Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: chaoslord29 on 13-05-2013, 20:48:29</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>chaoslord29</strong> on <strong>13-05-2013, 20:48:29</strong>
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				The throneroom of the royal palace of Miragliano was a sight to behold, with its marble floors and columns in the old imperial style, silk pennants of the noble houses flying next to ornate and gilded tapestries depicting the triumphs and glories of the province over the centuries, including the most recent victories that had established Miragliano as its own kingdom following the fall of the old order. Now it was the model of peace and prosperity for the region, a shining beacon of what could be achieved when tradition and honor ruled across the realm. Strong borders and well guarded roads meant that the wealth of the region was secure and could flow freely at the port cities, all the more lucrative thanks to their expert merchant fleet and newly consolidated royal navy. The people of Miragliano had always been affluent and cultured, but this new gilded age had brought wealth and extravagance not seen in living memory and the evidence was all on full display nowhere more than the royal court. On any given day the courtiers and aristocrats flitted and gossipped in luxurious silks and decorative fashions, but on this day, all were assembled around the thrones in full regalia to receive guests of royal invitation.<br><br>The envoys of the border princes had always been welcome in Miragliano, and a lasting alliance had been forged all too recently in the troubled times of civil unrest. However, now that the squabbling princedoms had been unified under the Reikmar Compact, there had been some unrest and concern throughout the realm. The newly christened Reikmar Protectorate was potentially the single greatest military power since the fall of the old empire, long had the various nations which made it up defended themselves against the dark denizens of the eastern wastes and wilderness. Unified under their own leadership for the first time in their collective history, it was not clear who would now benefit most from this protection, or whether they might even turn their eyes and armies back towards the civilized lands of the west, bent on conquest and dominion. Miragliano stood but a mountain pass away from the Protectorate, but also had the closest ties by blood and tradition to the old border princes, and now it would be seen if those ties would bear fruit, as a party of Protectorate agents and representatives was eagerly awaited by the king, queen, prince and heads of every noble house to discuss the opening of formal diplomatic negotiations.<br><br>The Reikmar diplomat had chosen to arrive by sea, taking but a single ship to be escorted by a dedicated fleet of Marigliano in a show of good faith (the Border Princes having never been a great maritime power). Now, their arrival at the palace was heralded by much pomp and circumstance as every head turned, every neck craned, and all eyes watched the twin bronze doors of the throne room, all standing save Eglio V, ruler of Marigliano and his wife Katelyn as the doors swung wide. The major domo unfurled his scroll and read in a high, solemn tenor&nbsp; “Announcing the chosen envoys of the Reikmar Compact, lead by Count Manfred von Holstein, Chosen Herald of the Council of Protectors, Marshal of the 1st Winged Lances, and Executor of the Protectorate.”<br><br>The man that strode into the circle of courtiers to stand before the throne was tall, surprisingly young, but attired in the traditional stately garb of the Border Princes, the shining cuirass of his company was swathed with a red sash to denote his station and he carried a winged helm under his arm. The sash billowed outward over his shoulder in a deep crimson cloak, and his brocade doublet and riding breeches gave him the appearance of a field marshall or general having just returned triumphant from some campaign, altogether eminently deserving of the awed gazes which he commanded. Other names of other diplomats and agents were announced, but it mattered little, as they dozen or so all assembled behind him in a pyramid of descending station before the throne, before they all knelt to one knee as one (even the three ladies of the party, while Manfred remained standing, bending at the waist in a simple bow of deference to the royal family of Marigliano. Standing straight again, he gestured to his party and smiled charmingly,&nbsp; “Your graces, it is my honor to be welcomed to your home.” 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>13-05-2013, 21:29:33</strong>
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				The King cleared his throat and began his rehearsed speech.<br><br>"The honor goes to meself, me family, and the peoples of these kingdom, my lord.&nbsp; We have enjoyed good relation with we friends in the Reikmar Compact many before your princes were united into one nations, and We are overhappy now to take this walk to making these relations .. more formality."&nbsp; The king was speaking in the language of the Reikmar, which in many ways bore no resemblance to his native tongue.&nbsp; It was, however, the native language of both his wives (past and present) and so it was not totally alien to him.&nbsp; Several of the Council suggested it would be a magnanimous gesture to greet the envoy in his native language, but he'd had precious little time to practice.&nbsp; The king somehow managed to not mangle it too badly -- or so he thought.<br><br>So much for the concession to welcome him in his own language.&nbsp; Switching to a more civilized tongue - and specifically the Miragliano dialect of said language, the King presented his lovely young Queen and the Crown Prince to the Count - and by extension to the Count's entourage.&nbsp; The king's manner of dress looked rather plain compared to the Count's.&nbsp; It had been selected for him by the Queen.&nbsp; Ironic in that the nobles and even the merchant class of Miragliano had throughout history tended to dress more elaborately than the "barbarians" that would become the Reikmar Compact.&nbsp; <br><br>The King, and everyone else in the kingdom it seemed, were unaware the Queen and the Count had met before.<br><br>=======<br><br>As for his part, Gilberto, the Crown Prince, had decided of his own accord to wear the elaborate officer's uniform of his own Regiment.&nbsp; He knew women liked men in uniform - well, in elaborate uniforms anyway - and his beautiful stepmother had once commented on how handsome he looked in it.&nbsp; He never suspected the Count would be in military uniform as well, and by all objective measurements, the Count's uniform outshone his own.&nbsp; <br><br>Gilberto tried not to appear intimidated, but that was certainly how he felt.&nbsp; In the battle of the uniforms, he felt he was in competition for the attention of the most beautiful woman present -- the Queen -- and he had lost.&nbsp; And he didn't know what to do about it.&nbsp; It was one thing to feel jealousy toward his father -- that was something he'd learned to accept.&nbsp; But now, he felt jealousy toward this new interloper and it would take time for him to figure out what to do about it.<br><br>With a hint of sadness in his eyes, he glanced at the beautiful Queen to see how she was reacting to the handsome Count.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticEnvy</strong> on <strong>14-05-2013, 18:59:42</strong>
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				<em>If only you were a few years younger,</em> Katelyn&nbsp; thought as the King, her husband rambled on during his speech. She wasn't paying much attention in fact she was not paying much attention to anything that was going on. All she knew was that since the Queen had died, she was the only eligible maiden left within the family to take her place. Of course no one else would know Katelyn was out of sorts. She had a way of making things go her way, even though she didn't really realize it. <br><br>Katelyn was presented as the Queen, still it was weird for her. Like she was living in another word so to speak. Shaking her thoughts away Katelyn planted a bright fake smile upon her lips to greet their guests. Her heart began to race seeing who in fact their guests were. <em>No it couldn't be, what was his name again?</em> Katelyn kicked herself for not paying closer attention. She cleared her own throat trying to remember anything the King had said during his speech. She nodded her head before simply speaking, "welcome," letting her smile say the rest. <br><br>Her eyes rested on Count Manfred for a moment longer, as if trying to see. When she was just a little girl she had been best friends with a little boy named Manfred. Her mother always told her to stay away from him because he was 'a troublemaker' but Katelyn just never could. They had gotten into trouble together plenty of times until finally her family had moved her away, over into the kingdom she was now supposed to be Queen of. A Queen, at 28. The thought still boggled her mind. This man standing before them though could be his brother if it in fact was not him, but she was almost sure it was. <br><br>Stealing a glance over to Gilberto she offered him a slight discreet wink. He was quite adorable in his uniform that was for sure and she couldn't help but think that he had perhaps even worn it for her. Her gaze however quickly returned to the Count, he himself was indeed a handsome man and if she was not stuck with this title she would be all over him, of course mostly to find out if he was indeed her childhood friend, Manfred.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>chaoslord29</strong> on <strong>14-05-2013, 21:02:38</strong>
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				Manfred bowed graciously once more in response to the King’s greeting. Truly, it was as easy to smile as it was difficult to keep from laughing in derision at the King’s attempt at a courteous greeting in the Reikmar tongue. The poor old ruler’s mangling of phrasing and atrociously nasal accent was grating to Manfred’s ears, which helped to keep his mind on the present, rather than linger too heavily upon the prospects even now making themselves all too pleasingly apparent to his eyes. The Queen’s greeting was but a few short syllables, yet sweeter still to his ears for her flawless retention of the language of her native land. A brief glance at the Prince revealed him to be distraught, perhaps overly so as to forget a greeting of his own, or perhaps the rumors of his person were true enough that they would not be presenting him directly at this time. Whatever the case, Manfred indicated with a curt gesture that the rest of his party should rise and opened to speak in a cool, commanding tenor: “King Eglio, of Marigliano, it is my good honor to reciprocate the Protectorates’ desire for the opening and maintenance of diplomatic channels between our two great nations, and I for this opportunity and your hospitality, we are most grateful.”<br><br><br>Manfred spoke in the Tilean tongue with just a hint of his Borderlands accent, but had gone the extra effort to utilize the particular dialect of Marigliano, having practiced but a short time with the captains and officers of the vessels that were their escorts. His words flowed like molten gold to gild and glaze the listeners and onlookers. Turning now to the Prince he saluted curtly in the fashion of a Reikmar officer, “And to you Prince Gilberto, it is my honor to present a woefully belated gift in honor of your eligibility throughout the realm and a token of our hopes for the continued relations between our peoples.” The thinly veiled implications behind Manfred’s greeting were obviated when one of the women in his entourage, a gorgeous nubile thing clearly only just past the threshold of womanhood ascended the first step of the dais with a winning smile towards the prince and proffered to him a small but ornate chest, locked for now.<br><br>Without waiting for a response, Manfred now turned his sharp, calculating eyes upon the queen, as within the space of but a split second those eyes drank in every last inch of her, head to crown, reading her like a book long set aside and now opened to him once more with newfound appreciation and relish. His gaze was nothing short of transfixing, but lasted but the briefest of moments and never crossed the bounds of propriety. “And you, Queen Katelyn, most favored daughter of Reikmar, ceaseless font of majesty and pride for our newly great nation, inspiration to one and all, we can only express the greatness of our gratitude in the honored words our home: In Victory, Always.” The motto he spoke in the formal tongue of the old empire, though so close was it to the language of Marigliano he knew no one would notice, save perhaps a member or two of his own party, not so familiar with the Tilean tongue; and of course the Queen. It was a sentiment common throughout the Border Princes, symbolic of their struggle against the monstrous hordes they battled, but in the language of the Empire, had a more subtle meaning, specific to Manfred’s own household closer to “Always Victorious”, an expression of their insatiable will to conquer. It was all the proof she might require of his identity, as that same childhood friend who dreamed and played at being Emperor on high despite the poverty and disgrace of his once great house.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>14-05-2013, 21:58:56</strong>
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				The King had received ambassadors and envoys before, so he saw nothing different in Count von Holstein than he'd seen countless times before.&nbsp; &nbsp; It would be impractical to try to introduce everyone in the room, even though everyone in attendance was someone of importance -- dukes and earls, counts and barons, generals and admirals, bishops and rich merchants.&nbsp; The King did, however, respond by acknowledging the assistance of three of the Reichmar's most renowned intellectuals:&nbsp; Professor Burgstaller, Doctor Langenberd, and Father Fischer, who had graciously responded to the King's request for tutors for the young prince, and who helped to lay the groundwork for furthering diplomatic relations.&nbsp; He went on to say publically what he already knew the Count already knew from the briefings they had both received prior to this formal meeting -- that a banquet was being prepared in their honor, and a formal invitation was hereby extended to the noble Count and his countrymen.<br><br>----------<br><br>In the Crown Prince's suite, Gilberto had hidden with his stationary the beginning of a love letter and three love poems in various stages of construction -- all of them intended for the Queen.&nbsp; Gilberto knew that if he was ever brave (or rash) enough to deliver them, the sender would have to remain anonymous.&nbsp; He had often wondered if there might be other men at court who had expressed their platonic courtly love for her.&nbsp; Surely if she was a personage less than the Queen she would require a secretary just to keep the poems and letters from a multitude of lovers in some semblance of order.&nbsp; But the Queen?&nbsp; To express love for a queen was of questionable virtue.&nbsp; To do anything beyond writing poetry to her beauty was treason.&nbsp; Even for a prince.<br><br>Gilberto loved and respected his father, and the dutiful loving son had some notion his father would live forever.&nbsp; The pragmatist in him, however, realized his father was an old&nbsp; man - and the queen a young woman.&nbsp; Far too young to be his mother.&nbsp; And when he ascended to the throne, he would need a wife.&nbsp; Was it too much to hope for?&nbsp; Now, here in the throne room with all the hoopla going on, Gilberto's thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of intimidation he felt toward this Count von Holstein.&nbsp; Count indeed!&nbsp; Made a count by whom?&nbsp; Some upstart barbarian tribal chieftain with delusions of nobility?&nbsp; Katelyn deserved nothing less than a King.&nbsp; Or an Emperor.&nbsp; Gilberto would surely become a king, and could perhaps even become an emperor.&nbsp; He would conquer the world for her.&nbsp; <br><br>Gilberto knew he shouldn't stare at Katelyn, especially in public.&nbsp; There was some friendly joking when his father first married her, about the young prince being infatuated with his beautiful new stepmother, but the point was made that he wasn't just any young man, he was a prince and had to learn to keep himself composed at all times, especially in public.&nbsp; Rumors of the Crown Prince and the Queen, even if not true, could be disastrous, and he must make every effort to not give his father's enemies (and there were always political enemies, even in the happiest of kingdoms) any ammunition to use against the king.<br><br>Then he glanced over at her.&nbsp; Surely, nothing could be made of a little glance -- otherwise he'd never get to see her.&nbsp; And she winked at him!&nbsp; Dear God in Heaven ... surely she is the most beautiful creature ever created.&nbsp; The Prince's heart was racing, and he was breathing faster, and <br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173980.msg8225127#msg8225127">Quote from: chaoslord29 on 14-05-2013, 21:02:38</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">&nbsp; “And to you Prince Gilberto, </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>He quickly jerked his eyes off the beautiful Queen and back to the pompous Count.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173980.msg8225127#msg8225127">Quote from: chaoslord29 on 14-05-2013, 21:02:38</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> ... it is my honor to present a woefully belated gift in honor of your eligibility throughout the realm and a token of our hopes for the continued relations between our peoples.” </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>As the beautiful young girl stepped forward, a retainer seemed to appear out of nowhere to intercept her ... his job was to receive the Prince's gift and hand it to the Prince himself.&nbsp; After all, formalities must be observed, and not just anyone gets to have contact with a member of the Royal Family.<br><br>"That's alright, Aldo" the Prince said, motioning him back to his place beside and just behind the prince, where his livery was actually designed to blend in with the tapestry behind him.&nbsp; It wasn't magic, it didn't make him invisible of course, just not as likely to be noticed.&nbsp; The Prince took a step forward to receive the small chest directly from the woman.&nbsp; It was the sort of gesture that, had there been newspapers and celebrity watchers at the time, would have generated controversy for days to follow -- breaking with tradition - a gracious gesture, or a decline into anarchy?&nbsp; She was a lovely girl, but compared to the Queen she might as well have been hiding behind Aldo.&nbsp; He glanced down at the box, not sure now whether it should be opened or not.&nbsp; The lock made the decision for him, and also made it awkward for him to know what to do or say now.&nbsp; Surely something witty will come to mind two hours hence, but for the moment, all the Prince could do is mumble "thank you" then realizing nobody could have heard him, cleared his throat and said it a little more loudly.&nbsp; Then he stepped back into place and Aldo, bless him, discretely took possession of the chest so his prince wouldn't be standing there holding it for the rest of the proceedings.<br><br>Tomorrow Gilberto would set the royal tailor about designing a new, more elaborate uniform for his regiment.&nbsp; After all, it was <em>his</em> regiment, and the regiment should look the part.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticEnvy</strong> on <strong>16-05-2013, 00:16:06</strong>
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				<em>“And you, Queen Katelyn, most favored daughter of Reikmar, ceaseless font of majesty and pride for our newly great nation, inspiration to one and all, we can only express the greatness of our gratitude in the honored words our home: In Victory, Always.”</em><br><br>Those words were exactly what she needed to hear. She now knew for a fact it was him and was having trouble refraining from running and jumping into his arms. She wasn't even sure how long it had been since they saw each other and him being here in this place she now called home somehow made things seem a little less shoddy. <br><br>Katelyn was still settling into her new role as being Queen. For the most part she would always just remain quiet and smile. That was perhaps the easiest thing to do and let her husband handle the rest. Even thinking about a 'husband' would cause the Queen to shiver. She didn't ask for this. Although being Queen had it advantages, being married to an old worthless had proven to be more of a hassle than she thought it was worth.<br><br>Now Manfred... he&nbsp; was husband material, and gorgeous. Katelyn had to remind her self not to stare. Had he always been so gorgeous? Even the prince would have been a better fit for a husband that the King. At least he acted like he had half a mind at times. She did love to flirt with him, it was no secret, at least to her that the price was crushing on her. She thought it was cute and it was pretty good entertainment for her. <br><br>She watched with fake enthusiasm fumbling with a few pieces of fabric that covered her form a few fleeting thoughts of being in less coverings alone with the count made her cheeks flush a little she was sure. However she herself recovered quickly as she always does. Hoping things would hurry along. At this point she was scared she was almost staring at the Count and hoping no one else would notice it. The sooner this tedious task was over the quicker she could reconnect with her long lost friend, although her little crush from many years ago could never surface.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>chaoslord29</strong> on <strong>16-05-2013, 17:16:14</strong>
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				Manfred expressed the customary gratitude at their invitation to the feast, exchanging a scant few more pleasantries with the King and then requesting that he and his party be allowed to adjourn to their respective quarters, so as to make themselves presentable for the night's festivities. "Your are a most gracious host, your eminence, and I only hope that the Protectorate might one day be able to repay your hospitality with our own. In fact, if you will permit me, your highness, we have brought with us a number of delicacies from the Reikmaches, which I'm certain would delight the palates of all present at the feast."<br><br>Manfred had little love of grand festivities, preferring more intimate dining environments where one could take their time with the food and the company present, but the formalities of diplomatic hospitality had to be observed, and any event with so many people eating, drinking, and speaking so readily on every topic was of course, not to be missed. Besides, in this particular case, he happened to have something particular in mind beyond the usual intelligence gathering and rumor mongering that was the standard fair of himself and his retainers. The diplomatic party was comprised of prominent individuals from every province of the Protectorate, but the diplomatic corps, there to handle any actual negotiations were himself, and the three agents he had handpicked for the task, all of them as loyal to Reikmar as they were Manfred himself.<br><br><br>With the welcoming ceremony at an end, he directed the entourage to disperse amongst the court, and begin the groundwork of friendships that may yet become alliances for the Protectorate, while his trio of personal retainers went about their own tasks. Konrad, the exceptionally tall and strapping fellow to his left in the entourage’s assembly was his bodyguard and master-at-arms, a former ‘hedge’ knight now in the sworn service of Manfred and his household. The similarly armored and attired knight moved from the throne room to be to direct the servants and pages of the diplomatic party, his clear commanding tone sound more suited to the drill yard than the direction of servants, but it could not be said he was inefficient. Then there was Manfred’s spymaster, Otto, a man of indeterminate age, who even now as blending seamlessly into the background as readily as the servants of the royal court, observing all, saying nothing. Finally, the ethereal beauty of Lady Bianka, so fair as to seem almost ghostly in her complexion, was even now entertaining the attention of several male members of the Marigliano court, her coy smile and enchanting manners belying her true skills . . . <br><br>There was precious little time to manage them individually though, as Manfred had preparations to make for this evening, and as he made his way, lead by one of the royal servants his personal chambers he spared but a passing glance backwards towards Queen Katelyn, even as casually let fall from his hand a small crumpled bit of vellum, the appointed sign for his spy within the Royal Court, who even now, moved to retrieve it with all the subtlety of a poised spider.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>16-05-2013, 17:58:42</strong>
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				The initial reception was over, thank goodness, and while there were a few who lingered (and absolutely no one left before the King) the two males of the royal family went each to his own quarters for a bit of respite from the formalities and to prepare for the feast - and what was to follow.&nbsp; As for the Queen, they presumed she had gone to her own rooms, having no reason to suspect otherwise, but they wouldn't know for sure.<br><br>---<br><br><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>The King </strong> </span><br><br>In recent years the King had begun to gain a few unsightly pounds and was getting more easily winded.&nbsp; Age, lack of a war to keep him busy, and a rich diet were all contributing factors.&nbsp; None of this affected his ability to rule - not to any great measure - but he also had a pretty young wife to keep satisfied, and in this arena he began to experience ... <em>challenges</em>.&nbsp; The king was a large man even before his health started to deteriorate.&nbsp; No longer could he support himself when on top of her for an extended period of time, and she didn't care to be crushed under his weight.&nbsp; Taking so long to orgasm wasn't a sign of his stamina, but of his inability to get the job done.&nbsp; So when they were both feeling amorous, the queen was required to mount him while he remained on his back.&nbsp; And despite her great beauty, for some reason he sometimes wouldn't remain erect long enough to complete the act.<br><br><br>Physicians were consulted (after being sworn to secrecy of course - for the a king had an image to protect) and a variety of cures were introduced.&nbsp; A few of them were based on cures dating back to antiquity -- alligator eggs and rams testicles -- while others were on the cutting edge of modern medical practice, such as ground rhinoceros horn and various herbal combinations.&nbsp; The king had tried them all, to varying degrees of success.&nbsp; Much to his frustration, a remedy that worked one time might not work the next.&nbsp; Obviously, the key to making a particular remedy work was to combine modern medicine with astrology -- determining the best medicine to use at a particular time on the position of the stars.&nbsp; So now the physicians consulted were well versed in the study of the heavens themselves.&nbsp; A few priests might take exception if they knew, which is why no physician-priest was consulted.&nbsp; It was on this night, just before the King escorted the Queen to the banquet hall, that one of his doctors prepared him for what would undoubtedly be a night of passion.&nbsp; <em>Interaction with envoys from the land of her family had put the Queen in a decidedly good mood, and the King wanted to capitalize on it.</em>&nbsp; Pleasuring the queen was not only his husbandry duty, it was something he still enjoyed when opportunity and ability coincided.<br><br>"Remember, Your Highness" the physician said as he applied a light coating of olive oil mixed with ground mint and rhinosauras horn to the king's scrotum, "One glass of wine increases a man's prowess, the second glass negates the first, and the third glass puts it to sleep."&nbsp; He handed the king an envelope of dried powders.&nbsp; "Add this to your wine at the banquet, and do not expect your queen to allow your highness any rest tonight.&nbsp; Of course the king knew that he was more robust than any man in the kingdom and could drink anyone under the table, so the physician's advice regarding limiting his wine intake would go unheeded.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>=====<br><br><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>The Prince</strong></span><br><br>Puzzles were not his forte.&nbsp; Patience was not high up on the list, either.&nbsp; Asking for help with a problem he should be able to handle on his own ranked somewhere between the other two.&nbsp; The prince came very close to just breaking the box open, but he knew better.&nbsp; Restraint always wins out.&nbsp; <em>A king must know when to show decisiveness, and restraint is sometimes the best thing to decide.</em>&nbsp; It was one of those stupid little maxims Father Ignatius was always quoting to him in that annoying raspy voice from too long in a monastery on some high mountain.&nbsp; But Gilberto knew the philosophy was sound.&nbsp; This time.&nbsp; The box was valuable.&nbsp; What was inside the box could be fragile.&nbsp; The gift could be integrated into the box somehow.&nbsp; Also, to break the box would be to admit the lock defeated him.&nbsp; God damn that Count Von Holstein!&nbsp; Gilberto hated him.&nbsp; <em>He fantasized about fighting a duel with him, and humiliating the Count at the tip of his sword, while Katelyn watched.&nbsp; She had made her decision.&nbsp; She was a Queen, of noble heart and character.&nbsp; Despite the fact a duel was not the place for a lady of her stature, she had come to show support for her Prince over this messenger boy from her homeland.</em><br><br>That's it!&nbsp; <em>Messenger boy</em>.&nbsp; That's all he was, and he would make sure the Queen knew it.&nbsp; That would be his reason for not opening the box yet.&nbsp; If asked, he would respond that he presumed it was a gift from the Count, and therefore it could wait until the Prince, in his royal prerogative, decided he had nothing better to do than open it.&nbsp; If Von Holstein then told him it was a gift from someone who was the prince's equal (as if the Reickmar could produce royalty equal to that of the civilized world - ha!) then he would proffer some elegant apology and promise to give the gift the attention it was due after the banquet.&nbsp; That would put the barbarian messenger boy in his place!&nbsp; AND it would happen in front of the nobles he was soon to rule, and in front of the Queen he loved.<br><br>Barbarians.&nbsp; The only thing good to come from the Reikmar region had been his mother and her kinswoman, Katelyn.&nbsp; Gilberto easily convinced himself that both conceptions were the result of their mothers being taken by romanish warriors, probably noblemen from Miragliano itself.&nbsp; He had gone so far as to determine that both his mother and Kaitlyn had been conceived during times that were marked by almost constant warfare between the civilized principalities of the world and the barbarians.&nbsp; Enough was known of animal husbandry and that it could apply to humans to know that Miragliano stock would not suffer from selective breeding with some of the hearty barbarian races, just as horses might be bred to possess a desirable combination of attributes - size with speed, or speed with stamina.&nbsp; The key word was <em>selective</em>, and Gilberto had made his selection.&nbsp; He just hadn't told anyone about it yet.<br><br>The child resulting from the union of him with Katelyn would be destined to rule the world, and Gilberto would first make that world a wedding gift for his bride.<br><br>"Aldo" he called out.&nbsp; Aldo was the best swordsman in his regiment, and therefore in the kingdom.&nbsp; As such, he became unofficial bodyguard, fencing instructor, and sounding board to the Prince.&nbsp; He also, on occasion, was called to become the prince's lackey.&nbsp; "Aldo" he repeated in a quiet, contemplative voice as he examined himself in a crude mirror.&nbsp; "Do you think you can find a way to add some ... hmmmm ... some sort of adornment to my uniform?"&nbsp; <br><br>Aldo knew his master felt the Count had bested him in the uniform department, but from his vantage point behind the prince, was unaware of the unspoken conversations going on between the prince, the queen, and the count.&nbsp; "Perhaps a gold sash, your highness, and ... no, no, a scarlet sash! with a badge from each order of chivalry" to which he, the prince, would automatically be a member of the highest class.&nbsp; "For the banquet, I presume?&nbsp; I'll get started right away, your highness."&nbsp; Aldo knew what the uniform needed was a complete redesign, but hopefully this would suffice for now.<br><br>"And see if you can get this stupid lock open" the prince shouted to him as Aldo rushed off to lay his hands on a red sash.<br><br>----<br><br>Much too quickly it was time.&nbsp; Time for the players to take their places.&nbsp; Just as no one left the reception before the King, no one would arrive at the banquet after the King.&nbsp; The King waited for one of his wife's attendants to inform his attendant the Queen was ready to be escorted by her husband to the banquet hall.<br><br>Protocol was kinder to the Prince, who was allowed to arrive at any point he desired, so long as he was in place before the King's arrival.&nbsp; In splendid uniform - including a scarlet sash adorned with seven gold badges (representing all five orders of chivalry of his home kingdom, plus two more awarded him as diplomatic gestures from allies), Gilberto stepped into the banquet hall with a bit of fanfare from the minor nobles already assembled.&nbsp; He was prepared to humiliate the Count - graciously of course - but wanted to make sure Katelyn was present before he did.<br><br>He only wished he wasn't so nervous.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>chaoslord29</strong> on <strong>16-05-2013, 20:55:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the King’s physician saw to his preparations for that evening, and the Prince fussed and fretted over the state of his uniform, Manfred luxuriated briefly in the accommodations which had been made available to him. Truly, the Miragliano nobility knew how to keep their guests, as the opulent suite would have been fit for only the richest of the Border Princes. Manfred mused that it must be a contributing factor to the myriad weaknesses he had seen them display thus far in his visit, and he could only imagine the softness with which the King and Prince were pampered in, especially before a feat like tonight. True, he enjoyed the occasional indulgence himself, but after a week in these living arrangements (he glanced briefly at the garish accoutrements) he wondered if he wouldn’t long for the more spartan, practical quarters he enjoyed at the Capital. As it stood, the temptation to simply sink into the downy bed or lounge was entirely too strong, and there was work to be done.<br><br><br>First, he had to see to it that the King’s kitchens properly prepared the delicacy they had brought with them from the Reikmarches: the finest smoked sausages, a rich blend of lamb, beef, pork, apples with and spiced to perfection with the favorite garnishes of the Protectorate’s various princedoms. The combination of such rich and well seasoned meats and wine would surely have the desired effect upon a man of the King’s age, but Manfred had an extra insurance. A simple additive to any goblet of wine the King happened to drink that he could easily keep in his sleeve, one that would exacerbate any indigestion to crippling levels, and from what he knew of his spies, the king was a man who enjoyed all the pleasures of a feast in excess. ‘Well, all those available until the conclusion thereof.’ He reflected with a smirk as he called for a meeting with his retainers, to ensure that everything was in place. ‘He knew the rumors about the kings health, the many physicians he kept, but from the observations of his most particular spy on the privy council, that it was only a particular failing of the body which troubled the king, a most embarrassing one at that.<br><br><br>This naturally lead his thoughts to turn to Katelyn, and he ruefully regretted that so fine a woman would ever have suffered under the boorish and inadequate ministrations of a man like Eglio. If only he had followed his wife to the grave, but then it was ill mannered to think so poorly of the dead, a sister of the Reikmarches, whatever her taste in husbands. Besides, he might never have had these opportunities laid before him were it not for Katelyn’s now flailing marriage to the King of Marigliano. Better to think of her, alone now, in her chambers, no doubt luxuriating in the lavish comforts afforded her by this country’s nigh obscene wealth. She was the lynchpin to his plans and he had little doubt she would be amenable for the sake of their old friendship, and the renewal thereof. He remembered the way he felt her eyes upon him, had to restrain the urge even in the throneroom to step up to the dais, spit in the old man’s face and whisk her away from under his gaze, skewering that little ponce of a prince on the way out. Instead, he contented himself with avowing that now, with his plans in place, his Katelyn would not again have to lament the affections of Eglio, the soon to be disgraced.<br><br><br><hr><br>There was a knock on the queen’s door, a servant there to deliver a scroll, a message from one of the Prince’s tutors in regards to some matter of education or another, which was not overly odd, except for the timing of it. There was this and that about his progress in various subjects, not doubt the update having been delayed due to preparations for the festivities, but hidden in the rolling of the scroll was a scrap of vellum, with dark ink written upon it in the tongue of the Reikmarches, the hand all too familiar to her eyes despite all these years. It said simply: “Where something for me tonight. Something you would never wear for him.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticEnvy</strong> on <strong>18-05-2013, 00:56:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Finally everything was finished and Katelyn was able to vanish to her own quarters. Hidden within she quickly began rambling to Camilla, her 'right hand girl' so to speak. Camilla was Katelyn's best friend though to everyone else she was known as nothing more than a servant. Katelyn had never really treated her as such though, unless of course she needed something. <br><br>She only wished the whole evening could be over, so that she could send Camilla with word for Manfred. She wanted to see him, to talk to him, but knew she had to be careful. The Queen arranging meetings alone with a man of his stature would never be seen as something innocent. Not within her own mind at least, and it was those thoughts that scared her enough into staying within her own confines for now. She would figure out a way soon to see him though she was sure of it. <br><br>A knock upon her door separated her from her thoughts as she motioned to Camilla to see who it was. Camilla had brought a scroll to her and at first the Queen almost tossed it aside. However she was thankful she took a moment because there was a message within that only she would understand. Her smile widened as she read the words, her mind instantly roaming to what she should wear. "Camilla, I think I want to dress up this evening, lets find something irresistible for myself to wear to this event."<br><br>(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/8e/1dress.jpg)<br><br>Finally dressed and ready to make her entrance she sent word to let the King know that she was ready. Ready to be escorted in by him, in something he had never seen her in himself. Something more revealing and sexier than anything she had worn since coming to the kingdom. She was excited to see Manfred again, and even more excited to see his expression when he saw her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>21-05-2013, 10:51:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Eglio, the king, almost told his beautiful queen to change into something more modest for the banquet.&nbsp; He took it as a very good sign that she was feeling amorous toward him - why else would she choose that dress?&nbsp; He knew it would work to his advantage for everyone to know he could still arouse those feelings in a woman like Katelyn, but there were limits to how much of his wife a man should allow other men to see, and that went doubly for a king.<br><br>Next thing he knew, he was walking with her toward the banquet hall, his thoughts on what lay after the public festivities.&nbsp; Private festivities.&nbsp; Under his regalia, he could feel the doctors latest cure was working, and his plan to order his queen to change dresses had been forgotten.<br><br>------------<br><br>On the Royal Couple entering the great room, a noticeable gasp went up from the crowd.&nbsp; The king was standing tall, his chest puffed out in pride, but it wasn't <em>his</em> prideful chest that grabbed everyones attention.&nbsp; <br><br>As for the Gilberto, the look on his face could not hide the fact he was in love with his beautiful stepmother.&nbsp; His only saving grace was that everyone else - or almost everyone else - would be looking at the Queen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>chaoslord29</strong> on <strong>21-05-2013, 20:19:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The diplomatic party of Reikmar was paying the expected respects around the room when the King and Queen entered, and did their part to gasp and oooh, and awe with the rest of them, though a few sets of eyes made use of the fixation upon the royal party’s entrance towards other ends than simple admiration. Manfred’s bodyguard Konrad gave his liege a quick elbow in the ribs, a sign of respect amongst brothers-in-arms if not the most respectful gesture between lord and vassal. Otto had the most watchful eyes in the room and quickly took stock of nearly everyone of importance reaction to the Queen’s appearance (not without a healthy sense of object appreciation himself), but finally settled on the Prince, confirming what he and his master already suspected. A quick glance towards Manfred confirmed the spymaster's own personal suspicions, though far less deviously minded on his part, and far more so for the chief diplomatic envoy of the Protectorate. For Manfred was staring in awed appreciation her royal majesty’s exultant beauty, his chiseled features conveying nothing but polite awe and respect, even as his eyes burned with a thousand thoughts for what Katelyn’s attired signified and promised.<br><br><br>He knew now that she would be in full compliance with his plans, and that he need only make known to her (subtly of course) what must be done and she would do it. The temptation to have her begin here and now in front of everybody was great, but always Manfred remembered the long term goals of his machinations, and his actions now were every bit as important to their fulfillment. Besides, Kat would expect nothing but the best, or else she would never have responded so pleasingly to him in the first place since their brief reunion, and he would hate to disappoint the only woman he had ever known with ambition rivaling his own.<br><br><br>Stepping forward, he made a brief approach towards the King and Queen, then turned on the crowd and raised his goblet. “Long live the King and Queen of Miragliano!” He cried out as Eglio and his bride took their place at the head of the feast, Gilberto still staring agog at Katelyn, right up until the resounding cheer was taken up by the rest of the hall, and the feast begun in earnest.<br><br><br><hr><br><br>Manfred’s position at the feast table was to the immediate right of Gilberto, the Prince, who himself was seated to the King’s right, with Eglio separating both his son, and the envoy, from Katelyn, who was flanked on the other side of the table by the Duchess von Reinholdt, the highest ranking lady of the Reikmarches’ diplomatic party. Even from this position, it was no difficulty in making out the Queen’s luscious figure, despite the King’s girth and the Prince’s frequently wandering eyes and craning of the neck, and Manfred made it a point to spend the first portion of the feast, following the opening course, mingling throughout the crowds, the better to make his presence known throughout the hall so that Katelyn might not transfix the entirety of the assembled host with her beauty.<br><br><br>Besides, he had groundwork to lay, and the King was certainly enjoying his wine thus far, and so he signalled Otto to cue the onset of the Reikmarche’s gift, the dish they had brought with them, just before returning to his place at the table. “I wonder, your majesty, if Kat has had the opportunity to share with you any other Reikmar delicacies?” He asked, deferentially, as he poured himself and the rest of the table from a flagon of wine, slipping the concealed packet of additional spices into the King’s goblet. “Or you Prince Gilberto? I realize to the refined palettes of Marigliano smoked meats might otherwise be considered the faire of peasants, but in the Protectorate, any man worth his measure will have be sure his wife makes a meal of them.” He said, as the servers brought forward trays of sausages and bratwurst, spiced and smoked and steaming.<br><br>Manfred could not resist the urge to wink, most surreptitiously, as he saw to it that Katelyn was served a Queen’s portion of the rather suggestive delicacy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticEnvy</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 19:56:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Queen couldn't help but love the attention she was getting from everyone. Their reactions to her choice in wardrobe didn't really matter to her, it was only one reaction she indeed wanted to see. Catching a glance at the Prince she noticed something different about him. She couldn't quite put her finger on it though. Perhaps he had done something different to his hair? Shrugging it off she turned her attention to the crowd her eyes looking for only one though she couldn't just come out and let it be known who she was looking for. <br><br>She had been trying to wrap her mind around just what Manfred was wanting for quite sometime now. Never coming up with a satisfying answer she just decided to wait things out. As things were progressing throughout the evening she had already set task to Camilla, to get word to one of Manfred's men that she would be waiting for him after the gathering behind the west wing of the manse. Of course no one would think to look there as it was pretty much a deserted part of the home. Besides she was already working on the speech in her head she would give to her husband of why she couldn't be with him this evening. A headache was coming on already and she knew she needed some rest. This would ensure no one would bother her while she was meeting with Manfred as well.<br><br>Things were proceeding along just well as she noticed Camilla out now mingling a little within the crowd speaking to who she assumed to be one of Manfred's men. Her heart dropped though hearing her old nickname coming from none other than Manfred. She blinked a few times, eyes wide as she glanced towards her husband trying to play if off like she had not even noticed. "I fear as of late my husband and I have been ... busy.. with things and I have not had the privilege." All the while her hand had moved beneath the table to the Kings leg, running up along his thigh knowing good well that would occupy his mind for the moment. Her hand moved quickly of course before noticed by someone it should not have been noticed by. <br><br>Katelyn was floored as Manfred winked at her. Just what was he trying to pull! If he had her questioned she swore to herself she was going to claim he was a crazy man she didn't know and have him thrown out. She of course hoped it wouldn't come to that. She was very excited about being alone with him soon enough after all, able to show her true self once more. Something she was never able to do since becoming the Queen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 22:28:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173980.msg8263553#msg8263553">Quote from: chaoslord29 on 21-05-2013, 20:19:36</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Stepping forward, he made a brief approach towards the King and Queen, then turned on the crowd and raised his goblet. “Long live the King and Queen of Miragliano!” He cried out as Eglio and his bride took their place at the head of the feast, <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>========================<br><br><br><strong>"Long live the King and Queen"</strong> the crowd dutifully responded.&nbsp; Most of them were sincere, a few were not.<br><br>Most of the Miraglianese present had already formed strong opinions of the head of the Protectorate's delegation - many of them had already formed them before they ever laid eyes on him.&nbsp; Most of those opinions were negative.&nbsp; Like Gilberto, many of them knew he could not be too far removed from the barbarian state of his ancestors.&nbsp; Others thought him a pompous ass (though their own pomposity could be excused - after all, <em>they</em> were of the Miragliano nobility.)<br><br>Then there was that element that deemed anything "foreign" was worthy of interest, and even emulation.<br><br>A few of the more honest ones, who belonged to the first group, grudgingly conceded the Protectorate made a wise choice.<br><br>Among the women, an unspoken challenge had arisen; which of them would be the first to lure the Count into her bed.<br><br><br>The King thanked the Count and then lifted his own glass in response -- a toast to the Protectorate and its ruling council, then sat down again beside the lovely Queen.&nbsp; The toast would have been much simpler if the Reikmar had a king or an emperor.&nbsp; Thank goodness for his advisers who anticipated the exchange of toasts and briefed the king accordingly.<br><br><div align="center">-------</div><br>Katelyn's timing was fortuitous, distracting her elderly husband in the midst of Manfred's question about Reikmar cuisine:<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173980.msg8263553#msg8263553">Quote from: chaoslord29 on 21-05-2013, 20:19:36</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> “I wonder, your majesty, if Kat has had the opportunity to share with you any other Reikmar delicacies?” <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><br>The crowd's silent gasp was palpable.&nbsp; He'd called the Queen ... "Kat"?&nbsp; Everyone seemed frozen in place, some in mid bite, waiting to see how the king reacted to this terrible breech in protocol -- this insult to himself, his queen, and their kingdom.<br><br>"Huh?&nbsp; What?" the distracted king mumbled, barely heard by even the closest to him as he looked up from his wife's hand on the thigh, not sure he heard what he heard. The Count continued, pouring wine and talking as if the king had not said anything.&nbsp; The King sat silent as Manfred continued, as if unaware of the sin he'd just committed.<br><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173980.msg8263553#msg8263553">Quote from: chaoslord29 on 21-05-2013, 20:19:36</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">“Or you Prince Gilberto? I realize to the refined palettes of Marigliano smoked meats might otherwise be considered the faire of peasants, but in the Protectorate, any man worth his measure will have be sure his wife makes a meal of them.” He said, as the servers brought forward trays of sausages and bratwurst, spiced and smoked and steaming.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Gilberto didn't respond at first.&nbsp; He had been involved in keeping just the right balance of tomato and olive oil in each bite when Manfred spoke.&nbsp; The king may have been too distracted to hear this insult to the Queen but he was not.&nbsp; Gilberto was furious with the barbarian.&nbsp; How <em>dare</em> he refer to the Queen in such an insulting manner!&nbsp; How <em>dare</em> he, a mere <em>nobody</em> in this court, suggest any such familiarity exist between them!&nbsp; Every true Miragliano nobleman was ready to issue the challenge to this insult of the Queen, and Gilberto, the one who loved her most, would have been the first among them ... it was only the sheer awkwardness of the situation that kept them all silent.<br><br>A lot of eyes were on Manfred when he winked at the Queen, but because he was facing away from the majority of them now, pouring the wine himself, only the king could see.&nbsp; It was most disconcerting to his royal personage, and had he been 40 years younger the Count might already be dead.&nbsp; As it was, a lot of lives were already riding on this diplomatic exchange, and a king who had spent a lifetime at war wanted to depart the world in peace.&nbsp; It would all be worked out, he was sure.<br><br>He cleared his throat and answered the question he'd barely heard.&nbsp; Yes, he responded, "you'll recall <em>both</em> our glorious queens hailed from the Reikmarches, and each brought her own cook.&nbsp; Here, it is not seemly for a Queen to slave away in the kitchens."&nbsp; The king looked down at the plate being piled high with food he didn't particularly care for.&nbsp; It would be no problem, though, for he was a robust and healthy king despite his years, and in the interest of diplomacy and peace between the peoples he would do his duty by consuming it all and pretend it was the best food he'd ever tasted.<br><br>Meanwhile, Gilberto slowly stood.&nbsp; This movement got everyones attention.&nbsp; Gilberto didn't realize it, but his left hand was gripping the sword he wore, his hand clinched and red.&nbsp; A few noblemen shifted uneasily now, ready to move to protect their prince.&nbsp; Aldo was not present, as it would not be seemly for each guest at a dinner to have a bodyguard standing behind him or her.&nbsp; He looked at the beautiful queen and swore silently that someday soon he would <em>kill</em> this man for her.&nbsp; Two deep breaths later, he bowed slightly to the Count and responded.<br><br>"On campaign ... with the Army.&nbsp; One has to put up with all manner of hardship on campaign."&nbsp; Though he'd never actually been at war, technically he had been "on campaign" to patrol his own borders, and yes, there had been hardships such as having to eat ill-prepared food.<br><br>A sigh of relief from the court.&nbsp; The prince had pulled it off, countering the Count's insult with one of his own instead of acting in the rash manner they feared he might.&nbsp; Though the tension was still present, it was a good sign ... the future king had made points with the nobility.<br><br>The King was perhaps the only person in the room who didn't realize Gilberto had stood in response to the Count's insult, thinking he was just being gracious by standing to address the diplomat's question.&nbsp; That's why he found his son's answer confusing.&nbsp; "Sit down young man, eat ... remember, <em>this</em> is a part of <em>your</em> heritage, too."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>chaoslord29</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 23:34:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It took only the briefest of glances towards the Queen, back from Gilberto for Manfred to realize his mistake. He’d overplayed his hand, let slip his familiarity with the Queen, it would have been more than apparent to all present, and he’d even handed the King and Prince a perfectly good excuse to challenge him to a duel. Yet, neither had . . . the inner machinations of his mind were running wild with the implications, yet his outward appearance remained the picture of understated courtesy. There was only one course of action he arrived at, and it might yet work to his advantage all the better . . . <br><br><br>Manfred laughed heartily at Gilberto’s jibe, gesturing in mirth to the King, as if the barbed comment were the most merry any man could have uttered. “Too right your grace, and while I’m certain my father would role in his grave to hear me say it, but food for the army, is no food fit to be eaten.” He then turned back to the king and lifted his cup in a celebratory gesture, “Which is why every lord worth his title in the Protectorate employs a Miraglanese chef!”<br><br><br>There was an uproar of laughter, begun with the remainder of the diplomatic party, as they took it in turn and on cue to share their own stories of the hardships of food and fare to be found in their homeland. Manfred’s irreverence and forward nature could now easily be written off as a facet of the barbaric culture from which he hailed, however much he paraded at being a proper nobleman. There was but one more element he had to put in place. Leaning in close to the king, he made to speak with him somewhat more privately, but still spoke just loudly enough to be overheard by the proper ears.<br><br><br>“I hope you will excuse my most egregious slip of the tongue in regards to your wife, the Queen, and convey my apologies to her as well for the use of her childhood name. I fear I may not boast your majesty’s tolerance nor capacity for libations.” He leaned back and raised his glass in due apology to the King, then continued. “You see, had the good fortune to be raised a ward of your beloved Queen’s good father. He took me, in, last son to an impoverished noble household, and raised me as his own, a foster brother to his beloved daughter. Though I fear I could never replace the son he lost to the Hordelands.”.<br><br><br><hr><br><br>Meanwhile, Camilla had been pulled aside, out of the feast by Otto, Manfred’s spymaster who was even now tearing up the note the Queen had written in response to his own. He had sequestered the young handmaiden outside the great hall, away from prying ears and eyes to speak with her. <br><br><br>“You are a foolish girl to assist even the queen in such brazen overtures!” He whispered in a voice as cold and steely as the blade hidden up his sleeve: “Inform your mistress that your master has already made preparations for a ‘reunion’ and pray that he does not consider you a ‘loose end’ in the matter and order me to dispose of you.”<br><br><br>Outwardly, it might have appeared the simple dressing down of a serving girl by some lord, and Otto’s voice conveyed as much. He was clearly a veteran of many affairs of court, though his shaven head and bright eyes made it difficult to guess his age, one had to wonder if he might have even been approaching the King’s ripe old age. Every ounce of weight those years carried was now leveled at impressing upon Camilla the importance of her discretion and secrecy, as his icy eyes seemed to bore into her very soul. Those same eyes could not help but also offer their appreciation for the young woman’s nubile and lithesome form, beneath her dress. His hand reached out and clutched at her waist, hold her fast for a final glare, before a firm spank on her pert rear sent the handmaiden scurrying away. Otto stood for a moment, stroking his chin thoughtfully.<br><br>“Perhaps I will make personal arrangements to see that girls mouth is occupied with something other than rumor mongering . . .”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticEnvy</strong> on <strong>23-05-2013, 01:35:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"Long live the King and Queen,"</strong> oh how that would sound so much better if the King part were taken out. She could only grin at the thought.<br><br>Seeing her husband well occupied she continued to massage further up his leg. Things were definitely getting out of hand, and the one thing that she knew was that if the King gave word then everything they were here for would be ruined. Besides she enjoyed teasing the old man, especially in front of a room full of people when she knew he could not take advantage of her.<br><br>Even with the laughter resonating around the room from some joke Manfred seemed to tell, Katelyn's mind was else where still focusing on her husband watching his face discreetly knowing it was hard for him to keep under control. She smiled over towards Manfred gently seeing he was clearly trying to clear up any cause for hostility. Of course little did he know the King most likely was not paying attention to any words spoken, but that was not her concern.<br><br>Sweet little Gilberto always so ready to fight for his stepmothers honor. She would definitely have to be sure to show him a little more cleavage later than normal. An appreciation of what he could have had, had his father not beaten him to it. He was so adorable, and she vowed one day to get her hands on him. To let him live out his thrill he so desperately wore on his face whenever they were alone. Even though he was horrible hiding his infatuation with his step mother in public, he was even worse when others weren't around.<br><br><hr>Camilla rolled her eyes almost seething at the <em>boy</em> making idle threats towards her. <br><br>"I assist my mistress in whatever I choose to," she hissed at him shaking her head. "If such an order ever were made I assure you my Queen would not allow it. I am not connected to her side at all times for nothing. You tell your master that my mistress will be waiting where I said, and if he does not show then she will perhaps be very upset and unwilling to... concur with anymore little assignments."<br><br>She hated the way that he was looking at her, and hated even more that he was treating her like a child. She wasn't stupid and she knew the importance of the secrecy and discretion. She was done however with speaking to him and knew she needed to return to Katelyn's side. A gasp escaped her throat as he smacked her ass before sending her away. Camilla wanted to fight against him, to show her true side but she knew her mistress would not be so pleased with her antagonizing one of Manfred's men, so she reluctantly scurried on her way. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>23-05-2013, 02:01:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>A brother?</em>&nbsp; Count Manfred von Holstein was like <em>a brother</em> to his beloved Queen?&nbsp; It wasn't until then Gilberto realized how frighted he had been by the prospect of an armed confrontation, or any other type of confrontation, with the more experienced courtier.&nbsp; Soon the young prince was laughing along with the others, but wanted to cry -- cry out his thanks to God for this turn of events, realizing he might likely have died by this man's hands.<br><br><br>Of course there was the other possibility.&nbsp; Two children, raised together, but not blood relations.&nbsp; What might have passed - physically or emotionally - between them besides brotherly affection?&nbsp; The prince, not wanting to face up to the possibility that anything of that sort may have passed between the woman he loved and the Count, refused to consider it. <br><br><br>This also excused the wink in the King's mind, and he made some elegant remark (despite the churning in his belly) about thinking of the noble count as "Our brother" and even more justification for closer bonds between their two peoples.&nbsp; He was none too happy with the Queen, though.&nbsp; It was not seemly for her to hide this information from him, to allow him to be surprised before the whole kingdom.&nbsp; Obviously it was not maliciousness on her part -- merely intended as a little practical joke, but she needed to learn a king must not be "surprised" like this in front of the nobility.&nbsp; It worked out well in the end, but something like this might have had far reaching effects regarding relations between king and subjects.&nbsp; He leaned close to tell her they would speak more of this later, but instead, he found his eyes staring down into her abundant cleavage, and what came out was "I love you."<br><br><br>Hopefully, this pain in his belly would pass quickly enough, for he intended to ravage her all night long and show her why he was not yet ready to make his beautiful queen the <em>dowager</em> queen.&nbsp; But first, it might be a good idea to seek some relief from this growing tempest in his belly.&nbsp; Not wanting to offend his guests, he tried to make light of the situation.&nbsp; "We only hope our physician can avail of himself to provide some relief to any who found they overly indulged on this sumptuous fare as foolishly as their king."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>chaoslord29</strong> on <strong>23-05-2013, 16:22:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Manfred turned back towards Gilberto, now that the King was distracted by Katelyn’s oh-so-delightful gown, not to mention he could pick out just the hint of what her hand might be up to beneath the feast table. As much as he loathed the idea of <em>his</em> Katelyn doting upon the old fool in the bed chambers, this was something else entirely. Given the King’s increasing indigestion, advance age, and the effect of the wine . . . she might just be able to give him all he could stand right here before the guests of the feast . . . <br><br><br>For now though he focused on Gilberto. Clearly, the boy was hopelessly devoted to Kat as well, absolutely, madly, torridly in love in only the most scandalous manner possible. Doubtless there were those at court who suspected, and this could prove useful information in further embarrassing and weakening the brat’s position. Not that the little whelp could afford to be much weaker; following his outburst against Manfred, he look just about ready to piss himself in fear. Clearly, where anything but Katelyn was concerned, the boy was quite nearly craven, despite whatever he might have experienced ‘on campaign’. It would be child's play to pick him apart in front of the entirety of the court over the coming weeks, but that would be all too easy, and give up a valuable opportunity, as far as the Count was concerned.<br><br>“Tell me, good Prince, did you have any luck with the gift of our country this afternoon? Prior to the feast? I realize it might seem odd to give a locked container as a present, but I trust that my lord appreciates a challenge, does he not? No doubt the Prince knows well the thrill of the hunt is in the chase.” Manfred spoke with a cool confidence, swirling some wine in front of him, even as he took the liberty of refilling the Prince’s own goblet from the nearest flagon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticEnvy</strong> on <strong>23-05-2013, 20:12:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Katelyn was having quite a good time teasing the old man, especially in front of all of these people. Her hand worked faster and she could hear his breathing quickening. A part of her had wished it were Gilberto next to her, oh the fun she could have teasing him in front of everyone. He might not be able to keep his self composed as well as the older and more experienced King though. She worked her fingers over his hardness continuing to be as if she were listening to anything Manfred and the others were going on about. In fact if they asked her about it though... Well it was just a good thing she was the Queen.<br><br>Fingers moved of her free hand to caress along her locks having finished eating herself and feeling quite grand. If only she was attracted to her husband she would try to wave the people off to get quickly to her bedroom. She was in no rush for anyone to leave though. Not like she would be if say... Manfred were her King. The depths of her thighs were becoming moist with the thought. Katelyn knew if anyone ever found out anything about her thinking as she was all their plans would be ruined. Which is why she had to keep her cool, and send Camilla off to do her dirty work.<br><br>Camilla however didn't seem to happy. Had she not been busy with other things she might have found a way to excuse herself and find out what was going on. Now was not a time to be nosy though. Her eyes landed on Manfred, her thoughts running wild on what she might do were her hand on his hardness instead of Eglio's. Her thoughts had gotten her more excited and her fingers were working her husband faster anticipating the moment when she would feel a man who was not him. It was as if all else was lost. Only him, and well him were in her sights at the moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>23-05-2013, 20:55:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The King was so much in love with his bride, and it was a great source of pride that she loved him, too.&nbsp; It was not always thus with kings and queens, and everyone would have understood if such a beautiful young woman was not interested in a king of such advanced years.&nbsp; It was her love that helped keep him young.&nbsp; Never, though, had she done anything as brazen, or exciting, as she had tonight.&nbsp; First, the gown she wore .. she had to know every male in the room would be panting for her ... and now this.&nbsp; Under the table!&nbsp; He knew it would take every ounce of willpower to avoid letting the whole assembly know what was happening.&nbsp; Katelyn was becoming very frisky, indeed.<br><br>Still, there was the issue of his upset stomach.&nbsp; He would have enjoyed her hand on his member a lot more if it weren't for that damnable Reikmar cuisine, and the huge portion he was served.<br><br>It was Castello, Duke of Caraci, the King's oldest and dearest friend, who first noticed the king was having some difficulty breathing.&nbsp; He discretely waved one of his servants over and told him to <em>discretely</em> bring the king's physician.<br><br>Meanwhile, the old king began whispering in a way he hoped only Katelyn could hear.&nbsp; "Love you.&nbsp; Love you."&nbsp; Part of him wanted her to stop what she was doing.&nbsp; Because of his age, he knew he was probably good for only one orgasm, if that much, and he didn't want to waste it in her hand under the dinner table while he was having to maintain his composure.&nbsp; On the other hand, if she stopped he would want to burst into tears and beg her to continue.<br><br><em>What</em>, he wondered, <em>has gotten into her?</em>&nbsp; The gown.&nbsp; Not informing him of her relationship with von Holstein.&nbsp; And now, this.&nbsp; Perhaps it was because her childhood friend aroused the irresponsible child in her?&nbsp; This could be embarrassing.&nbsp; It could be dangerous.&nbsp; This has to stop.&nbsp; Tomorrow.<br><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173980.msg8274196#msg8274196">Quote from: chaoslord29 on 23-05-2013, 16:22:21</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">“Tell me, good Prince, did you have any luck with the gift of our country this afternoon? Prior to the feast? I realize it might seem odd to give a locked container as a present, but I trust that my lord appreciates a challenge, does he not? No doubt the Prince knows well the thrill of the hunt is in the chase.” </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><br>"My apologies, my lord, I've not yet had time to work the puzzle.&nbsp; As you say, the thrill is in the chase, and I didn't want to be distracted from preparations for this banquet in your honor."<br><br>His tone was much more, neutral.&nbsp; Perhaps even a bit friendly.&nbsp; The idea was forming in his mind -- if this man was a friend of Katelyn's, and if he had no designs on her himself, then he could be quite useful.&nbsp; Quite a useful friend.&nbsp; The boy smiled at this revelation.&nbsp; And to think only a moment earlier he was prepared to kill Manfred in defense of the honor of the woman he loved.&nbsp; He will be much more useful as a friend, and Gilberto knew he had learned a valuable lesson in how to be a good king.<br><br>"You're a hunter, I take it?&nbsp; Would you be so kind as to share with the court what sort of hunting you enjoy in the Reikmarches?"<br><br>----------<br><br>The king was almost elated his son asked the Count about hunting.&nbsp; Now, he hoped, all the attention would be on von Holstein as he answered, and not on the King and Queen and whatever activity might be taking place under the table.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>chaoslord29</strong> on <strong>23-05-2013, 21:53:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Manfred was one of only a few sets of eyes in the room to catch the King’s slight increase in breathing, and the only one to know the exact nature of the cause for such symptoms. He was also perfectly content to let the King sit and stew on his indigestion and the growing consternation he must surely feel at having the Queen tease him so expertly. He could hardly wait till her machinations were most appropriately diverted at a point later this evening, but in the meantime, there was groundwork to lay with the whelp of a Prince, who might even be starting to warm up to the good Count von Holstein. The Prince’s various hangers on, and those still fascinated by Manfred’s foreign appeal were perking up their ears at this latest exchange, and he would hate to disappoint them or young Gilberto.<br><br><br>“You honor me my lord, and if I may be so bold, there is a certain technique to the particulars of the gift. You see, it is of an ancient Imperial tradition, and a certain ceremony, inexorably tied to affairs of the heart; the most fruitful of hunting grounds if you were to ask many a more romantic sort.” Manfred was in top form as he related to the Prince, and garnered the attention of more than a few others around the table, particularly those ladies concerned with how the handsome Count might approach affairs of the heart. <br><br><br>“Men of that type however, have never hunted in the Reikmarches before I warrant. True there are elk and deer and lesser game, but in hunting them one risks the attention of wolves and bears unlike those seen here in more civilized lands. The creatures of the Reikmarches must be the strongest and cruelest in order to survive, and for generations have been interbreeding with their aberrant ilk in the Hordelands. It is said the Dire Wolves of the Drakwald forest grow large as a knight’s charger, and the Cave Bears found throughout the Gray Hills must grow large enough to compete with ogres and trolls for food and shelter.” Men were nodding, it was not difficult to imagine the barbaric and savage creatures which would surely inhabit such savage lands to the east, so close to the wasteland wilderness that marked the end of the civilized world. “But of course, that is where the real challenge is. We seldom have time to hunt giant wolves and monstrous bears in our leisure, so busy are the men and women of the Reik in hunting down those trolls and giants, and monstrous ken who encroach upon us. A true hunt in the Reikmar is for more dangerous quarry than any natural beast, but a roving band of ogres, or mob of orks, or hobgoblin marauders; any and all of them intent on such savagery to men and women and children as to make your blood run cold, good people. Why last month, my company was on patrol when we came across . . .”<br><br>Manfred was speaking now to a veritable crowd of ears which had gathered around him as he conveyed the hardship, the strife, the exultant triumph at the eradication of the monstrous beasts that would ravage and pillage whole continents if left unchecked.&nbsp; He regaled them with the exploits of his own company over a veritable horde of foes, across every part of the Borderlands, and even his own excursions into the Blasted Wastes beyond the World’s Edge Mountains, for it was the policy of the Protectorate never to allow their foes rest or respite, even in the Dark Lands themselves. It seemed there was no beast that Manfred had not fought and slain at least once, with lance or sword, and their was a particularly thrilling account he recalled for them when he dueled an ogre chieftain in single combat, a massive brute ten feet tall, a mad prophet amongst his people aiming to begin a new crusade in honor of their dark gods. Through it all, he spared only a single glance for Katelyn, wondering whether he shouldn’t have brought a few of the trophies he had claimed from his time with the Protectorates Lancers. He contented himself with the knowledge of the trophies they would claim together here in Miragliano.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticEnvy</strong> on <strong>24-05-2013, 18:38:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She wondered to herself what was going through her husband's mind. Katelyn always acted as if she loved him whenever they were alone, or even around others. In fact she could barely stand him though and had it not been for certain things, Katelyn would have never accepted marrying a man like Eglio. Sure he was good to her, if you counted attempting to sexually please her but failing a good thing. She knew she was driving him crazy in the moment though and that... is what she loved about her husband. He didn't smack her hand away and even a few times moved it back when she had gone to pull away. "Love you to," she whispered back with a wink. She was in control of this situation, he just didn't know it yet. However as she looked over she noticed something didn't seem quite right. That didn't bother her much though as she kept going, not stopping until her fingers could feel his release within his pants. Ah, accomplished. That is how she felt in the moment finally pulling her hand away as if nothing had ever happened. <br><br>Katelyn wasn't sure of what was going on as she had finished him off though. He was looking worse and had heard her husband send for the physician. Had she really had that big of an impact on him? Certainly not, he must have just eaten to much. She rolled her eyes discreetly at the thought. <br><br>Her attention turned to her now son, if she was even to consider him that as he and Manfred were still in their discussion about whatever it was they were discussing. She knew Gilberto was quite protective over her and it made her smile seeing him now trying to make peace. Even be friendly it seemed. Her real joy came from listening to Manfred though. Oh, the stories he told only made her excitement build even more. The King was still looking worse every moment that passed and finally Katelyn had a great idea.<br><br>"Perhaps, since the physician seems to be taking a while my dear husband, perhaps Manfred could offer you some kind of relief?" Katelyn had leaned over to whisper so only her husband could see. She was the worried wife now, hand on his shoulder looking as if she would have a worried fit. She knew Eglio might not listen to her so she added with a slight frown that seemed to work on him. "...Please... do it for me?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>24-05-2013, 19:21:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"His Majesty's Physician, yes milord, right away" and the servant rushed off to summon the doctor.&nbsp; So much for discretion, thought the Duke.&nbsp; Fortunately, not everyone was paying attention.&nbsp; Not Count von Holstein, who apparently loved to hear himself talk, or the Prince who was too easily distracted by other things.&nbsp; And certainly not the King, whose distress was the reason for summoning the physician in the first place.<br><br>The Duke knew he was a trusted subject and adviser to the king, and he also had the boy's confidence.&nbsp; If anything did happen to his old friend Igloo, the Duke would ensure the transition went smoothly and Gilberto would have the benefit of his advice in all matters pertaining to ruling the kingdom.<br><br>Most everyone else, though, paid little attention to the king and were instead held spellbound by von Holstein's accounts of sport and battle in the Reikmarches.&nbsp; None was as enthralled as the young Prince.&nbsp; He may have been 18 years of age, but he may as well have been eight.&nbsp; Eagerly leaning forward, toward the count, his eyes never blinked, but only grew wider with each exciting development.&nbsp; It was all so exciting, but also frightening and therefore disheartening to the prince.&nbsp; Until now his greatest warrior-like feat had been to ride down exhausted skaven and spear them in the back from the saddle.&nbsp; Bits of their hide were kept as trophies, adorning his saddle and hanging on the wall of the regimental barracks.&nbsp; Now, compared to the Count's exploits, that seemed little better than stepping on cockroaches.<br><br>To win the heart of his Queen, Gilberto would need to do something equally brave and extraordinary.&nbsp; If that couldn't be accomplished in Miragliano, then he'd have to travel to the land of his mother's birth.&nbsp; As royalty, and with his own mother a daughter of the land, there should be no difficulty in enrolling Gilberto in one of the elite Lancer companies.&nbsp; Still, the thought of the dangers involved - very frightening -- until he glanced again at the Queen and all thought of danger disappeared.&nbsp; It wouldn't matter how dangerous it was, he would do whatever it took to win her respect, and then her heart.<br><br>-----<br><br>As he came, the King let out a loud groan -- much louder than he'd planned.&nbsp; He couldn't speak for a moment, but was aware of the concern of the crowd.&nbsp; Then a huge grin spread across his face and he raised a hand to allay their concerns.&nbsp; "Indigestion, but we are fine now.&nbsp; Please, everyone go about your fun."<br><br>The orgasm he just experienced was a great relief, and for a few seconds it enabled him to completely forget the rumblings in his stomach, but they quickly made themselves known to him again.&nbsp; Becoming as much taken in by the Count as many others in the room, the king nodded his agreement to the Queen.&nbsp; Perhaps Manfred <em>could</em> offer some sort of relief.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>chaoslord29</strong> on <strong>24-05-2013, 20:31:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Manfred’s was one of those pairs of ears drawn by the good King Eglio’s groan, and he had to suppress a smirk when the King made excuses for indigestion, knowing both the truth of the matter in regards to both the relief he was now no doubt feeling, and the source of the pain in the first place. Katelyn was playing her part beautifully, and at her suggestion that he might be able to help, he excused himself from the present conversation, leaving his previously captive audience with an air of mystery as he signalled Konrad to fetch the already agreed upon satchel with his various alchemical agents. Moving to the King’s side, he leaned in to speak with his royal highness privately, “I hope it would not be too bold of me to suggest a remedy for your highness’s indigestion? I’m not apothecary, but I have a certain expertise with alchemical reagents, enough to assist on the battlefield certainly. Your majesty is not, from his reputation certainly, opposed to a soldier’s brand of medicine?” His words flowed like gilded silk into the King’s ears, as Katelyn pressed herself against her husband most deliciously, and Manfred could not help but admire her charms briefly for himself.<br><br><br>“Perhaps if you and I excused ourselves your Majesty? Some excuse in regards to affairs of estate could be made, rather than anything pertaining to your highness’s health.” He suggested, glancing briefly at Katelyn, his eyes conveying that she too should insist on accompanying them.<br><br><br>Without waiting for a response he rose, and looked pointedly towards Duke Castello, as though the man had made some egregious implication in sending for the physician. “There is no need to trouble his majesty’s doctor; A simple jaunt away from the heat and stuffiness of the feast will no doubt restore his majesty’s vigor, and it would provide a moment for more private discussion as well . . .” <br><br><br>Konrad had already arrived back at the Count’s side, the colossal man adding all the more weight to bear in Manfred’s meaning, as the personal diplomatic envoy of the Reikmarches, made obeisance in assisting the King to stand from the feast table himself, in lieu of any servant or even his wife.<br><br><br><hr><br>The reason for the physicians tardiness was not presently known to any but Lady Bianka, who was even now slipping from the man’s chambers, giving a wink towards the guard as she adjusted her frock. Her meaning was clear, but the fullness of her deception was cleverly disguised, as the physician lay apparently drunk in his cups, lying sprawled and disheveled over a sofa. Bianka returned to the feast just as Manfred finished regaling the audience, looking perfectly respectable and quite stunning, identifying quickly the stage of the Count’s plan that was at hand, as he and Konrad made their respective moves. A quick scanning of the crowd, and a glance from Otto indicated her next as well, and she was quick to sidle up nearby to the Duke who had called for the physician, ready to console him as might be necessary.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticEnvy</strong> on <strong>28-05-2013, 19:23:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Queen herself was paying little attention to her husbands distress, or Manfred's rambling, she was to busy with her own thoughts well pleased she had teased the king until his release. Now maybe she could get some sleep without worrying about him wanting sex. Sex with Eglio wasn't completely bad, it was that great either though, definitely not something she craved.<br><br>Katelyn offered a sweet smile once more towards Gilberto catching his gaze. The poor sap, totally impassioned by his stepmother. if only she could figure out some way to use that her advantage. Of course there was still a little of time for that. <br><br>Her delicate fingers moved to her husbands arm noticing his distress seemed to be past the minorness of what she had earlier thought. "Come my King, let's get you away from all of these people, I am sure you will feel better then." She smiled at him before catching Manfred's look. "I shall come with you to ensure it so." <br><br>Wrapping her arm around his they stood and excused themselves as gracefully as possible. Katelyn led her husband towards the stairs. She only stopped once turning to see that Manfred was in fact following them.<br><br>Her heart was racing, despite the fact her husband would be around when she was finally so close to her Manfred. She had to be careful though and she knew it. Showing to much affection towards a man that was not Eglio might raise some questions, questions that she did not want to have to answer.<br><br>Once within the room, Katelyn helped him get settled in on his bed, holding his hand like only a concerned wife would do. Dainty fingers moved to caress his cheek as she glanced towards Manfred momentarily. <br><br>Camilla came rushing into the room moving to Katelyn's side to whisper something into her ear. The Queen simply nodded showing no emotion over what the girl said. Her main concern right now was of course her dear sweet Eglio. Just thinking those words made her cringe.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>28-05-2013, 20:37:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Eglio was a good king, as kings go, but always fancied himself a warrior first.&nbsp; The economic and social advances made in his kingdom belonged to the various advisers and academics and clergy, but the military accomplishments that made them all possible belonged to Eglio and his soldiers.&nbsp; So when Manfred approached the subject of the cure for his belly ache as from one old soldier helping another, it appealed to the king in ways a bargeload of "learned physicians" never could. It was also a difficult thing for him (like most men) to say no to Katelyn.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173980.msg8281081#msg8281081">Quote from: chaoslord29 on 24-05-2013, 20:31:58</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> “There is no need to trouble his majesty’s doctor; A simple jaunt away from the heat and stuffiness of the feast will no doubt restore his majesty’s vigor, and it would provide a moment for more private discussion as well . . .” <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><br>"Milord, I must know what you propose ... in the absence of the Royal Physician ... " it was the aged duke looking out for his king's health and welfare.&nbsp; The king quickly put his old friend's mind to rest.&nbsp; The Count was like family now -- <em>Our noble brother</em> -- and he could certainly do no more harm than the long succession of quack physicans his advisers had fostered upon him.<br><br>Gilberto, still the dutiful son despite his lust for the old man's bride, wanted to go with his father to ensure his care.&nbsp; Instead, the king ordered him to remain at the banquet.&nbsp; After all, the banquet was hosted by the King, so if the king could not be present, his son should be required to stand in for him.&nbsp; Fortunately for Gilberto, the planning of the feast had been so thoroughly overseen that it was guaranteed to be a smashing success even before the first boar had been killed.&nbsp; Without the distraction of the beautiful Queen, he was almost quite a charming host to his honored guests.<br><br>Eglio did his best to keep up appearances, trying to make it appear as if he was doing the leading instead of being led.&nbsp; Once they were alone, however, he stooped over and allowed his wife and the Count to support him the rest of the way to the bed.&nbsp; By that time he was in such pain he would have agreed to anything Manfred prescribed.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>chaoslord29</strong> on <strong>31-05-2013, 19:21:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Manfred had to suppress a sneer as the King’s step faltered on the way to the royal bedchambers, Konrad in tow with his satchel. He exchanged only one brief glance with Katelyn, when his arm, wrapped around the King’s back to support him brushed across her naked shoulder, his fingers conveying the deftness, the strength of his hand where they just briefly gripped at the point where the graceful sweep of her shoulder line met the slender column of her neck. “No need to fret, Good King Eglio, surely you’ve suffered worse against the foes of the realm than your ally’s careless choice in cuisine could ever compare to.” He said, ever the encouraging and polite attendant, even as his mind anticipated only the most egregious of insults to the decrepit excuse for a King’s royal bride.<br><br>Once the King was settled onto the massive bed in the luxurious bedchambers, Manfred retrieved his satchel from Konrad, who remained outside the door to keep watch. Then, clearing space from a nearby table he made great show at concocting and mixing some grand gently fizzing tonic or elixir to disguise the dispensing of three subtle drops into it which would be doing the real work he had in mind. Striding back to the bed, he produced the fizzing beverage in front of his majesty with a slight flourish and helped Katelyn to ease her husband’s head up on her lap, her bosom nestling against his head, his crown long removed for comfort, and allowed her to tilt the beverage to his majesty’s lips. “I assure you my king, this beverage will not only settle your ills, but . . . well, in combination with the wine your majesty has yet consumed, it may very well exaggerate the usual libidinous and inebriating effects.” This last statement was delivered to the King with a wink and a nod, before Manfred glanced up at Katelyn, his eyes conveying the exact opposite of the statement.<br><br>In fact, the elixir would produce in the king a near death like torpor, one which would last the remainder of the evening and into the morning. It was a powerful soporific, and would numb him to almost any sensation or attempts to rouse him, save egregious physical pain, but Manfred had no such obtuse tortures in mind. It’s one redeeming mercy would be the King’s relief of any hangover from the wine he had consumed, and his rest would likely be one of the deepest he had had in years. It was unlikely he would remember much though even of their flight from the feast.<br><br>“Rest peacefully, Good King Eglio.” Manfred said, his eyes fixed on Katelyn’s as he spoke with all the solemnity of an elegy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ChaoticEnvy</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 18:15:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Katelyn could not really explain but when he touched her, it was like her entire body was on fire. She had to take a few deep breaths to keep from showing anything other than concern over her husband. It was no time to be thinking about Manfred and all the things she would love to be doing to him rather than here helping her sick husband into his bed. This was going to be her life after all. Him being much older than her almost ensured that she would be tending to himself bed side until he finally went on his way. It wasn't like Katelyn wished he would die, well she would never admit to that at least. After all he had given her the life she deserved, to some extent at least. <br><br>Once Manfred had prepared his concoction Katelyn helped her husband to rest his head within her lap. She barely noticed her bosom right near his head as she was more focused on other things. Of course those things included tilting the mixture against his lips. As Manfred spoke she caught his gaze. There was something he was trying to tell her but she didn't quite understand. Would she have giving her husband this liquid if she really knew what was in it? Of course not, she would never intentionally hurt someone like that. Her being naive and not as street smart as she would have like prevented her from realizing just what was going on though.<br><br>Just like that he was just almost asleep and Katelyn couldn't help but gaze into the eyes of Manfred. There was so many things she wanted to say to him, needed to say but she never could. Not now, her loyalty was to the King, to Eglio whether she liked it or not. A little persuasion would always interfere with that, but it was not something she would even realize. In her mind though she was helping him, aiding her husband to feel better in the morning and getting out of having to share an intimate night with him in yet another way. The thought of that did in fact bring a smile to her lips.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Wicked Succession [IC: Chaotic Envy, ChaosLord29, NiceTexasGuy]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 19:29:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In his conscious state, the king saw himself as ... <em>the king</em>.&nbsp; He was a stud with a beautiful young wife whom he was able to satisfy as no man could.&nbsp; He was the only man capable of ruling Miragliano the way it deserved to be ruled.&nbsp; While there were a few nobles who had their own political agendas (like every other kingdom in the world) those loyal to him would keep them in line.<br><br>It was the subconscious that saw certain truths the conscious mind refused to see.&nbsp; He was getting old.&nbsp; He needed medical assistance to do things occasionally (and once per night at best) that in his younger days he could have done twice (sometimes thrice) every night without anyones help save the woman sharing his bed.&nbsp; The subconscious also recognized Manfred as the threat he was -- both to his marriage and his kingdom.&nbsp; The king's body might lie still as it slept, but his mind was tossing and turning and agonizing over what was happening.<br><br>He might appear to be having a long and restful sleep, but the longer the King slept the more depressed he would be on waking.&nbsp; And he wouldn't understand the source of his depression.<br><br><br>------<br><br><br>Gilberto was no king, not yet, but he did his best to play the good and gracious host to the assembled crowd from both regions.&nbsp; Symbolically, he was the product of a union between Miragliano and the Reikmarches ... although culturally he had grown up 99% Miraglianese.&nbsp; Tonight would mark a very public change to that practice.&nbsp; In reality, though, it had begun the moment he first laid eyes on his father's new bride.<br><br>As the young prince "worked the room" he had so many questions to ask of his visitors about the land of his mother's birth.&nbsp; <em>Is it true that ..?&nbsp; What is the word for ...? What is it like to ...?</em>&nbsp; Why would anyone from the Reikmarches consider Miragliano an enemy when its future king was one of them?&nbsp; <br><br>While he was deeply and truly in love with his stepmother, he was still a young man whose body was subject to the same forces as most other young men, and every pretty girl in the room caught his eye at least once.&nbsp; Each time one did, he felt a pang of guilt.&nbsp; Katelyn would be his queen, and he would suppress any desire he might have for another until the time came for he and Katelyn to marry.<br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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