."


Melanin-Gxdess (Jocelyn, Krista) Bellz (Rosalind) ElectricDandellion (Elena) mkuchiha (Romeo)

 

[Melanin-Gxdess]

Jocelyn was taken aback from Rosalind's words. She truly didn't expect her to say what she did and so quickly either. Part of her wanted to give applause but the other part wanted to jump across the table. Hearing her own brother agree with this girl came as a shock, but not too much of one. However, it did feel like a small stab in the back that she'd choose her side over her own. A small smirk did appear on her lips when she spoke back. "A child? For telling the truth and giving my own opinion I'm a child.." She nodded her head and drank from her cup again before silently speaking to herself. "Lovely." She was over the conversation, mostly because she had lost it.

She then listened as Elena spoke to Rosalind about marriage. Yes, she was smart and giving great insight but again, because of her pride, she would never admit to that. Since Joyce wasn't asked, she wouldn't give her opinion on the matter, but just observe. There were a lot of jabs going on around the table tonight, and she just ate her food listening to it all. Her mind was somewhere else, however, like who it was her own father would force her to marry. It was a thought she often had but would never tell anyone about. Would she be married to someone annoying? Younger? Older? She never knew. Her father's unpredictability was something she often feared.

Her thoughts were broken, hearing her father shout at Elena. She had missed what she said, but clearly it was something out of line. Her head snapped up to her father before drifting at her sister. It traveled back to her mother, pinching her nose in frustration. She quickly rose the cup to her lips as her mother raised her voice.

All of the arguments and petty comments was truly getting to Krista. Her daughters treating Rosalinda rudely, her younger children arriving to dinner late, not to mention Christopher's little jab and herself and her husband. All she wanted was to have a nice dinner amongst the people she held near and dear to her heart. But, it wasn't something she could have. After hearing her husband speak quite maliciously and then shout at Elena. She abruptly stood up and pushed her chair back. "If you all are going to act like animals than perhaps you should eat with them." She didn't shout as the King did, but her voice was loud and stern. "The only discussions we will be having at THIS dinner table will be ones of our day and our tomorrows. Talks of politics and opinions will not be shared at this table. Is that understood?" She connected eyes to everyone surrounding the table before finally landing on Robert's. She blamed him partially for a few of the topics brought up and for not ending the tense conversations in the first place.​

 

[ElectricDandellion]

Elena Ravenswood

Elena felt herself turn rosy at the cheeks when her father spoke of arranging marriages for her. His patronising laugh had her pride cracking into glass-like fragments. “Yes, father,” She mumbled through clenched teeth, although she wanted to scream at him at that very moment. After all, Elena had only just entered womanhood, what possible suitor would want a 16 year old wife? “Are they not all too old?” Her tone softened now as worry strengthened in her core. She didn’t doubt that her father would arrange her marriage out of spite, though she hoped he would have the humanity to prevent himself from doing so. Only God could decide whether Christopher was in the throne when her time to marry came, and she hoped he was, for she knew he wouldn’t force her to marry some old, stout-bellied man with a taste for younger ladies. It would be too peculiar for her to be married off as unripe an age she was. Her only true hope was that she’s would marry for love, not out of the sake of the kingdom or to higher another’s social status by taking her hand. Elena chewed the inside of her cheek, gaze dropping to her plate, fiddling with the food with her fork.

Upon momentarily lifting her gaze, she saw the way Christoper was staring with anger at their father, and then proceeded to express his anger verbally. At this, she stayed quiet, grateful for her brother to have spoken up and save her a second time that evening. It was true, their was a plan. Each sibling shipped off when they came to the right age, and if he skipped a stage in the cycle, it would turn everything crazy. It would be hectic to say the least. Elena kept her mouth firmly shut, jaw clenched as she turned to look over at her mother, who was visibly seething with anger. Though, she did find amusement in the argument between Rosalind and Jocelyn, preferring not to get on the wrong side of the further queen, yet not the current side of her sister’s wrath. It was a difficult place to be, so she stayed silent, occasionally smirking at the comments made and fired back and forth.

Hearing her name gently called, her head perked up, eyes resting on Rosalind’s. Her tone had grown much softer than the one she had taken with Joce, and so she felt calmer knowing the future queen wasn’t about to snap at her like her father had, but that may have been related to her rudeness. “It shouldn’t be that way, especially when we are expected to be baring the children of our husband’s, and, quite frankly, running around after them like headless chickens. It is not fair to speak in a certain time or place, no matter whether you’re a woman. It isn’t right,” she, too, had softened her tone, clearly upset with the ways in which it was socially unacceptable to voice an opinion if you were a woman, and she simply couldn’t grasp the concept, but knowingly accepted it. Things wouldn’t change if it were just she who thought it wrong. She felt herself comforted at the words Rosalind had spoken, and listened to her continue. “You’re right, I suppose,” Elena nodded, scratching her head with the palm of her hand, but still anger flashed in her eyes at what her father had decided to say to her.

But, then Christopher spoke up, and she felt compelled to listen after hearing Rosalind’s words. He would have to treat his words carefully, for the wrong slip of the tongue could make things rough between him and Rosalind, Elena had thought. “Perhaps not whether she is wrong, but whether you think what she has said is wrong,” her tone wasn’t assertive, but held the same softness she took with Rosalind. “There are various perspectives to an opinion, and you cannot just outright claim it wrong or right. If she were to do that to you, you’d throw a fit,” elena stayed calmly, trying to ease her opinion back in an attempt to make Christopher’s view more mouldable. Though, when he spoke up about the matter of raising children, it wasn’t clear that it was a direct hit to their parents, and Elena felt herself awkwardly taking a drink, unable to disagree given what she had witnessed a long time ago. Eyes sympathetic, she sent Christopher a warm smile, especially for backing her up about his thinking she should ask Rosalind herself. “Thank you,” she exclaimed with a satisfied nod, taking a sip from her glass of water.

With her father suddenly shouting, Elena felt herself jump, eyes widening in slight fear. The way her father screamed had her wincing slightly, especially as he stood and she cowered in her chair slightly, expectant for him to hit her like she had witnessed him do to Christopher long, long ago. With a mass of reluctance, she dragged her heavy gaze to look over at her father, who’s face was red in anger. Visibly chewing her bottom lip, she gingerly stood, his ominous voice practically shaking through her body. Nostrils widening, she pushed her chair from the table and briskly stood, fists clenched as she attempted to disguise her fear with anger.

As she stood, her mother stood, shouting about dinner, and how everyone was behaving like animals. Again, she found comfort in her mother’s words. “Am I to stay then, Mother?” She questioned, voice slightly shaky from the adrenaline that ran through her after being half-startled to death.

Misty Gray Bellz Melanin-Gxdess​

 

[Emotional Enigma]

After departing from Rosalind, Arabella stayed awhile. She watched the banquet as the family and guests laughed and conversed. She felt a familiar ache in her chest, the longing to sit around the fire with her family, to see her mother one last time before something bad may happen. At this moment, she decided she would leave. It was a heart stopping decision and made her blood almost ice cold. She was very much worried about not being able to get back into the castle or perhaps being caught leaving the grounds, but surely they wouldn't hang her for leaving for only a few hours, right? She gathered her courage and silently, sped back to the Prince's quarters. She fixed his bed from her earlier putting clothes on the sheets, cleaned out the bathtub. Next, she finished her chore of pulling out his clothes for the next day and setting them neatly on top of his dresser. With one last glance towards the room, she slipped out sneakily as to not make any noise in the hallway.
Arabella could barely contain her excitement. The expression on her mother's face and father's to see her arriving home gave her goosebumps. She'd join them for a late night dinner and conversation. How she missed the smell of hay and cooking bread. The sweet taste of home and warm feeling of being surrounded by love. It hadn't always been easy being home but she missed it and put off going home far too long.
She had made it back to her room soundly and quickly began packing a large, deer skinned bag of a water canteen and her notebook of duties. She stuffed a large, hand-knit blanket inside as well and a hunting knife for protection. Arabella changed herself into her riding gear; long boots, thick, black tights and a riding girdle with a ribbon tying her hair up into a ponytail. She departed her room with the bag around her shoulder and crept by the open dining room full of guests ad the royal family and was soon running down the rock path to the stables. The chilly air woke up her tired body and snapped into action. She passed by Maxwell's shack, hoping he was inside but didn't dare look at the shack. If she had, and had seen him and was caught, she couldn't lie and say she didn't notice him. It was important to cover her tracks if she planned to lie.
Arabella ran to Zeus's stall, him asleep and rising as she entered. Jasmine awoke within the stall as well and began to bark excitedly,
"Shhh, Jazzy," Arabella tried to hush her as she opened the door. She guided Zeus out and began to saddle him with a blanket underneath it.

Mentioned: Misty Gray (Maxwell)​

 

[Misty Gray]

Cassandra Summers​

Cassandra watched the chaos before her unfold as two separate, but heated, discussions were being exchanged across the dinner table. It seemed like everything she'd taught the royal children about manners and etiquette had been throw out of the window this evening. It took a lot of effort for her not to speak up about their lack of decorum. Perhaps the only reason she didn't say anything was because the King himself was angry and also partaking in the whole affair. When Christopher was the sole cause of disruptions, she found it easier to offer her thoughts as the King had a way of controlling his son should the volatile prince turn on her. Tonight was different and she wasn't about to put herself in the line of fire - she didn't have the luxury of being royalty. Still, at least the Queen spoke sense and reminded them that politics at dinner was poor taste.

Cassandra flinched upon seeing the King get up and shout at Elena. It upset her to see the poor girl yelled at by the man, even if she had pushed him and overstepped the mark. It also shocked her to see the King so furious, considering he tended to keep a level head in her presence. She would be sure to speak with Jocelyn and Elena the next day, both to check on their well-being but also to remind them of the things she'd taught them. She also made a mental note to catch Rosalind alone at some point and offer the poor young woman some encouragement. She could only imagine what it was like being thrown into the middle of the Ravenswood insanity, in addition to having to marry the Dark Prince.

She stood tense and took a deep breath as she anticipated what could possibly happen next. She once again turned to Alexander, the one person who was sure to remain consistent and unaffected during such heated moments. It reassured her to know she wasn't the only one having to remain neutral in these moments.

Mentions: Angelofwishes7 (Alexander) Bellz (Rosalind) ElectricDandellion (Elena) Melanin-Gxdess (Krista, Jocelyn)

 

[Misty Gray]

Maxwell Tanner​

Maxwell was content sat outside with a knitted blanket draped over himself to add additional warmth as the temperature started to drop. The air was fresh and the area around his shack peaceful. After a hard day's work, it was no surprise when his eyelids became heavy and he began to fall into a light sleep. He'd only been snoozing for a few minutes when he was suddenly woken by the sound of Jasmine barking from the stables.

"What the-?" Maxwell mumbled as he sat up straight. He rushed to his feet but ended up standing on the blanket and tripping up onto the floor, thankfully landing on the soft grass. "Shit. God damn it..." he cursed under his breath. He recovered and got back up to his feet, rubbing the dirt from his hands. He retrieved the musket from beside his wooden chair, often keeping it close by should he need to scare any predators away from the livestock. Right now, he wasn't sure if there was a security breach of sorts that may warrant him being armed. He then set off towards the stables, his pace quickening into a jog. When he entered, he saw Arabella preparing Zeus' saddle. He lowered his arm, allowing the musket to hang loosely in his hand. "Arabella?" he softly asked, hoping not to startle her. He was still a little flustered from his fall, but right now that wasn't his concern. "Are you heading off somewhere?" he curiously asked. "I mean, how will Prince Christopher manage to dress himself for bed if you're not there to guide him?" he playfully added, lowering his voice.

Emotional Enigma (Arabella)

 

[Emotional Enigma]

Arabella froze at the sound of her name being whispered in the night. It didn't sound like a guard or a guest, and the sound of her voice on this person's tone didn't make her want to flee. When she turned around, she exchanged a loud sigh of relief, "Max, you scared the holy spirit from my soul," She smiled, and even under the faint moonlight, she could see light casting shadows on his features. He looked tired and a little worn, but showcased his normal carefree expression. She grinned and rubbed a warm hand over a dirt smear on his cheek, "Why do you have dirt on your face? Why you playing with Jasmine?" She looked to her faithful companion as she sniffed Maxwell's trousers and sat obediently as his feet, tail wagging and mouth open.
Arabella guided Zeus further out of his stable, his fur cool and littered with hay. She shut the door and strapped her pack onto Zeus's saddle,
"Somehow, I think Christopher will survive the night without me," She chuckled as she yanked on the straps to assure their adjustments, "I'm just taking a short trip home. I'll be back before dawn." Arabella untied her pack opening briefly and pulled out a pair of black gloves and proceeded to shove them on her hands as the air whipped her ponytail around.
"Please, don't tell anyone," She glanced at him pitifully, "You can come with me or perhaps I can bring back a strudel," She had hoped he would fall for the strudel and not the offer of a short adventure. He had to stay on the grounds and if they were caught leaving together, it would only cause more of a ruckus. But if he had decided to come, she could use the company. She could also use the assurance she wasn't being childish.
Once her gloves were on, she studied him momentarily, "Do you..." Arabella wanted to hear she wasn't being selfish, she wasn't wrong for wanting to go home, "...ever miss where you came from?" She could feel guilt rising up in her throat like bile but choked it back uncomfortably.

Misty Gray​

 

[Bellz]

Rosalind Langston and Margaret Ravenswood​

Rosalind listened to Christopher's words and raised an eyebrow slightly, his words were not surprising, as he was sure he had been taught well in ways in which a woman fits into society from his father.The mention of what could be their future children made the young woman stiffen slightly, she had yet to think that far about her relationship with the Prince, seeing as how they barely spoke to one another about anything other than duties and the wedding. Yet there was something that the Prince offered that his father seemed to not, she at least had the freedom to be directly asked of her opinion. Rosalind eyed her fiancé for a moment longer before her attention turned back to Elena who was now trying to discuss how Christopher shouldn't simply tell his future wife that she is wrong, as he wouldn't like it if she did the same. Rosalind smiled at this, remember what she had been like at Elena's age and knowing that it was terribly hard to understand what it was like to grow up. She wished she could be that young again at times. Her appetite was slowly coming back, however, the King's shouting sent her heart into a gallop and she stiffened at the horrible sound. He was angry with his daughter for speaking so freely...he reminded her of her own father. Gulping slightly, she looked over to Christopher who seemed to not be startled or surprised by the sudden outburst of his father. It was hard not to react to such a thing, the man's booming voice echoed off the walls as he screamed at Elena, trying to send her to her room.

It was the Queen's voice who was the voice of reason and Rosalind nodded her head gently at her words. The young woman would rather go through the rest of dinner in silence than have a screaming match with the table. Her eyes looked to everyone there, stopping on Maggie, who was shaking like a leaf at her seat from all the loud noises. Rosalind sent her a small smile, trying to make sure the girl knew that everything was alright, even thought Rose hadn't the slightest clue if it would be. She hadn't been to enough dinner's to know yet. The awkward silence that surround the table did not ease the tension and Rosalind wondered who would dare to break it.

Maggie had been silently listening to the bickering at the table, not one for controversy, she practically hid in her seat with her glass of wine, drink one after another without notice as everyone around her was trying to see who could get the other to explode first. Maggie whimpered slightly as her father screamed, causing her to jump and spill a bit of her 5th glass of wine onto the table. The alcohol was making her head swim and barely sedated her nerves. Biting her lip, she looked to Elena with wide eyes, wondering if she had gone mad from disease or something as she challenged their father so brazenly. She knew that her sister's didn't believe in the conservative ways of her parents, but Maggie knew it was literally the only way to stay on their good side, was to obey. Maggie wanted to have a life outside of royalty, she wanted to switch lives with someone else, anyone else and live a different life. Away from the tension and lies.

Once the shouting had stopped, her mother stepped in, causing Maggie to take a deep breath of relief. "Please..no more." Maggie said softly as she tried to reason with her brothers and sisters looking to her father last, trying to reason with him silently. She could hardly eat her meal with all this stress, it was causing her stomach to hurt. She gulped down the last of her wine before waving over the servant again. After he poured her the wine, she waved him away silently, in no mood to speak at the moment.
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