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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 6, 2008 17:59:29 GMT -5
Brone listened carefully. nodding at her words. "Respond with power, say that I can get the weakness out of you." He could do that. As for his father, it was his grandfather's brother, Vlad, who'd been the problem, his grandfather had just been next in line, then he bore his father, and his father bore Brone. "I will not fail." Brone said. He could be dark and menacing, he'd done it before, no witch could change who he was. or was he weak? No, it was wrong to think that way. He set his jaw in a line and stood straighter.
"Let's go." He said striding out of the woods before his resolve could falter. He was aware that he was pulling Serena behind him, since their hands were clasped, no doubt she could match his stride in a moment.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 6, 2008 18:08:21 GMT -5
It was definitely going to be a show, seeing the prince in action. Serena was actually taken aback by his resolve, falling into step beside him after being tugged out of the woods. By then her tears had dried, so she was able to lean upon her upbringing, showing her status as she walked. It was when they got closer to her home that she stopped them again, with one last thing to say. It was probably the most crucial, especially if she was to retain his respect of her.
"My father is a cruel man. He may say things about me to see if you are serious. Don't believe a word that he says, just not right now. And I promise you I will explain any truth after this. I don't want to keep anything from you, especially if you're so willing to do this for me." Her eyes said it all. She was serious. Her father had done many things over the years to strengthen her, toughen her to be the vampiress she was meant to be. And all his hard work was basically ruined by some witch. He was out for blood by then.
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 6, 2008 22:06:29 GMT -5
"I will not believe a word, but when I talk to him I will say that I have the power to correct the damage done by the witch. I am not worried about his cruelty, he cannot hurt me and expect to live." He said darkly, his face set in a stern line. The royal family would never let her father go free. This would be a battle of words. "Afterwards you can tell me anything, you can tell me nothing. I will say whatever your father wants to hear." Oh course the witch did no damage and he would willingly listen and understand whatever she told him later. He had to get himself in his part, in his role as a commander. As the prince. "Stay behind me, he'll want to think I am dominant over you I am sure." With that Brone briskly approached the door, giving one last look at Serena before knocking at the door.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 7, 2008 3:19:34 GMT -5
More than likely it was inappropriate for her to feel the way she did, but the way he was taking charge was definitely a major turn-on. It was obvious she was a vampire. That insatiable thirst for sex and blood was a part of her. And she would never let it go.
The door to the manor opened and the butler answered just as Serena lowered her head slightly. He took one look at the prince and bowed, though there was a look of disdain in his eyes when he noticed Serena. "Your highness... Please, come in. The master will be with you immediately. Serena will show you to the study." The way he said her name was one of degradation. Her father was seriously upset with her if even the help called her by her first name.
Holding back a sigh, she motioned for Brone to walk forward, though she somehow remained behind him at the same time. Opening the door for him, she saw that her father was still inside, looking over some sort of plans on his desk. When he saw who was in his doorway, he stopped and moved around his desk, giving the prince a bow.
"My liege, what brings you to my humble abode? And in such poor company?" he added, glancing at his daughter.
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 7, 2008 9:31:11 GMT -5
Brone knew this was his real test. He had to be a prince here, none of his fear or misgivings could show. No doubt his father would wonder at this encounter, but he had to make sure he did this right. Brone only nodded to the servant and went where Serena directed, almost never pausing though, as if he knew his own way. Brone's back had never been so straight in his recollection, his eyes were sharp and full of calm anger, a look of power. He had seen it often on his father's face.
"I believe the proper question would be: 'My lord, what brings you to my humble abode.' As for my company, I think I shall decide if it is poor or not. Are we clear?" Brone said cooly motioning deftly to Serena with his hand, never turning to look at her. His eyes simply met those of General DeLorme. Then Brone broke eye contact looking about the house as if assessing its worth, before bringing his easily back to Serena's father. "This "poor company" brings me here,"A small sneer formed on his lips.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 7, 2008 12:13:08 GMT -5
The General raised an eyebrow as Serena moved forward to Brone's side at his gesture. Now this was definitely a turn of events. He should have sent his scouts after her little "moment" earlier. If she even thought about betraying him in some shape or form, she would definitely regret it and soon. "My lord, I am curious to know exactly what she said to bring you here. As far as I'm concerned she has no standing in this house anymore."
Serena instantly reached for her family crest on her right hand. She knew she had disappointed her father, but to that degree? There was a slight fear that was rising within her, one that knew he was probably close enough to cast her out and take her title from her. This got more complicated than she thought it would.
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 7, 2008 14:04:49 GMT -5
"You cast this woman out, and she came to me for help. No matter what you may believe or have been told, she is mine." Brone said the words darkly and possessively, as if he was holding a prisoner. He thought her father would like that. This also shower Serena was not a passing thing--as her father thought."If you cast her from your house, then the great honor will pass from your house and be hers alone." Brone knew everyone fought for power, if his daughter was with the prince--perhaps some day to marry--- The DeLorme house and the Van Estra's would be forever intertwined.
Brone thought instead of avoiding the inevitable he would bring the conversation to a turn, to fight the demons head on and get it all over with. "What she has done to deserve your hate, whatever it may be, it is merely a weakness, a weakness that only power can rid her of. I will force the weakness out of her." Brone gave a small smirk, glancing at Serena for the first time, but not with tenderness, but with a look of control. they were playing their parts well.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 7, 2008 20:21:01 GMT -5
Indeed, the General did like the idea of Serena finally becoming of some use and snagging the prince. Perhaps what his scouts told him was wrong and she hadn't been denied. Now he definitely wished he had made sure she had been watched this night just to be sure. But even so, a part of him wasn't convinced, especially when the Prince mentioned her having a weakness. "My Lord, as honored as I am that you would take my daughter, she... isn't worth it. She's a whore, even for our people. And she's been tainted by the ways of a witch. She's weak, inferior, there would be a lot of work to put into her, even more so than you may want to take on..."
Serena had lowered her head at Brone's glance, to show the control he had over her. But the façade was almost blown when her father called her a whore. She was nearly a saint in their ways, especially after Tobias died, barely taking on any other lover unless she was outright asked. Her father either really wanted to make sure this wasn't a joke or he really hated her for what she had done.
DeLorme moved away from his desk to walk closer to the Prince, rubbing his hands together slightly in thought. He was going to get his connection to the royal family, and he wanted to make sure it was genuine. As attractive as this was, he couldn't help but shake the feeling something wasn't right. "What if we discussed some other possible union? I have two sons, soldiers in your army, very dedicated to their race. Perhaps the king would be more interested in allowing one of them to join with your sister perhaps?"
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 7, 2008 20:33:11 GMT -5
Brone's lips were in a line, pretending that the witch business was news to him. "Well," the words were cold and bitter. Dark and full of venom. Brone looked at Serena with a certain fire in his eyes, as if he was saving a punishment for her doing. "The vampires can afford no weak links in this war, it is certainly a need of importance. And your family squabble does not help the situation any." he said contemptuously. Serena needed to be strong for the war against the witches, plain and simple. Surely, her father would see.
"I am not here to barter with my sister's hand." Brone said passively with a wave of his hand. "And I have not said I will make a union with your daughter. I said she was mine, if I can rid her of her weakness, perhaps she may be my bride. If not, I want none of your family mingling with mine."
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 7, 2008 20:46:06 GMT -5
He backed off then, satisfied. If the prince thought it wise to make sure she wasn't the weakling she had become, then who was he to deny such power? His daughter better play her cards right and learn so that the DeLorme family could regain some standing among their people. Then perhaps, one day, they would regain the throne. That was enough incentive for the old man to nod and concede. "As you wish, my Lord. Is she to remain here or do you wish to take her with you? I can have her things ready if need be." He returned to his desk, inwardly satisfied.
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 7, 2008 20:52:42 GMT -5
Brone let a smirk of satisfaction cross his face, arms folded across his chest. He had won. He had never felt more powerful-- not in his memory anyway. "I will take her tonight." Brone said simply. "Then in the morning I shall make my decision about where she is to stay." He said simply. Brone also had to of course find out what she and his family wanted. Not like he could say that to Baron De Lorme, who he had minimal respect for after this. But his anger was understandable. Love of a witch was unforgivable, that's why Brone was here, standing in his study.
Brone then turned his back on the baron swiftly. He waited for Serena to shuffle behind him before he walked out of the door, which Serena opened for him, and out to the front where the butler would let him out.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 7, 2008 21:00:59 GMT -5
A nod was his answer and then it was over. DeLorme didn't even give a final glance at his daughter as Serena went after Brone, following him outside. That display of power was exhilarating, and arousing, and the only thing dampening it ever so slightly was just her father's words. But she was used to it by now, even when she asked to learn how to fight, he still seemed disappointed in her, as if he wanted another son to carry on his family's name, instead of the daughter he received instead. At least now, that same daughter did gain him some ground in the hierarchy. If things went anywhere near what he wanted.
Serena remained silent as the night's cool air hit them once more and she continued to stay behind him by the time they reached the street. Her mind was a whirl with all that had happened. She didn't know whether to thank him then and there, or to wait. Or wonder if the punishment that had glowed in his eyes only moments before would actually happen. She already knew her father would be looking for signs of it in any case.
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 7, 2008 21:12:59 GMT -5
Brone kept his stride up until they were well away from the house and he was positive that no one had followed them. Then he turned to Serena with a soft smile on his lips, reaching out a hand to clasp hers. The power and adrenaline coursed through him and he felt , for once, that one day, he would make a good king. He had decided he would not tell his father about Serena's loving a witch, not until he was sure of how the king would react. As for an unspoken promise of torture, he would not hurt her any more than they felt he absolutely had to. "You were wonderful." He told her with a smile. He knew Serena had so much more personality, she would never be so submissive. He could imagine she would want to yell at her father.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 7, 2008 21:21:07 GMT -5
Serena the smile that broke out across her face was one of relief as she took his offered hand, pride sparking in her eyes. It took so much for her to hold out on blowing up at her father, something that had gotten her into trouble many times before. "You were just magnificent. You will make a great king one day," she told him with obvious pride and honesty. Finally able to, she bristled as she moved closer to him, making a strangling motion with her free hand. "If I had the chance... I swear that man would go to hell for that... I don't know how my mother deals with him."
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 7, 2008 21:29:07 GMT -5
Brone laughed softly. But her words were affirming. "Not unless I got to him first." He laughed. her father had gotten on his nerves, he was an obvious form of corruption, it was all about power and favor with him. That was not how it should be. "I am not sure what your mother must see in him, or how she deals with him." Maybe it was the promise of status that held most together. That was sobering.
"Come," Brone said softly. "You will spend the night in the palace." No one would give him trouble, he was the prince, if he chose to bring obvious vampires into the castle by night no one would deny him. they reached the gate and the watchman called to Brone and they were let inside. They just had to cross the front courtyard.
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