Alessandra Margaret Brasille's Story

Emmaline shifted in her seat, slightly opening her eyes squinting as they adjusted to the bright light of the morning, she could see the Thirmos Castle in the distance getting closer and closer as they moved, she glanced out the window looking at one of the many guards who circled her carriage, her mother and sister traveled with her, while her ladies traveled in the carriage behind them, also heavily guarded.
”How much further?” Emmaline asked in a soft voice still half asleep, she hadn’t slept well, and wouldn’t have been surprised if she got less than three hours of sleep. “About half an hour Your Grace.” The Guard replied with a bow of his head, Emmaline nodded in return before turning back to face her Mother who looked like had just woken up herself.

It had been a few months since Emmaline had visited Thirmos and Luras, as her Fathers recent passing was still taking a toll on her Family, and on Emmaline herself, something she didn’t readily show or express, Luras and his family were aware of her Fathers passing and her recent ascension to her Fathers throne, she could almost hear the sympathy in their voices already, it caused a sick feeling to arise in her stomach, she had no wish to be consoled anymore, she had the sympathy of her whole Kingdom behind her, Emmaline also knew there was nothing she could do about it, it was a formality, a custom to console someone after the loss of a loved one.

Emmaline had spent the months she hadn’t seen Luras writing letters back and forth like they usually did, it gave her time to escape from everything she dealt with in the day, though when Emmaline was younger she hated the fact she had to marry such an immature boy, though as she grew older and both of them matured she became fonder of him and had grown fairly close to him, even though his childhood arrogance and mischief stayed with him, something she silently wondered would cause problems. She couldn’t wrap her head around the fact that this was the last time she would travel this road, as she was not returning to her Kingdom, she was to rule in Thirmos by Luras, and Rule Sevaviel by his side as well, while she relayed the orders her mother would enforce them in her absence, Emmaline wasn’t confident in it, but was reassured that many did it that way and would usually let the matter drop.

As they arrived Emmaline could see the crowds gathering on either side of the main path to greet her as they always did, she smiled seeing that the Royal family had already arrived as well standing at the top of the path fairly well guarded, precautions in case of any uprisings in the crowd, it was something Emmaline was familiar with. As soon as the carriage door opened a hand was extended to help Emmaline out, she had to remind herself that as Queen she was to exit first, she was so accustom to her mother leaving first that every time she traveled anywhere she had to remind herself, she tried to avoid looking at the dress her mother was wearing as it was black, the color of morning and it made Emmaline’s throat tighten, just another reminder her Father wasn’t there, wasn’t with her.

Emmaline waited for her ladies to come to her side before starting to move up the path, another thing she was getting used to was how everyone followed her, no one was to walk before her, but either beside her or behind her, she enjoyed having her friends walk beside her instead of behind her, but instead, her Mother walked on one side and her sister on the other, something she didn’t mind at all.
She smiled coming to a stop in front of the DeNoyen’s. She lowered her head slightly as a sign of respect to the King and Queen lifting hers when they did the same, the formalities were so different from when she was a Princess, she would normally curtsy before a King and Queen, but now they were equal it was no longer required. ”King Cyprian, Queen Anne, Prince Luras, Price Lucas, Princess Lucille it is a pleasure to be back at your Court, my family and I would like to thank you for yours and your families hospitality.” Emmaline took a breath looking at Luras who seemed as posed as ever, she looked over to her sister.”May I introduce my sister, Princess Madeline.” Emmaline gestured to her little sister with a small smile. ”And my Mother, Alessandra, Queen Regent of Sevaviel, who you have already been acquainted with.” Emmaline held her hands tightly in front of her body keeping her posture correct, this part was always tedious, a part she always wished to get over and done with.

Zxander rode at the front of the convoy with four of his closest guards and friends. Wymond, who rode just behind him on his right, had been is friend since birth. The two of them had always be a deadly pair, Zxander with the sword combined with Wymonds skill with a shield, the two were practically untouchable. Then there was Dalibor, he was the second closest friend he had made, and had rode just behind Zxandeers left. Dalibor was one of the greatest archers, mounted or on foot, in the royal guard, he acted similar to a modern day sniper. Lastly came the brothers, Ratimir and Bogdan, not real brothers but close enough in looks and personality to be. Ratimir was the more diplomatic of the two, were as Bogdan was more of the beloved caretaker. Ratimir could be a calm, collected diplomat one moment and a raging storm of death as he smashes in skulls with his mace. Bogdans weapon of choose has always been the axe, due to his families history of being woodcuts before come to serve in the guard. The 'brothers rode flanking the queen's carriage.

Have heard the queen talking with Ratimir, Zxander ordered Wymond to ride ahead when they got close to insure everything was ready and then to return to the convoy. Then turned and ordered Wymond to do a ride around the convoy checking in on everyone. Zxander dreaded this trip, he knew the queen way the most vanrable in transit. He always felt on edge just visiting Castle Thirmos, now he was going to be based out of it. But that's duty and 'loyalty' for you, were the queen goes so shall he.

Upon arrival Zxanders dread grow as he saw the crowd that had gathered, "Great large crowds, not OUR castle." he had thought as he lead them through the streets. Once they stopped in front of the DeNoyens, he quickly but professionally dismounted and met the queen and his five friends as she left the carriage. He and his men walked no more then three steps behind the queen and her entourage. He watched the other royal family and their guard as his men watched the servants, other guards and the crowds.

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Alessandra opened slowly opened her eyes letting them adjust to the morning light, seeing that Emmaline was already awake she frowned, she knew full well her daughter hadn’t slept well, she hadn’t been sleeping well since her Father passed and it was starting to show.
“How much further?” She heard Emmaline ask the guard and she slightly shook her head. ”Patience Emmaline.” Alessandra reminded, but not in a scolding way like she used to when the girls were younger and more stubborn in more of a sweet motherly tone, with a smidge of ‘not debatable’ in there, she was being extra gentle with both her daughters since their Father's passing not wanting to upset them anymore.

As they proceeded to go and greet the DeNoyen’s, Alessandra watched Emmaline’s movements precisely to make sure she didn’t make any mistakes with how she held herself or acted, she kept a close eye on Madeline as well as appearances were everything as they were all readily taught at a young age, you have to appear confident and powerful even if you are not.

“King Cyprian, Queen Anne, Prince Luras, Price Lucas, Princess Lucille it is a pleasure to be back at your Court, my family and I would like to thank you for yours and your families hospitality.” Alessandra waited patiently for her daughter to continue.
“May I introduce my sister, Princess Madeline, and my Mother, Queen Regent of Sevaviel, who you have already been acquainted with.”

Alessandra smiled softly at the family. ”It is a pleasure to be back in Thirmos.”

"A pleasure, Princess Madeline. Wonderful to see you all again, though I could never imagine the grief you must feel at the Kings passing. My deepest condolences to the family and grieving country of Sevaviel. "

Alessandra almost flinched herself when Luras gave his condolences about their deceased King, the thing she knew Emmaline was dreading, seeing her take a deep breath she took gently brushed her daughters hand with her own in a reassuring manner but so it wouldn’t be noticeable. Alessandra was thankful when they entered the castle and were offered tea, she smiled and thanked the servant who served her before going about drinking said tea and watching the events unfold.

"A pleasure, Princess Madeline. Wonderful to see you all again, though I could never imagine the grief you must feel at the Kings passing. My deepest condolences to the family and grieving country of Sevaviel. "

Emmaline wanted to cringe hearing the condolences from Luras, but knew he was only following protocol, it still made her feel sick to the stomach, she wanted to say there was no need for anymore sympathy, but decided as she knew Luras was doing that she also didn’t want to face the wrath of her mother and potentially the wrath of his parents, as she had witnessed it once before and had been careful ever since.

Taking a breath before she spoke to stop herself from crying which she knew she was close to, Emmaline mustered the best little smile she could. ”Thank you for your condolences” Was all Emmaline could manage to say, she silently wondered if she should have said more as Luras lead them into the castle.

Emmaline knew exactly where they were and where they were going, Luras called it the company room, which always made Emmaline laugh, but they would always sit in there and catch up whenever Emmaline would visit. She took up her usual seat beside Luras watching as the servants began working at Luras’ order for tea and cookies, though if Emmaline was being honest she wasn’t really in the mood for tea or cookies, she smoothed the fabric of her black gown, a nervous habit of hers, to stop herself from doing it again she held her hands firmly in her lap.

“Your Grace?” The servant asked for what must have been the fifth time. Emmaline looked at her. ”Yes? I’m sorry my mind was elsewhere.” Emmaline apologized with another smile this time very forced. The servant nodded understandingly and asked again. ”Would you like tea, Your Grace?” Emmaline debated whether to have it or not, deciding she didn’t want to raise eyebrows and get asked questions later on she took the Tea with a please and thank you but avoided eating anything to prevent herself from being sick later, another occurrence that seemed to be becoming normal since her Father's passing.

Emmaline turned slightly in her seat so that she could look at Luras, he looked the same, a little older perhaps, but the same rather boyish mess for hair and blue eyes. ”How have you been Luras?” Emmaline asked softly, low enough that only he would hear her; the smile on her face as she spoke to him a rather genuine one. Luras usually kept her up to date in his letters but she always enjoyed talking to him face to face more than writing letters.

Emmaline also thought that she wasn't able to express in a letter how stressed she had become with being tossed onto the throne without a lot of notice, she didn't think she was ready but she couldn't admit that to anyone, she wasn't even technically of age, she had just turned seventeen. She also knew she couldn't express in a letter how much pain she was in due to her Fathers passing, and she knew if anyone would see through the ever faltering mask that she was perfectly fine and handling her Fathers death well it would be Luras, he seemed to have learned all of her tricks and excuses over the years.

Though she tended to be happiest around Luras, the only person she was genuinely herself in front of was him, she trusted him, and over the years had truly fallen for him, something she knew was a rare occurrence with arranged marriages, but she hoped he had fallen for her as well. Emmaline still knew there was a chance for a Mistress, Luras was strikingly handsome, but Emmaline liked to believe he wasn't like that. Despite their engagement though, girls still flirted with him a few times in Emmaline's presence, she laughed after saying that they weren't as discreet as they thought they were being, while Luras was free to have a mistress if he chose to Emmaline was bound to him for life as soon as they were married, she didn't want anyone else anyways, nor would she take that chance, it could cost her the ultimate price, her life.

Emmaline shifted slightly pushing the thought away, they were going to be happy, she told herself like she did all the time to keep her hopes up that they would be.

Lucille thought her bothers were idiots most of the time. But now she definitely decided that Luras was the stupider of the two. Sure, they had the right to leave the castle grounds and travel the kingdom, but that didn't make them any less suspicious. Unlike her brothers, Lucille was confined to the castle walls and if she wanted to travel anywhere her father prompt ordered some guardsmen to follow her around. It was unfair. Lucille recognized that her brothers were older than she, but they were able to ride through the kingdom when they were just fourteen. Now, here she was sixteen, and treated like rare jewel in a museum. People could come and see her, but she never allowed to go out and see them.

It wasn't unusual for Luras to be late to important things, and to be honest, Lucille usually didn't care for them too much herself. This was different though. This was the beautiful Emmaline. The Princess Queen that everyone gushed over. And it was for good reason, Emmaline was gorgeous. She was also graceful, and smart, and all together the role model of what all young princess should be like. Lucille had noticed her big brother just arriving in time to see Emmaline. If that didn't seem a bit suspicious than Lucille didn't know what would. After all, he and Emmaline were fond of each other. They even wrote letters to each other on a regular basis. Lucille gave her brother the stink eye.

Perhaps that's why Lucille wasn't too fond of Emmaline. Lucy was much too jealous of how her parents and her brother gushed over her. She could only hoe that people would like her that much one day. Then again, when she was married off and living in Roden she won't be as powerful as Emmaline. Lucille was merely a playing piece in that deal.

After a bitter morning with Lucille maid she had made it on time to the greeting, and with both of her shoes. She stood was a light blue dress on, and her hair pulled back into a bun. Her curled mass of brown hair made the intricate updo look messy, but that didn't bother Lucy. With the introductions, Lucille kept quiet and just nodded her head. However, her eyes trailed across the faces of the knights that accompanied them. This was always the game that Lucille played when someone of importance came to visit. She liked to tease the poor fellows that guarded the royals. Her eyes flicked to a blonde man for just a brief moment. He said nothing, which wasn't uncommon, but Lucille could tell that he was thinking. Something might be new there. It was too often that Lucille found out that a knight or guard didn't really think for themselves.

Following the crowd into the common room she thought of how silent a boring this part of the day was going to be. Lucille gracefully sat down, trying to remain poised as she mind fluttered with ideas about how she was going to have fun today. Her thoughts bounced back and forth between speaking with the other Princess Madeline, doing some painting, going for a ride, and maybe even getting a chat in with the blonde guard or knight or whatever he was.

Waiting for something more interesting than a preplanned conversation to happen Lucille couldn't help but yawn. Her mother had always told her to hold them in otherwise it showed that you were uninterested in what was happening. However, Lucille yawned as if she were in her own chambers and barely had a chance to cover her mouth. A little embarrassed her cheeks turned a rosy color as she said "Please excuse me."

Though she knew that wouldn't be enough for her mother, she at least tried to be polite. Normally she would have just gone on with her life. Who cares if the Princess yawned? There was nothing rude about it, everybody yawned.

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Alessandra smiled softly at Anne keeping an eye on the events playing out around about them. "It was a lovely ride, long, but its always I ride I enjoy." It was true, Alessandra always enjoyed the ride over, the country side of both of their countries was absolutely beautiful making the journey a wonder to behold, though it was often long and hard on the body, the only downside to an otherwise beautiful trip. Both of her children, or at least one of them had got a decent amount of sleep which she felt would help with Madeline's mood.

It was rare for Emmaline to be sour or snappy, Alessandra couldn't even remember the last time Emmaline had a "Bad day" for temperament as Emmaline was a very laid back and calm person even when she was younger. It didn't matter how horrible she felt Emmaline always seemed to push through, Alessandra was always so proud of her, she had done well with Emmaline, but it helped that the girl herself had a good personality and a a wonderful temperament, neither her nor her husband could take any credit for Emmaline's behavior and personality, while some of herself showed in Emmaline, Alessandra, otherwise, could never place where Emmaline happened to get her personality from, her current theory was that Emmaline was truly a gift from the gods, as all children were, but Emmaline had a bit of something else in her from them. "And your day, I trust it has been fine as of far?" Alessandra asked pulling her mind away from its thoughts.

(OOC: I apologize for not posting for so long, we had a bit of a family emergency and my family had to fly out to England, I am back now though and apologize for the inconvenience)

Emmaline smiled slightly when the suggestion was made to go to the gardens though it consequently made her conversation with Luras short. The rules were strict when it came to courting and even more so if you were of Royal blood, you were aloud to be seen in public together but any type of intimacy was to be kept behind closed doors until the couple was married.

Emmaline sighed seeing Madeline with the King looking rather disappointed, she often felt sorry for her sister, no one paid much attention to her if any at all, it was more like she was Emmaline’s shadow than a person. “Zxander.” Emmaline spoke softly to the head of the guard catching his attention. “I don’t want any chances taken, my ladies and my family are to be guarded at all times, no exceptions.” Emmaline ordered before returning to Luras’ side. She smiled softly at him before looking over at Sid who hadn’t said very much.

“Are you enjoying yourself so far Sidonie?” Emmaline asked, Sidonie had always been more like a sister to Emmaline than her own sister, something Emmaline regretted deeply, but Madeline seemed to avoid Emmaline when she could which made it very hard for her to spend the limited free time she had with her sister, her ladies however were always around her, always there.

Emmaline sighed seeing how her Mother and the Queen were walking ahead talking to each other, Emmaline recalled how they never used to get along very well, but Luras’ Mother had always been Gentle with Emmaline, more gentle than her own mother had been with her and it was often something Emmaline was grateful for as sometimes everyone needed a gentle understanding touch. She looked at Luras, she couldn’t believe soon she would be walking side by side with him as his Wife, it was a thought that scared her.

Zxander nodded, "Yes your grace." He then turned to Dalibor and quietly told him, "Get Ratimir, no chances on the family then the ladies. I got the queen, you get her mother, the brothers got the ladies and Wymond gets the princess." With a nod Dalibor moves to tell the others then walks out the door to find Ratimir.

When Dalibor finds him, he is leaning against the wall opposite the reading room. Dalibor grabs his arm and pulls him off the wall, "Come on we are needed in the hall, some things going on. Have your weapon you and your brother are guarding the ladies. Take no chances, things start to go down get them out of there. The family comes first if it comes to it but lets not let that happen. Also, keep an eye on the other family some thing is going on here and I don't like it, but don't tell Zxander I said that." With that he let Ratimir go and took his post behind Queen Alessandra. Ratimir looked around before heading to take his place behind which ever lady his brother didn't. As he started off, "Great an other crap job, cant wait till we can act. The poor fools wont know what hit them." He smiled as he walked away.

Bogdan took up a post behind Alexandra as Wymond got into position behind princess Madeline. By the time Ratimir got back Dalibor had already stationed himself with the queen. As Ratimir slowly made his way to Sidonie he nodded at Bogdan.

Emmaline smiled slightly at Luras’ distracted behavior. “Its alright.” Emmaline replied softly. “We all have a lot on our minds I would assume.” She glanced at Luras as they walked through the gardens, she remembered them playing there as children, getting themselves into trouble for playing tag, she smiled at the fond memory. “You said you received a scar from hunting?” Emmaline said wanting to take interest in the Things Luras enjoyed. “What happened? It sounds like that would be a story worth hearing."

The day was warm and Emmaline found herself desperately wanting to get into the shade but didn’t say anything about her growing discomfort not wanting to complain lest her mother think she trying to be rude, which was never her intention but sometimes when she was younger things would slip out and her mother would be absolutely mortified.

Emmaline looked up seeing the birds fly over head and smiled, she often wondered what it would be like to be so free, and often found herself envious of the birds, they were free while she was seemingly locked in a cage, a beautiful cage as her father used to say, but a cage none the less. Emmaline sighed sadly at the thought of her father, it still pained her, would probably always pain her, but no one seemed to notice and she didn’t dare speak of it.[/center]