The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: LamentingQuill on 04-02-2020, 04:10:52</h2>
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				Title: <strong>The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LamentingQuill</strong> on <strong>04-02-2020, 04:10:52</strong>
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				Marina sat with her back so firmly pressed against the cushion of the seat, her father almost feared she might try to merge with the carriage, her face bore an expression of uncomfortable reluctance…<br><br>It tore at Lewis Barrington’s heart to push his daughter into territory she didn’t feel accepted or wanted, but… he wasn’t getting any younger and when he was gone, he wanted to make certain that Marina had a husband that would protect and take care of her like she deserved and as much as the both of them found the elite of the elite of high society to be quite tiring… opportunities like this to find a wealthy husband for her didn’t come their way all too often.<br><br>True enough, they weren’t poor… but how was Lewis to know for sure that any of his business partners weren’t going to up and abandon Marina the moment he was dead and buried? He saw his daughter for everything she was worth, but other men… they scoffed at the notion of viewing a woman on equal terms, especially in business. Marina would eventually be left penniless… she would be alone… and likely at the mercy of bottom feeders... and he couldn’t bear to let that become her fate when he still had breath within him to prevent it.<br><br>“Do I have to go in, Papa?” Marina murmured, lifting her head to look out the carriage window, gazing up at the staircase leading inside the grand opulent castle of the ruling family… her stomach felt sick… she knew how the other young women of higher ranks were going to snicker at her behind her back, like they always did when they came into contact, spoiled wenches had nothing else better to do than to torment those below them.<br><br>“It’ll be alright, darling, you’ll be fine” Lewis reassured her, reaching over to take his daughter’s hands into his “You don’t have to entertain the company of anyone you don’t want to, your husband will be your choice… just don’t forget to at least gives the interested gents a chance to put their best foot forward first…”<br><br>Marina smiled softly and nodded, she trusted her father when he said he’d never force her to marry someone she didn’t want to… hence why she wasn’t forced to marry the obnoxious son of the silk merchant when he came sniffing… but then Marina happened to know that moron sniffed at just about anything in a skirt. Anything.&nbsp; Hard pass.<br><br>“Come along then, Marina… you’ll see, you will meet someone nice and have a wonderful time” Lewis said as he attempted a fatherly pep talk “Only a fool wouldn’t appreciate my girl”<br><br>Stifling the urge to groan, Marina pushed away from the seat and allowed her father to guide her out the now opened doorway… she gazed up the steps with a sour expression, her eyes seemed to say ‘Well… here we go…’.<br><br><hr><br>“Oh my goodness, they actually invited ALL the nobles… I wasn’t aware they still considered barons nobility…”<br><br>Marina rolled at her eyes at the whispered words of Lady Clarissa to Lady Rebecca as they passed by them, the two extravagantly dressed daughters of Duke Wentworth were as annoying at they came… but her father didn’t seem to hear them and if he did, their words slid off of him like rain upon rubber.<br><br>“I see Count Lyle Hornberry, he wanted to discuss some of our new foals with me… I trust you’ll be alright on your own, darling?” Lewis asked, waiting to leave her before knowing for sure she’d not take off running or dump a bunch bowl over a gossiping lady’s head.<br><br>“I’m fine, Papa… I promise, I’ll be okay and I will behave myself” Marina replied, a slightly smirk playing across her lips “I swear, now go on, I know how proud you are of the newest additions to our stables”<br><br>Lewis smiled at his daughter and proceeded across the room to where the Count Wentworth was standing beside the refreshment table.<br><br>As she turned to figure out what to do with herself, she could hear Lady Clarissa gossiping some more to Lady Rebecca, but she and her father were not the subject this time…<br><br>“When will the royal family emerge?” Lady Rebecca murmured “Another prince choosing a bride, how exciting!”<br><br>“Rebecca! Don’t you know whose turn it is?!” Lady Clarissa hissed quietly “Emeric, the cursed one… tonight is the eve of his 25th birthday, this is his party, his turn to choose a wife… you should count your blessed lucky stars that you don’t find yourself face to face with that mask of white and gold…”<br><br>“I wonder what he looks like under there… must be awful if he always hides his face behind a mask… and do you think it’s true what they say? That any woman he marries will be cursed as well?”<br><br>“Most likely, I heard it’s dangerous to even look at him! My mother said the last girl, a servant girl, to see the face of Prince Emeric… she was found dead in her room, her face etched with horror…”<br><br>“Really?! My God!” Rebecca replied, the two of them proceed to stroll away towards the refreshment tables as they continued to chat quietly.<br><br>“What rubbish…” Marina grumbled as she allowed her eyes to survey the ballroom, perhaps find a friendly looking individual to strike up some decent conversation with “I swear, most of these nobles desperately need a hobby, their gossiping is way out of control”<br><br>In the next moment, trumpets sounded from the direction of the thrones, all eyes were drawn to the ornate double doors, a butler emerged and he cleared his throat “Is it my pleasure to announce the arrival of the royal family! Their royal majesties, King Leoric and Queen Marselle!”<br><br>The king and queen then emerged from the doors, both of them strikingly attractive brunettes, the queen wore a magnificent gown of magenta and the king was adorned in regal garments of the kingdom’s colors of scarlet and gold. They promptly took their seats upon the thrones.<br><br>The butler spoke again “Crown Prince Varian and Princess Arabella!”<br><br>Next through the doors came a tall handsome man that looked to be in his late to mid thirties, his form with well maintained and upon his body too were exquisite garments of scarlet and gold, Princess Arabella opted for a pastel pink gown to compliment her sunshine gold hair… they moved to stand beside the king’s throne, as was Varian place as the heir to the throne.<br><br>“2nd Prince Jace and Princess Yvette!”<br><br>Through the doors came a slightly younger man, handsome as his elder brother with the same luxurious brunette hair as his family, his wife however sporting a raven black braid going down her back, she wore a gown of deep garnet, while the prince chose garments of sapphire blue and silver.<br><br>“3rd Prince Fredrick and Princess Henrietta!”<br><br>Through the doors next came a young man looking like he could be any older than 30, if that, he wore a very arrogant and overconfident expression upon his handsome face… his wife however, looked as miserable to be here as Marina was, there such sadness in her eyes, it made Marina wonder why.<br><br>“5th Prince, Lionel!”<br><br>Through the doors came a lone young man dressed in the same colors as his father and eldest brother, he looked like he couldn’t be more than 18 to 20 years old… she almost thought she were skipping the 4th prince, but then… it occurred to her that the birthday boy might be saved for last.<br><br>“And now, the guest of honor this evening, the 4th Prince Emeric!”<br><br>When Emeric would emerge, the butler softly whispered “Happy birthday, your highness and best of luck tonight”
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lemon Lime</strong> on <strong>04-02-2020, 20:01:15</strong>
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				"It's Tradition!" His father, the king exclaimed once again. This time more jovially than he had previously as today was the day he chose his bride and the last time he begged for it be cancelled. Let him live his life as a bachelor, run an estate somewhere near the coast, away from everyone. But the same excuse was given, it was tradition that he choose his to be wife tonight, despite his protests. A birthday should feel like a celebration but this felt like anything but.<br><br>Emeric was the 4th prince to King Leoric and Queen Marselle, they had 5 sons all of whom had gone (or will go) through the same process of how they choose a wife. The eve of their 25th birthday they will attend a ball, wine and dine, and talk with all the invited noble ladies of the land and then choose one to marry. His oldest brother Varian had found his love this way and spoke wonderfully about it all, telling him that fate would guide him. His next oldest brother Jace had been in love with Yvette for years and his ball had been ceremonial if nothing else as he chose her almost immediately. Fredrick was his own story and offered no guidance other than, "pick one that's prettier than you, but that shouldn't be hard." Far less kind than the others.<br><br>Emeric at the tender age of 16 had been cursed, or given some sort of plague doing horrible things to his face, making him - undesirable and troublesome to look at. Since that day after healers, physicians, and anyone else who saw him had no idea what to do, he wore a mask. Beautiful and ornate, his mother had designed it to be white and gold and since then he never took it off. Emeric had commissioned more for back up and was never again seen without it. Of course by doing so rumors spread like wild fire of how he was "cursed" and so was dubbed "The Cursed Prince". <br>"No woman will want to marry me." He sighed as his mother smoothed his clothing.<br>"Every woman wants to marry a prince my dear." Her soft smile was comforting even though she knew what he meant.<br><br>No woman wanted to marry a cursed and hideous man. But he would do this, pick a woman and marry her and hopefully she wouldn't mind too much. He had always been told, "you're handsome beyond the mask!" as if that made up for things. Often compared to his grandfather, the former king, Emeric stood a head taller than most of his brothers except Varian who was his equal. Broad shoulders, muscled and toned body with long dark brown-black hair and icy blue eyes. It should have been easy to find love, but he was cursed who would want to marry and have children with someone like him?<br><br>But the time for self-pity was over, he had to make an entrance and pretend to be happy. One blessing that came from wearing a mask is that no one could really see his facial expression or the look of displeasure he wore. He stood straight as his parents and brothers were annouced. With a wish of happy birthday - the first he had received from anyone but his mother he sighed.<br>"Thank you Nigel, lets hope tonight goes quickly."<br>The butler gave him a hopeful smile and at that he stepped out wearing cream clothing with gold accents. Polished boots and his hair tied back low. His mask shiny and emotionless. Eyes turned to him and more than a few looked away as his eyes scanned the room. <br><br>He looked over at Varian briefly who gave a nod to the crowd as if to nudge him forward and his sister in law gave him a wink. They were obnoxiously optimistic but he appreciated their support, more than once had Arabella seen him in a state of depression and self-hatred and not judged. He took a breath making his way from the dais onto the ball room floor remembering what his mother had told him. He needed to dance with a few women, try not to favor anyone too much until the end and then make his decision. <br><br>There were plenty of beautiful women and his heart started pounding in his chest and he wish he could just go off and hide. He had fought in battles less stressful than this. He made his way around the room giving saying hello, shaking hands of noble lords and looking at the women. Soon Nigel was next to him but at a distance pointing out which woman was who. Lady Clarissa and Rebecca, who wouldn't meet his eye, Lady Sarina who looked up and then looked away and then he came upon a gorgeous auburn haired woman and he turned to Nigel slightly who quickly whispered in his ear, "That is the daughter of Baron Lewis Barrington, Lady Marina." <br><br>Emeric took her in, absolutely lovely, and held herself with such confidence and was fearless. She didn't avert her gaze, or act afraid of him or try and get his attention to go to someone else. So he made his way over, and bowed slightly. <br>"Lady Marina, you look stunning, would you honor me with a dance?"<br>He extended a gloved hand to her, hoping she would take it. His eye met hers as he waited for her answer. They were sharp, inquisitive, and held no or very little fear of what he was. What had his brother said about fate? 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LamentingQuill</strong> on <strong>06-02-2020, 13:17:55</strong>
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				When Marina turned around with the intentions of looking to see if her father was finished with his conversation yet… she froze up, she forgot for a moment to breathe… there he was, he was dressed in a fine suit of off white with gold and sky blue accents, he was tall and he cut quite the fine well built figure… yet slender and elegant all at the same time…<br>His long dark chocolate hair was tied back neatly in a loose ponytail at the nape of his neck… and that mask… a pearly off white with gold lace accents… and peering through the eyeholes were orbs of bright blue…<br><br>He was mesmerizing… there was an air of mystery around him that Marina honestly found intriguing, alluring… and yet… the rumors surrounding this enigma of a prince still danced about in her head… she did not know what to do…<br><br>She heard Lady Clarissa snicker nearby, she saw her out the corner of her eye staring at her, whispering to Lady Rebecca from behind her fan… their eyes were narrowed in amusement… she knew what they were talking about even without hearing them…<br><br>Horrid gossiping harpies…<br><br><strong>"Lady Marina, you look stunning, would you honor me with a dance?"<br></strong><br>She swallowed hard and stared at his offered hand for a moment before she took a discreet deep breath and exhaled slowly through her nose before she reached out with one hand to gently place hers in the masculine outstretched hand “I… I would be honored, Prince Emeric…”<br><br>The prince gently pulled her in closer, his other hand wrapping loosely around her waist as Marina placed her free hand upon his shoulder… just in time for the first notes of a romantic waltz to begin…<br>The prince moved them across the floor with an almost otherworldly grace and elegance, Marina gazed up at that masked face… eyes of jade green locked onto sky blue… his eyes were beautiful… so bright and filled with such profound intelligence… and… sadness?<br><br>Her heart ached in her chest… yes… she imagined with all the rumors and stories being spread about like wildfire, he must be incredibly lonely…<br>What was it underneath that mask that was so awful that he was made to feel like he had to cover it up? Why did humanity have to be so cruel as to create these obnoxiously fictitious stories about a curse? What was so amusing about causing another living breathing human being pain like that?<br><br>She spotted Lady Clarissa nearby as Emeric whirled her around… the stone hearted wench was grinning like a Chesire cat, whispering something to Lady Rebecca… what horrible girls… had their parents honestly failed so terribly in teaching them how to at least try and be a decent person?<br><br>Damn the both of them to hell…<br><br>Marina looked back once again to Emeric’s masked face and smiled gently as they moved to the music the orchestra played “I almost forgot… Happy birthday, Prince Emeric”
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lemon Lime</strong> on <strong>10-02-2020, 23:42:03</strong>
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				Her response was timid enough to be sincere. Her small hand was in his and soon he swept her out onto the dance floor as the music started. Tradition was that he would start the dance and then others could join in, and soon enough they did. His hands were on her lightly, as he moved them around through the dance her petite body moved with grace. Emeric noticed she didn't feel tense or scared, trying to get away from his grip but felt comfortable. He smiled ever so slightly, unfortunately it was hidden by his mask. Her lovely green eyes looked up into his and for a moment he was lost. <br><br>Green eyes that held mystery and thoughtfulness. And then she wished him a happy birthday and that took him out of his trance that looking into her eyes had caused. <br>"Thank you my lady, with you here, I'm sure it will be a good one."<br>Once again a tiny smile formed under his mask and he looked around the room at the other women who his their whispers and looks behind fans, judging her for being the daughter of a Baron and him for being cursed. Emeric tried to ignore it but soon the song came to an end and he paused, moving his hands off his dance partner. He took her hand, leaning down to plant a kiss, or at least press the lips of his mask against the back of her hand and then stood.<br>"That was wonderful, thank you my Lady, I hope to have the pleasure to dance with you again. Please, enjoy yourself."<br><br>Emeric gave another tiny bow to her and then moved off. Remembering what his mother told him about dancing with more than one woman as to not show favoritism. Next was Lady Rebecca, who was far more stiff and far less pleasant than Marina. She wouldn't make eye contact and barely spoke. After the dance she scurried back to her friend and instead of being upset he found himself looking for Lady Marina in the crowd. His ice blue eyes looking for her entrancing green. He like usual didn't drink or eat anything, not wanting to move or remove his mask. Nigel would bring something to his rooms later. He had masks where the mouth part was missing but that was usually for important dinners he could not get out of.<br><br>Tonight, despite it being his birthday was more about marriage than celebrating him or being something designed for him. At one point he heard Lady Clarissa say something about how it should have been a masquerade ball to make him feel more at home. Although the minute she realized he had heard her she paled and quickly moved away. No apologies just realizing her mistake and disappearing. He sighed but when he looked up he saw lady Marina, hoping she was enjoying herself. Emeric went to speak to her again but was cut off by Jace, taking him aside and introducing him to Yvette's cousin, Lady Toria. He smiled at the young brunette who looked nervous but asked her to dance none-the-less. He sought out Marina as he moved around the dance floor with this new woman who attempted to smile at him and do her best not to be nervous. <br><br>His mind was preoccupied with trying to ignore all the gossip fueled things people were whispering and Lady Marina's beauty. The song ended and he kissed Toria's hand, she blushed and then he moved away trying to once again find Lady Marina in the crowd. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LamentingQuill</strong> on <strong>22-02-2020, 00:53:33</strong>
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				<strong>"Thank you my lady, with you here, I'm sure it will be a good one."</strong><br><br>Even with his face covered and the taboo that surrounded him… Marina found herself drawn in by the deep yet soft sound of his smooth voice… and those eyes, the most hypnotic shade of icy blue she’d ever seen… a girl could get lost in eyes like those…<br><br>The tone of his voice… did she sense a smile under that mask? He sounded a little bit happier than when he first approached her… well good, no one deserved to be miserable on their birthday. He seemed so nice too, the vibe he gave off was even the slightest bit offputting or unpleasant… she got the feeling that he did not deserve the reputation thrust upon him by the public.<br><br>It made her feel incredibly compelled to find out the truth of this whole thing, instead of relying on cold and heartless rumors spread about by society.<br><br>As the music drew to a close, Prince Emeric brought them a slow stop upon the dance floor… had time really passed so quickly? His hands withdrew from her body before one hand reached for one of hers and brought it up to press the cold lips of his porcelain mask against her flesh… her heart broke for him, he was so afraid of his own people, that he couldn’t even give a lady a proper kiss on the hand.<br><br><strong>"That was wonderful, thank you my Lady, I hope to have the pleasure to dance with you again. Please, enjoy yourself."<br></strong><br>“I look forward to it” Marina replied, her tone kind and warm, she performed a graceful subtle curtsy in respect for him as a prince and a gentleman… watching then as he turned from her to give his attention to the next lady he was expected to dance with.<br><br>She watched for a moment as it came time for Lady Rebbeca to take a turn dancing with the birthday boy… but seeing Rebecca’s stiff posture and the chilled look in her eyes… the disgusting ignorant behavior was too much for Marina to look upon any longer, she couldn’t bear to see the sadness in Prince Emeric’s eyes as he quietly and gracefully took it and accepted it as his lot in life.<br><br>It was wrong. No matter what was under that mask, it didn’t give anyone the right to degrade him as being unworthy of respect and understanding.<br><br>Retreating towards the back doors that let out onto the terrace, Marina silently excused herself into the cool but comfortable night air… she closed the doors behind her and released slowly the breath she’d been holding.<br>Turning around, she gazed upwards at the sky of inky navy blue, dotted with sparkling silver stars… it was all so funny… she’d never thought twice about any of the royal family before now, but… well, after meeting Emeric and talking with him awhile… seeing the sorrow in his eyes… the kindness in his voice… the way he spoke to her like she wasn’t just a baron’s daughter…<br><br>She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so comfortable to just be herself…<br><br>What was happening here tonight? There had been a spark of something tonight there in Prince Emeric’s arms… but what exactly was it?<br><br>Taking another deep breath and slowly releasing it… Marina turned herself back around and proceeded to the ballroom doors, she entered and cast her green gaze to the dance floor… Prince Emeric was retreating from a blushing Lady Toria, Marina couldn’t help but observe how elegant and graceful every movement of his body was… it was breathtaking to behold…<br><br>She had to wonder… if not for the mask and his ‘curse’... would he ever look twice at a baron’s daughter?<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lemon Lime</strong> on <strong>24-02-2020, 03:19:37</strong>
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				Toria departed his company and he looked up, watching people mill around. Many of whom tried not to make eye contact. He made some polite nods and tried to keep his gaze soft. His mask had a small smile to it to appear less severe, his mother's idea, but it didn't matter. He was a large man who couldn't show his actual smile, or give people disarming looks to make them feel better or show his approval or joy. Emeric tried to relax his shoulders, took small breaths, and did all the things he had practiced to make people feel more comfortable around him. He got a few smiles and gentle hellos and happy birthdays and things seemed to be doing alright. Especially when he looked across the room and saw her. Lady Marina stepping into the room, his eyes immediately meeting hers.<br><br>He paused, not wanting to look away. There was starlight in her eyes; bright, beautiful, and mesmerizing. He took a step to move towards her and was cut off by his brother. Frederick stood in front of him, a few inches shorter than him, and a plate of food was in his hand.<br>"Ah brother. Happy birthday!"<br>He smiled and laughed, the wine thick on his breath.<br>"Here have something to eat! Oh wait... you'd have to remove the mask to do that... can't have you scaring off your future prisoner - I mean wife by doing that!"<br>He laughed heavily after that and pulled the plate of food back from Emeric's face and took a bite then nudged the birthday boy with an elbow before moving off to get more food. <br><br>The man of the night sighed and tried to not let his brother ruin what should be a happy and otherwise pleasant affair. He was just hoping not many&nbsp; people had heard that. He kept his head high and watched as a few men held back chuckles and a few women look away nervously. It was hard to keep his shoulders back and relaxed, he let them slump. His mother was across the room and gave him a sad smile. He knew if she could she would wrap him in her arms and tell him it would all be okay. She always treated all of them like they were still her little boys and only wanted the best for them. She hated seeing Emeric like this but there wasn't a lot she could do. <br><br>Once again he tried to straighten his back and looked for the woman who had shown no fear or morbid curiosity when he spoke to her. Lady Marina. He took a goblet of wine and slowly made his way through the crowd over to her. A smile once again forming on his lips as he presented her with the glass.<br>"I promise it is the best wine in the region, I would hate to see you go thirsty, or it to go to waste."<br>Handing it to her he stood there wishing he could enjoy it with her.<br>"Are you having a nice time my Lady? I must admit I have not seen you at events here before. Granted I don't attend many but I believe someone as beautiful as you would have left an impression on my memory."<br><br>What was he saying? Coming on strong, over flattering, being ridiculous. His face had a slight blush and he had to admit he was happy for the mask so she could not see it. Was this the woman he wanted to choose as his bride? He barely knew her, she was the daughter of a Baron so no real political connections would be made, but he was the 4th son and no connections were really needed. She was gorgeous, and seemed kind. She didn't need or probably want to be with a man like him. But at least until he made up his mind - which would probably be soon - he could enjoy company with someone who didn't see him as a monster.<br><br>"Please forgive me but I am unfamiliar with your father's business. Would you care to refresh me? Maybe while getting some fresh air..."<br>He turned his body and put his hand on her back guiding her outside while gesturing with the other. Leading her out onto the terrace wanting just a bit of privacy. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LamentingQuill</strong> on <strong>20-03-2020, 21:52:27</strong>
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				He noticed her then, immediately changing direction to head her way… Marina’s heart was pounding like a drum in her chest, she genuinely thought that in his royal position, he would feel obligated to look through potential brides of much higher social standing than her… maybe… maybe he wasn’t actually coming towards her, maybe there was someone standing not far behind her or something…<br><br>Marina held her breath until Emeric finally stopped… directly in front of her, he didn’t look off to the side or around her… those icy blue eyes were peering through the eyeholes of the mask right at her… and in his hand was a glass of wine being extended towards her.<br><br><strong>"I promise it is the best wine in the region, I would hate to see you go thirsty, or it to go to waste."<br></strong><br>“Thank you” Marina murmured graciously, giving him a gentle smile… that voice was smooth as silk, elegant and enticing… it was incredible the things you could observe about a person when you couldn’t see their face.<br><br><strong>"Are you having a nice time my Lady? I must admit I have not seen you at events here before. Granted, I don't attend many, but I believe someone as beautiful as you would have left an impression on my memory."<br></strong><br>Marina blushed deeply and averted her gaze bashfully “You flatter me, your highness…”<br><br>He left an impression on her too, she’d never met anyone in her life that went about every aspect of their lives in such ethereal grace, let alone a man.<br><br><strong>"Please forgive me but I am unfamiliar with your father's business. Would you care to refresh me? Maybe while getting some fresh air..."<br></strong><br>“Horses, Prince Emeric”&nbsp; Marina replied as they made their exit from the ballroom, that bashful blush still playing across her lovely features as they stepped into the caressing night air “My father breeds some of the finest horses in the kingdom, I believe you even have some in your own stables. Our family’s horse breeding prowess earned my grandfather the baron title when he was a young man, no older than us as I understand it… I believe it’s the end of the evening when you’ll receive your birthday gifts, correct? Father brought one his very best horses to gift to you, a beautiful black stallion, one of the most beautiful horses I’ve ever seen in my life. I am sure you will love him… oh and make sure to act surprised”<br><br>She grinned at that last part and laughed gently, she turned slightly and gazed upwards at the many stars above them “It’s a nice night, not too cold and lots of pretty stars… do you like stars, Prince Emeric? I personally find them to be incredibly reassuring and soothing, their serene beauty comforts me so, I enjoy going to the rooftop of my home and just lay on the roof to find all the constellations”<br><br>She looked down to gaze at Emeric’s masked faced and chuckled lightly “I’m sorry, that must sound like the most absurd thing for a lady to do”
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lemon Lime</strong> on <strong>27-03-2020, 03:10:27</strong>
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				The fresh evening air felt good as they moved outside. The minute she had said 'horses' it all became clear. Emeric nodded and walked with her feeling like an idiot for not remembering. As she spoke about the gift her father was giving him he gave a small smile, wishing she could actually see this one. He gestured to his mask as a response.<br>"This helps hide facial expressions quite well, I'm sure I'll be able to easily feign surprise."<br>He then moved towards the railing of the small balcony with her and was trying not to be caught looking at her. His eyes trailed her form and he had to admit she was very lovely. Could she be someone he could marry? It was odd to think that of someone he has just met. She seemed far too kind to be tethered to a cursed man like him. <br><br>Her words shook him from his thoughts as she commented on the stars. He nodded looking at their beauty, not something he had really thought about before.<br>"I don't hear of many ladies going on roofs, nor star gazing."<br>He moved a little closer to her and looked up at the sky, the crescent moon shining down and the stars twinkling brightly. <br>"The only times I ever really look at the stars is when I'm hunting at night. I can look at them and keep track of which way I'm going so I don't get lost."<br>He turned away for a moment and then spoke a little quieter.<br>"And on the battlefield, they can be relaxing to look at, and also... keep me from getting lost."<br><br>Emeric took a breath and then looked back down into her lovely eyes, enjoying the way the light from the ballroom lit up her face. He wanted to move away from the topic of war, it was always uncomfortable and he had been told by his brother not to talk about it with women since it wouldn't help him find a wife. <br>"So my lady, are there any other absurd things you enjoy?"<br>He said with a hint of playfulness in his voice. He was trying to keep things light, trying not to be nervous about talking to a beautiful woman, a beautiful woman who did not fear him. This was not something he was used to, but doing his best to not give her more reasons to be frightened of him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LamentingQuill</strong> on <strong>27-03-2020, 04:01:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"This helps hide facial expressions quite well, I'm sure I'll be able to easily feign surprise."<br></strong><br>Marina chuckled warmly and smiled “I bet it does. I can only imagine the faces you get away with making at boring politicians”<br><br><strong>"I don't hear of many ladies going on roofs, nor star gazing."<br></strong><br>Well, at least he didn’t sound like it was something that displeased him, so that was very good… but would it be something he could see himself enjoying with a special someone?<br><br>Wait… was she actually entertaining the idea of being this prince’s wife?<br><br>She wasn’t entirely sure what was going on in her head… but she liked him, he had a good energy she enjoyed being around…<br><br><strong>"The only times I ever really look at the stars is when I'm hunting at night. I can look at them and keep track of which way I'm going so I don't get lost."<br></strong><br>He turned away from her for a moment then and she picked up his voice at much softer tone… perhaps because he was embarrassed by something?<br><br><strong>"And on the battlefield, they can be relaxing to look at, and also... keep me from getting lost."<br></strong><br>“Do you get lost often?” Marina asked him, giving him a playfully teasing grin, her eyes sparkling with adorable mischief… was she flirting? Yes, alright yes, she was… and she wasn’t going to be ashamed of it, Prince Emeric was a very nice man and she was liking his company, so she’d do whatever she wanted…<br><br>The brave little internal pep talk helped a little with her nerve...<br><br><strong>"So my lady, are there any other absurd things you enjoy?"<br></strong><br>“Sometimes I like to wear trousers while riding my horse” She murmured to him with a grin, divulging to him what others might view as downright scandalous, but she didn’t care… trousers were far more comfortable when one was riding a horse, gowns tended to get in the way and become uncomfortable when the skirt got all bunched up in places.<br><br>“What about you, Prince Emeric? Any scandalous little secrets?” Marina asked him with a soft playful little wink… her demeanor hid well how her heart was thundering in her chest, she hoped to high heaven she didn’t lose her bravada “Anything you enjoy that hasn’t exactly been received in the best light by others like me?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Cursed Prince (LamentingQuill and Lemon Lime)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lemon Lime</strong> on <strong>29-03-2020, 01:27:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When she asked him about how often he got lost he chuckled. It must sound like it happened a lot.<br>"No, I don't get lost too often, I'm very good at what I do, but sometimes in the heat of things you can get turned around."<br>He had realized how much he was enjoying talking to her. She was surprisingly candid, was not laughing just to be nice, and asked real questions beyond the usual things. An actually engaging woman. An engaging woman with a charming smile and deep eyes. What she said next caused him to chuckle again - a normbreaker. It made sense she would find riding in men's trousers easier, it was, and being raised among horses she'd be very experienced.<br>"Quite the scandal my lady! I'll make sure not to share it."<br><br>He smiled again but when she asked about any of his scandalous secrets it faltered.<br>"I am a bit of a walking scandal."<br>He then internally chastised himself, don't bring down the mood you idiot, say something. Her wink and playful smile brought him back from getting too sad and deep.<br>"However, I enjoy one thing that is not usually something princes or men do. I enjoy baking. Waking up early to get some cinnamon rolls in the oven... plus then eating them."<br><br>At that he felt himself blushing but was so thankful she couldn't see it. He shifted his weight slightly and then gently took her hand.<br>"Maybe at some point I'll be able to bake for you, but until then, would you care to dance with me again?"<br>He held his breath, nervous for some reason. His heart rate increased as he waited for his answer and was hoping she would say yes. Was he falling for this woman he had just met? Or was it just the first interraction he had with a woman who wasn't completely scared of him? He was supposed to pick his wife tonight, was Marina the one? Would it make more sense to spare her a life with a cursed man, and choose someone more politically advantageous? He needed to stop over thinking. Soon enough his father or Varian would tell him it was time to make a decision. He wanted at least a few more minutes having fun with this beautiful woman before he was told to make a life altering decision.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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