Post by James on Nov 17, 2011 2:01:09 GMT -1
"My lady, please reconsider these new taxes. The masses simply can't feed themselves as it is!"
The nobles were complaining again. None of them truly understood how to run anything, as much as they said they did.
"You'll find, Lord Enris, that the masses CAN feed themselves. They simply have to follow due process to obtain access to the reserves." I replied.
"But my Lady," Emris continued, "The reserves are running low. There isn't enough food to last-"
"And that is what the new taxes are for! I understand your concerns, Emris, and I appreciate your concerns, but trust me." I stood up to leave, signalling the end of the council meeting. There were preparations to be made for the evening's ball. The nobles and upper classes had all been invited to a grand ball in honour of the anniversary of my dear late husband's passing. It was hard to believe that six years had passed since he died. I mourned for him every day, but I had to be strong for my people. They hated me, this much I knew, but none of them knew of the dangers that lay ahead. The prophets had forseen a great tradgedy in the future, and we had to be prepared.
Memories of that day invaded my thoughts once more. I had gone, as tradition demanded, to visit the High Prophets of the Creator on the day of my coronation following my husband's tragic death. They spoke of a great darkness on the horizon. The people would die as famine and pestillence ravaged the land. Hence why I had to increase the taxation rate yet again. There would come a time when the people would thank me for my foresight and wisdom. For now, though, they rioted on a weekly basis and burned effigies of my family.
Preparations for the evening's ball continued throughout the day. Decorations were hung, the chefs worked tirelessly in the kitchen to prepare the food and all throughout the land, nobles and the upper class prepared themselves for the festivities. I oversaw things in the palace and everything was ready with time to spare. I retired to my chambers where my handmaidens helped me to get dressed. A long, flowing dress of golden silk was my garment of choice, accented with silver jewellery inlaid with rubies and sapphires. There would be many suitors at the ball, so custom demanded that I dress to impress. I had no intention of ever pursuing another marriage, however. I wanted to show my people that I could be as strong a leader as any man on my own.
The hours passed by quickly, and everything was ready. Guessed flooded in, congregating in the grand ballroom of my palace, where a chamber orchestra played traditional music. Many of the nobles danced, while others stood around the edges of the room discussing politics, money and general gossip. I mingled through the crowds with my three eldest daughters, demonstrating proper poise and dignity to them.
I spied Lord Emris amongst the crowds and made my way over to greet him. The arguments in the meeting earlier today were brushed aside, replaced with the stale courtesies which such an occasion afforded. He stood with his wife and a man I had never seen before. He had a foreign look to him: long black hair tied back, bound with a ribbon of red silk; his clothes looked expensive - a black doublet with silver buttons and emroidery draped over his shoulders, a red shirt with its top two buttons undone, revealing the pale skin of his chest, as well as black riding trousers and knee-high leather boots to match. I noted a curious crest adorned upon the breast of his doublet - an eagle, wings spread and talons outstretched as though it were about to catch its prey. I didn't recognise it, further cementing the idea of his foreign origin in my mind. His piercing blue eyes met mine for the briefest of moments, though it felt like they held me in their gaze for a lifetime, penetrating my very soul and exposing all of my secrets and weaknesses. I shuddered as he looked away again. He was both captivating and terrifying at the same time.
"My Lady," Lord Emris began as he bowed low in greeting, "This is certainly an evening to be remembered. Positively splendid."
"You flatter me, Lord Emris." I replied, only half hearing what he was saying. My mind still fixated on this stranger.
"Ah, allow me to introduce Duke Edward Vilhem, of Lusvaria." Emris continued, offering his hand to me and gesturing with his other arm towards the foreigner. I took his hand in mine and nodded towards this Lord Vilhem. He bowed to me and offered a hand, which I accepted in mine, relieving Emris of my other hand as I moved towards the stranger.
"My Lady, it is an honour to finally meet you. Emris speaks highly of you in our correspondence." His words dripped from his tongue like honey. The background noise from the ballroom seemed to silence itself as he spoke, and my mind focused only on him. When he kissed my hand, I felt drugged as I began to feel faint. He must have noticed, as the next thing I knew he was holding my up with one arm wrapped around my waist. I fanned my face with my hand and laughed, trying to distract from the fact I had nearly fainted.
"Oh, these ballrooms are always so warm, aren't they?" I mused. He smiled at me, revealing pearly white, perfect teeth.
"Permit me to have this dance, Highness." I returned his smile.
For the rest of the evening, we danced and talked and danced some more. Never before had someone swept me off my feet like he had. He looked as though he was barely putting any effort into the whole thing, which made me feel even more attracted to him. Everything about him seemed so enticing. The way he spoke, the way he moved, even his scent enflamed my senses. Tradition demanded that he court me for several months before anything could happen between us, but tradition be damned. I needed him. He awoke in me an animalistic urge which couldn't be refused. I leaned close to his ears and whispered my intentions to him. He grinned and nodded. I moved to a small elevated platform at the head of the ballroom, the signal that I would give the closing speech. The chamber orchestra ceased playing, and the guests all turned to face me.
"Thankyou all for making this such an enjoyable evening." I began, "I'm sure my late husband would be honoured at such a turnout of his oldest and dearest friends. I wish you all a safe journey back to your homes. The Creator watch over you all."
The guests applauded before leaving making their way from the palace grounds. I signalled to my maids to take my daughters back to their rooms. Edward had stayed behind. We made our way hastily to my chambers. I locked the doors and threw myself into his arms, frantically kissing his neck as he lifted me up and carried me to my bed. He planted a single, gentle kiss on my lips before pulling back, then looked into my eyes. On his face was not a look I had expected. I had expected one of lust, or excitement, or even love. Instead, he looked on me with cold indifference. I frowned for a moment before an overwhelming pain flooded from my lips and over my face, moving swiftly to cover my entire body. The pain subsided as quickly as it had come over me, but I was left unable to feel anything. I was paralysed.
"I imagine by this point the pain has passed." He said as he stood up, brushing down his clothes with his hands. His voice was cold and emotionless, nothing like what it had been in the ballroom. "The poison will work quickly, and you'll soon be gone." He turned back to look down on my still form. His eyes were now black as the darkest pits of Hell, around his left eye appeared the same emblem that was embroidered on his doublet - that eagle striking at invisible prey. "You've tortured your people for long enough. They will not go hungry for another day. Already, Emris rallies the other nobles around him to clean up your mess." He paused for a moment, frowning. "Ah shit, forgot my line...hold on..." He pulled out a slip of paper from a pocket on the inside of his doublet and read whatever was written on it. "Ah yes, that's it...'May you find the peace that you couldn't provide your people.' Fuck, you lot are a bunch of pathetic whiners, aren't you? I was payed to say all that drivel. Quite frankly I couldn't care less about your people or your pathetic planet." As he spoke, he dropped the slip of paper into the fire burning on the opposite side of the room. His clothes had changed at some point. He now wore a long, dark purple hooded cloak and black hardened leather armour. Two daggers with skulls on the end of their hilts hung at his waist, and an assortment of throwing knives and other instruments were strapped in various locations over his body. He moved to the window now and looked back at me, flashing a fanged grin before leaping from the window. I caught the briefest glimps of black feathered wings sprouting from his back before he disappeared from sight.
A single black rose sat on my chest. When he had put it there I couldn't tell.
A single tear escapes my eye.
Darkness.
The nobles were complaining again. None of them truly understood how to run anything, as much as they said they did.
"You'll find, Lord Enris, that the masses CAN feed themselves. They simply have to follow due process to obtain access to the reserves." I replied.
"But my Lady," Emris continued, "The reserves are running low. There isn't enough food to last-"
"And that is what the new taxes are for! I understand your concerns, Emris, and I appreciate your concerns, but trust me." I stood up to leave, signalling the end of the council meeting. There were preparations to be made for the evening's ball. The nobles and upper classes had all been invited to a grand ball in honour of the anniversary of my dear late husband's passing. It was hard to believe that six years had passed since he died. I mourned for him every day, but I had to be strong for my people. They hated me, this much I knew, but none of them knew of the dangers that lay ahead. The prophets had forseen a great tradgedy in the future, and we had to be prepared.
Memories of that day invaded my thoughts once more. I had gone, as tradition demanded, to visit the High Prophets of the Creator on the day of my coronation following my husband's tragic death. They spoke of a great darkness on the horizon. The people would die as famine and pestillence ravaged the land. Hence why I had to increase the taxation rate yet again. There would come a time when the people would thank me for my foresight and wisdom. For now, though, they rioted on a weekly basis and burned effigies of my family.
Preparations for the evening's ball continued throughout the day. Decorations were hung, the chefs worked tirelessly in the kitchen to prepare the food and all throughout the land, nobles and the upper class prepared themselves for the festivities. I oversaw things in the palace and everything was ready with time to spare. I retired to my chambers where my handmaidens helped me to get dressed. A long, flowing dress of golden silk was my garment of choice, accented with silver jewellery inlaid with rubies and sapphires. There would be many suitors at the ball, so custom demanded that I dress to impress. I had no intention of ever pursuing another marriage, however. I wanted to show my people that I could be as strong a leader as any man on my own.
The hours passed by quickly, and everything was ready. Guessed flooded in, congregating in the grand ballroom of my palace, where a chamber orchestra played traditional music. Many of the nobles danced, while others stood around the edges of the room discussing politics, money and general gossip. I mingled through the crowds with my three eldest daughters, demonstrating proper poise and dignity to them.
I spied Lord Emris amongst the crowds and made my way over to greet him. The arguments in the meeting earlier today were brushed aside, replaced with the stale courtesies which such an occasion afforded. He stood with his wife and a man I had never seen before. He had a foreign look to him: long black hair tied back, bound with a ribbon of red silk; his clothes looked expensive - a black doublet with silver buttons and emroidery draped over his shoulders, a red shirt with its top two buttons undone, revealing the pale skin of his chest, as well as black riding trousers and knee-high leather boots to match. I noted a curious crest adorned upon the breast of his doublet - an eagle, wings spread and talons outstretched as though it were about to catch its prey. I didn't recognise it, further cementing the idea of his foreign origin in my mind. His piercing blue eyes met mine for the briefest of moments, though it felt like they held me in their gaze for a lifetime, penetrating my very soul and exposing all of my secrets and weaknesses. I shuddered as he looked away again. He was both captivating and terrifying at the same time.
"My Lady," Lord Emris began as he bowed low in greeting, "This is certainly an evening to be remembered. Positively splendid."
"You flatter me, Lord Emris." I replied, only half hearing what he was saying. My mind still fixated on this stranger.
"Ah, allow me to introduce Duke Edward Vilhem, of Lusvaria." Emris continued, offering his hand to me and gesturing with his other arm towards the foreigner. I took his hand in mine and nodded towards this Lord Vilhem. He bowed to me and offered a hand, which I accepted in mine, relieving Emris of my other hand as I moved towards the stranger.
"My Lady, it is an honour to finally meet you. Emris speaks highly of you in our correspondence." His words dripped from his tongue like honey. The background noise from the ballroom seemed to silence itself as he spoke, and my mind focused only on him. When he kissed my hand, I felt drugged as I began to feel faint. He must have noticed, as the next thing I knew he was holding my up with one arm wrapped around my waist. I fanned my face with my hand and laughed, trying to distract from the fact I had nearly fainted.
"Oh, these ballrooms are always so warm, aren't they?" I mused. He smiled at me, revealing pearly white, perfect teeth.
"Permit me to have this dance, Highness." I returned his smile.
For the rest of the evening, we danced and talked and danced some more. Never before had someone swept me off my feet like he had. He looked as though he was barely putting any effort into the whole thing, which made me feel even more attracted to him. Everything about him seemed so enticing. The way he spoke, the way he moved, even his scent enflamed my senses. Tradition demanded that he court me for several months before anything could happen between us, but tradition be damned. I needed him. He awoke in me an animalistic urge which couldn't be refused. I leaned close to his ears and whispered my intentions to him. He grinned and nodded. I moved to a small elevated platform at the head of the ballroom, the signal that I would give the closing speech. The chamber orchestra ceased playing, and the guests all turned to face me.
"Thankyou all for making this such an enjoyable evening." I began, "I'm sure my late husband would be honoured at such a turnout of his oldest and dearest friends. I wish you all a safe journey back to your homes. The Creator watch over you all."
The guests applauded before leaving making their way from the palace grounds. I signalled to my maids to take my daughters back to their rooms. Edward had stayed behind. We made our way hastily to my chambers. I locked the doors and threw myself into his arms, frantically kissing his neck as he lifted me up and carried me to my bed. He planted a single, gentle kiss on my lips before pulling back, then looked into my eyes. On his face was not a look I had expected. I had expected one of lust, or excitement, or even love. Instead, he looked on me with cold indifference. I frowned for a moment before an overwhelming pain flooded from my lips and over my face, moving swiftly to cover my entire body. The pain subsided as quickly as it had come over me, but I was left unable to feel anything. I was paralysed.
"I imagine by this point the pain has passed." He said as he stood up, brushing down his clothes with his hands. His voice was cold and emotionless, nothing like what it had been in the ballroom. "The poison will work quickly, and you'll soon be gone." He turned back to look down on my still form. His eyes were now black as the darkest pits of Hell, around his left eye appeared the same emblem that was embroidered on his doublet - that eagle striking at invisible prey. "You've tortured your people for long enough. They will not go hungry for another day. Already, Emris rallies the other nobles around him to clean up your mess." He paused for a moment, frowning. "Ah shit, forgot my line...hold on..." He pulled out a slip of paper from a pocket on the inside of his doublet and read whatever was written on it. "Ah yes, that's it...'May you find the peace that you couldn't provide your people.' Fuck, you lot are a bunch of pathetic whiners, aren't you? I was payed to say all that drivel. Quite frankly I couldn't care less about your people or your pathetic planet." As he spoke, he dropped the slip of paper into the fire burning on the opposite side of the room. His clothes had changed at some point. He now wore a long, dark purple hooded cloak and black hardened leather armour. Two daggers with skulls on the end of their hilts hung at his waist, and an assortment of throwing knives and other instruments were strapped in various locations over his body. He moved to the window now and looked back at me, flashing a fanged grin before leaping from the window. I caught the briefest glimps of black feathered wings sprouting from his back before he disappeared from sight.
A single black rose sat on my chest. When he had put it there I couldn't tell.
A single tear escapes my eye.
Darkness.