Snippet #2817932

Thaddeus Rock

Code #0F569C

"...and I can assure you, my men and I will be vigilant and dutiful to ensure your everlasting reign," Thaddeus finished his report with a bow, empty cup in hand. It had been a short one this time since there had been little trouble lately. He found it odd, noting he was increasing patrols in case the people were plotting.

His report was wrapped up as the dungeon master, Eike, came into the room. Thaddeus quickly got out of his way though it wasn't out of fear. Eike did make him wary however. He rivaled Benedicto for the most devoted but even Thaddeus had to admit his methods were... a bit extreme. It was why Thaddeus was so insistent his men keep order and only send those who truly deserved it into the dungeons.

It was shortly after that the heavy thudding was heard. Thaddeus frowned for he knew the only one who could make those thunderous footsteps. A few moments later, his suspicions were confirmed as Korgan the Outrider appeared, dragging along Asher and the beastmaster. Two more uncouth devotees who Thaddeus had no patience for already. All three were of the disruptive sort who never seemed to fail at offending Thaddeus when he came across their presence.

Gritting his teeth, Thaddeus resolved to bear it quietly as he always did as he watched Korgan stroll into the room. The loud entrance, the loud outfit, the loud being of Korgan himself made it difficult however. He was already restraining himself, fists clenched, when a bottle broke against the column he was standing by. Thaddeus' eyes went wide and he looked to the slightly wet spot on the column and then down to the pieces on the floor.

He was livid.

"How kind of you to join us, Korgan," Thaddeus called out, stepping forward, one hand on the hilt of his sword. The other hand was clenched at his side. "I apologize, My Queen, but I feel compelled to say this. You, Korgan, sing Ivelda's praises but do not grace her with your best self. Instead, you come into this room of civilized men and make a fool of yourself, the stench of drink on you. You can run around in the filth out there all you like but you cannot act like it in here in front of our Queen. I know it is your nature but our beloved Queen Ivelda has given you an opportunity above your station so I suggest you act like what you're supposed to be or I will have to remind you of it myself."

~*~



Everyone was leaving and Collette stood there, not really listening as the others made their resolve. There was a mix of emotions threatening to break out of her and memories of her past and present collided ferociously in her mind. She took in a deep breath and pressed her fingers to her temples, a headache forming from her crying fit earlier. Her glasses were also smudged with tears and there was a weariness she hadn't felt earlier.

"I'm going hom-" Collette's eyes widened and she looked close to tears again. She cleared her throat and said, "I'm going back to the dorm thing whatever."

She headed off without saying anything else, her fingers searching for the two pouches she had gotten from Freddie earlier. She clutched them tightly in her pocket, still mindful of the fact that she probably shouldn't have them on the festival grounds. Collette was desperate for Freddie's promise to be true of the Royal Highness taking the stress off. She paused in her stride and snorted. Another irony, she thought bitterly.

It was a lot though. Collette knew Justice was right about needing to take responsibility and even about how Ivelda wasn't simply throwing tea parties in their absence. She could see all the boys' faces as well, particularly Stephen's. While Ishara had a real brother, Stephen had been like a surrogate older brother to Sibylla. The thought of him stripped of his freedom, to serve the same woman who destroyed their childhood... It was painful to think about.

Her.. Well, her family's kingdom also had many kind people. She had been their princess and had been adored just as much as she had adored them. But now, their faces seemed so distant, like those on a television screen. That didn't mean they had to suffer however. A thought struck Sibylla and she felt the tears well up again. That was if Ivelda hadn't gotten to them already.

She could remember the little girl she had been and remembered how much pressure and responsibilities her parents had pressed upon her. She was older now but she didn't know the first thing about running a kingdom if she even had one left. Collette felt the pressure in her head increase. There were so many unknown factors and she had struggled so much to make a life here. How on Earth would she make a life there when so much more was involved? If Ivelda didn't destroy her kingdom then Sibylla certainly could through her inadequacy and ignorance.