Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Anastasia Lockhart on 19-08-2008, 19:25:56</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Anastasia Lockhart</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 19:25:56</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				It had been a shock when the Royal Family made the announcement. The members and allies of House Markov were furious. Neither Tamar Markova or Vica Markova had been chosen to be the Royal Heir's consort.<br><br>It was Ellette Vilova.<br><br>The Markovs and Vilovs had been at each other's throats for generations. The Markovs were powerful merchants, wealthy and in control of the economy of the Kingdom. They were also vocally anti-Fae. The Vilovs were forever marrying Faeries and had the magical guilds in every city and port firmly in their grasp. The two had been jockeying for favor even harder, after the disgrace of the previous Royal favorite. The Harvest Ball had been held as an attempt to fairly choose a replacement. Yet, clever maneuvering by House Markov had wrested the Vilov invitations away into misdelivery and misplacement.<br><br>Imagine their fury, when a striking young creature in Vilov colors appeared and charmed the Prince into selecting her. The matter of the Glass Slipper was even more of an embarrassment. Of course, a Vilov girl with Faerie blood would have dainty feet and only that girl, forced to be a scullery maid for the Markovs, fit the shoe.<br><br>She'd demurred at the invitation to the palace. Her godmother was ill, she said, she needed to see her and prepare for the wedding, to get her trousseau and so forth.<br><br>Now, it was a week to Midwinter. The Vilov coach, pumpkin-shaped and drawn by white horses, had been spotted at the Western gate of the palace. The whole palace buzzed with activity. The Royal colors flew everywhere and the snow was swept from the courtyard.<br><br>Ellette Vilova had arrived. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 21:33:16</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Prince Valerios was an odd one by the standards of House Markov and House Vilov.<br>He seemed a neo-Imperialist and a neo-conservative. His father had been a weak old man and the previous two Emperor's had not been that capable either. However the current prince had proved to be far less easy to manipulate.<br>He was headstrong and proud, honorable, rational and calm. He had the strength of youth and displayed it. Unlike his father he displayed a concerning interest in the military, mingled thoroughly with the ambassadors and charmed the populace.<br>Both Houses were worrying that the Prince might end up like the founder of the dynasty... a strong Emperor who knew more or less what happened in his Empire. This spurred them on even more to try and get them on their side because loosing favor with the current feeble Emperor was disadvantageous... loosing it with a pro-active Emperor was far worse.<br>Valerios delighted in seeing them squirm and suck up to him. He kept the two Houses opposed while relying on the Royal and the Imperial Guard and the more neutral politicians. <br>The fact there was such upheaval over his current choice of spouse still made him smile.<br>The Prince wore a blue and white uniform with golden ornaments. At his side was an ornamented saber and he wore the insignia of a High Marshal of the Realm, preferring the ancient military titles over the more recent insignia and titles that his dynasty had claimed. Meaningless in his eyes as he longed for a return to the old days. Away of the decadence, confusing and disorder.<br>And this princess was part of that all. He picked his bride entirely loose of the House's their influence. And a good choice at that. Beautiful and intelligent. His mother had been a dimwitted courtier of House Markova and the Emperor before had been a foolish drunkard from House Vilov that had married into the dynasty when his predecessor had been without sons and only had had daughters.<br><br>His attention moved to whispering and he caught the name of 'Elette Vilova'. The prince smiled as soon as he heard the name.<br>Sooner than expected... but certainly not an unwelcome visit.<br>He accelerated pace as his black officer's boots tapped the red surface of the floor. He hid his eagerness to meet her behind a stern expression.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Anastasia Lockhart</strong> on <strong>19-08-2008, 22:19:33</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Ellette's looks had been improved by a visit to the Vilov estate, more by a chance to be washed and perfumed and gussied up like a Lady deserved. She had been merely pretty before, now, she was heartstoppingly lovely, at least, by the standards of the Westerners. Black hair, ivory skin, and the violet eyes of her Faerie mother were coupled with the sensuous curves and tall, stately grace of the East. Her attire was pure white, silk and lace and fur, spangled with diamonds and pearls. The clasp of her white cloak displayed her newly granted arms, the silver-white, crimson and black of the Vilovs but with two rampant black mice in the place of the swans and a white pumpkin in place of the silver pomegranate. The maids whispered in shock and pointed at her dainty feet, peeking out of her skirt with every step. She wore racy red shoes, studded with rubies and garnets to catch the light.<br><br>A trained eye might have noticed the nervous twitch of her hands in her muff or the slight tremble in her smile as a footman led her to the great hall. His Highness would be waiting for her. Had he changed his mind? Would he take back the ring and bestow another on the frothy, girlish Vica or slim, regal Tamar? Her godmother had warned her that she would need to act quickly to snare the Prince, but what if the tricks she'd learned didn't work?<br><br>She allowed them to take her cloak and muff. She would have to shore up her fears. Nothing was going to stand between her and the throne. She dropped into a deep court curtsy a safe distance from the throne, giving Prince Valerios a good view of what her bodice displayed and waited to be acknowledged.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 14:24:38</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Valerios's father was at his summerretreat with the Queen. Which in effect meant that the Prince and the Houses ran even more affairs than before. The Palace was busy as ever though and quite a few servants rushed by in the background.<br>The veterans of the Imperial Guard stood nearby, watching her and all newcomers with great attention.<br>Outside the Royal Guard had been on display, halberds up, they looked far more ceremonial than the bodyguard one could see here. The Court was a dangerous place and the Prince had quickly surrounded himself with loyalists. As he did not feel like ending up with a dagger in his back.<br><br>His hand rested on his knee as the booted foot sat on one of the tiny stairs leading up to the Imperial Thrones.<br>In his black belt she could see white gloves and his right hand rested casually on the hilt of his blade.<br>Next to him stood an advisor. And not too far away she could see two Electors and a Marshal of the Realm.<br>Valerios's blue gaze moved over her for a moment before his stern face smiled lightly. Turning to fully face her, he advanced a few steps and made a small bow. A sign of respect and a courtly response. Of course the bow was not full lest it seemed he treated her as an equal or superior. "Good day my dear lady. I had not expected you so soon. Not that i mind in the least of course" he said. He turned his head lightly "The meeting can continue later on. I doubt i need to add more to the debate anyway".<br>"As you wish High Marshal" the Marshal said and than saluted by slamming a hand into his chest.<br>"Of course your Highness" one Elector said, the other nobleman bowed too but did not speak. The advisor bowed even deeper and the men took their cue to leave.<br>"Shall we go for a walk in the garden?" he asked as he approached her, offering her his hand. His gaze had not missed her 'displayed cleavage'. The Prince was still young after all and like all healthy men of noble birth he had healthy cravings but also a moral duty and desire to sire heirs for the throne.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Anastasia Lockhart</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 15:04:54</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"That would be wonderful," said Ellette with a soft smile, "I never cease to be impressed by the fact that summer lingers in your garden against winter's advance." She took his arm. "Growing up in the Western Provinces, my father used to tell me how wondrous this place is. Even more wondrous is the fact that you haven't forgotten me." Or been poisoned by some ham-handed Markov supporter, but she was hardly going to say that when the Markov jaw was so obvious among the guards.<br><br>She knew she was being watched. There were spies about and she took some grim measure of pride in what they would be reporting. The scullery maid in diamonds, on the arm of the prince, was going to walk with him among the roses. She was glad he'd suggested the garden. It would help with a few spy-proofing tricks she had.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>20-08-2008, 20:22:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"How my dear could i possibly forget my charming fiancée?" he said with a small smile.<br>He led them through the palace, passing guards who rose up their lances to the fullest as they passed. <br>The Prince took in his beautiful soon-to-be bride and was pleased once more by what he saw. He wondered though if she was as witty and intelligent as she had seemed when first they met.<br>He would need to find out if that was truly the case.<br>They entered the garden and followed a finely kept little pebbled road, past fountaints and symmetrically placed trees and statues.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Anastasia Lockhart</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 00:00:55</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"With so many handsome ladies at court this year, I wouldn't blame a straying thought or two," she chuckled warmly, "I'm glad to see you've been well. Things seem so tense in the city. There are those who say that the Lady Tamar is your rightful bride. Poor sister." She seemed genuinely concerned for her stepsister, though, if the rumors were true, her bigger worry was Tamar's new beau.<br><br>"Have you met this Count Arletov?" she asked innocently, "Tamar seems fond of him."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 11:01:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled "Sometimes i wonder if there is someone i haven't met yet". He glanced at her and smiled lightly at her.<br>"So many feasts, meetings and people trying to wiggle favors out of me" he stopped a moment to look at a beautiful pond with fishes. Some watergargoyles stood at the other end.<br>"Tommorow a group of eastern ambassadors are coming and there will be a large banquet" he said "I would be most honored if you would be my lady for the evening" he said. "Besides... it will give you some experience in surviving these dreadfully boring events".
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Anastasia Lockhart</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 14:29:55</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"There's an event that's boring with you there?" Ellette asked, seemingly incredulous, "I won't believe it until I see it!" She planted a kiss on his cheek. "I wouldn't dare leave your side. I'd be too afraid I only dreamed of you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 16:09:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He gave her a tiny smile, not looking at her as she kissed his cheek.<br>If she was attentive she'd notice a furtive fluster on his cheeks.<br>"Flatterrer" his smile grew wider though.<br>"So tell me... what arrangements shall i make for your stay?".
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Anastasia Lockhart</strong> on <strong>21-08-2008, 21:31:59</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"It'd would be flattery if I lied," said Ellette, "All I need is a room where I won't disturb anyone. I sing to myself when I can't sleep, I'm afraid I get a bit loud. I'm not sure how well I'll sleep with all the excitement."<br><br>If family visited, she would be spied on and a room with a bit of privacy would be beneficial. There was also the matter of--No. That would wait. It had to.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 11:17:51</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded "I am sure they will be able to cope with your delightful voice" the Prince said.<br>"But i shall have one of the finest rooms prepared for you" he said.<br>He led her to a bench next to an enormous fountaint and patted the spot next to him.<br>He noticed her expression changing slightly "Something amiss?" he asked.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Anastasia Lockhart</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 14:43:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Only wondering...If you have the time this evening, I'd like it very much if you met me in my room. There's something I wish to discuss with you that is better served by darkness and seclusion, something I think you'll enjoy."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 17:35:38</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked at her a moment. Raising an eyebrow questioningly.<br>"Hmmm if i were an improper man i would interprete that request the wrong way" he said with a small smile.<br>"But i would be honored to meet you in private" he said. "i am sure you have much to ask" he said.<br>It was then a servant approached them and bowed. "My Lord..." the man said.<br>"Yes?" Valerios asked, tearing his gaze away from the blackhaired beauty.<br>"Your mother has returned momentarily for the feast and would like to see her son".<br>Valerios nodded "Hmmm quite the surprise. Very well. Tell her i shall meet up with her immediately" he stated.<br>The man nodded and glanced at Ellette "She would love to meet your fiancé also" he stated.<br>The Prince nodded and his gaze moved towards his fiancé once more. "Well what do you say... shall we?" he said rising up and offering her his right hand.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Anastasia Lockhart</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 18:42:07</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'd be delighted." Ellette allowed him to lead her to the drawing room. <br><br>The Queen was still remarkably beautiful, though hers was the beauty of wisdom and experience, unlike Ellette's girlish enthusiasm. Once upon a time, she would have raged at the thought of a halfbreed scullery maid taking her place. Now, however, she had seen the depths to which her cousins and nieces would stoop and her son's chosen was at least clever. Mother-in-law and bride regarded each other only briefly, sizing each other up, before the Queen turned to her son and smiled.<br><br>"You have no idea how overjoyed I am, Valerios," she said, leaving a tender kiss on his cheek.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Chains of Glass (Anastasia and Darthvegeta800)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darthvegeta800</strong> on <strong>22-08-2008, 21:56:54</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Valerios was surprised but showed it not.<br>"That pleases me mother" he said calmly. He stood regal and confident as ever.<br>He still held Ellette's hand but let it go now.<br>"Lady Ellette will be at the festivities tonight and shall stay at the palace" he said. He beckoned a servant.<br>"Has a suitable room been prepared for my fiancé?" he asked.<br>"I am unsure your Highness but i shall make sure it is".<br>"Good... make sure it is a large and comfortable one and ensure to all her needs is seen"<br>The man nodded "As you wish".<br>"I'll have the Imperial Guard watch over you... to be sure all goes well" he said to Ellette.
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