Snippet #2396972

Selwyn had been taking great pleasure in Calvin squirming. He knew he had won this round, however had expected more to come from the young Knight who had been attempting to make his name in Iracot. Selwyn had always made it a point to keep an eye on those who showed promise in becoming a prominent figure in not only the average citizenship, but also the political and noble game of Iracot. One thing the Magistrate did not count on was the Knight actually having an actual message from Gabriel for him. He took the scroll from the young man and offered a shallow bow.

"Calvin Hammond, I thank you for your...punctuality...with the delivering of this message," he emphasized the word 'punctuality' as his hands skillfully unraveled the note. His endlessly deep chestnut eyes quickly scanned the words written in the Knight Commander's handwriting.

'The Wards have fallen. -Knight Commander G. Envictus.'

Selwyn's heart stopped in his chest. This was not good. Not good.

The magical wards had been up for centuries, if not longer, protecting Iracot from all outside invasion; magical or otherwise. If they were down, they were brought down intentionally. This was no accident or random occurence. After all, Selwyn did not believe in coincidence.

Between the whispers of rebellion coming from the Agriculture Ward, the God-Queen Sarene marrying a husband not of the Magistrates' choosing, and now this, there was much needed to be discussed between himself and Magistrate Shiabiann that could not wait until morning. Selwyn needed to speak with her. Tonight.

Despite the chaos ensuing, Selwyn's face remained in the half-smile he frequently wore, not betraying any of his true emotion. He turned to bearer of the message.

"Calvin Hammond, please enjoy the remainder of the party here at my tavern," he offered with a deep bow. "You are dismissed," ensuring the other man had left the room, he turned his attention towards Cordelia.

"My lady, please accept my sincere apologies for this inconvenience. I do hope you have been enjoying yourself, and pray to the God-Queen herself for more opportunities like this," the Magistrate moved forward to her chair and placed his hands upon hers before going down to one knee so that their gaze were level. "Unfortunately, the time for business has come far quicker than I had anticipated," Selwyn said, his eyes noting her every minor facial movement. He needed to garner more information about how the strikingly beautiful, blue-eyed Knight truly felt and where her loyalties were placed, or would potentially be placed, before he revealed too much of his true intention to her.

"I have urgent business with Magistrate Xao-Lai that cannot wait until tomorrow morning, and must travel to the castle tonight. And though I know you are off duty, and a Knight of the God-Queen's army, I also know of your tremendous skill in battle, and would like to enlist you as my personal companion for the evening," he spoke while beginning to slowly stroke the inside of her arms with his fingertips, ever so gently, smiling up at her all the while.

"As my guard, as my partner in travel, and most importantly, as someone I simply intend to spend much more time with. What say you, Cordelia Ightlor?"