His Majesty

The king of France, his majesty, Arnauld Jacques D'Orleans, 35

[vcncs]

“ christmas? now aren’t you the biggest tease ?! i had expected far more from you. certainly if it came to pleasing a woman, whichever age she might be. ” if the rumors were true, arnauld was not the typical family man. he was the exact opposite. venus was neutral when it came to family. the wasn’t a typical like or dislike. they had their moments and she cared for them. but in the end she enjoyed her freedom more than anything. it wasn’t surprising to find out arnauld knew very well what her intentions were when it came to these time of reputation boosting dinners. she wasn’t dating the many like many believed. “ a woman doesn’t kiss and tell. let’s just say the offers were very pleasant and worth my while. even i got wishes left. ” in the end it was all for her own entertainment and pleasure. “ as if that is a topic to discuss.” venus would mock him ever so easily because it was the only way she knew how. it would only take a matter of time before they arrived at their destination. for the time being it seemed no one of interest was there to spy on them. both a relief and a disappointment, she had yet to figure out which one it was. entering the building venus would understand why he had picked this restaurant. “ i do hope we have our private seating area.”

[arnaulddorleans]

“oh, don’t fear i know how to do that, it’s rather difficult to please someone when you don’t see her unless it’s a holiday,” he laughed and shrugged. the topic did not really bother him; things were like they were in his family. he did not find many pros except for the fact that he had only sisters, they were easy use as chess pieces, there was no legitimate prince of france to overthrow him. 

the corner of his lip quirked upwards and he turned his body to her direction properly. he scratched his jaw and gave her a assessing look. “so you wish to remain mysterious.” it was a good play: if he knew too much he might get bored with her, she must have known it far too well. but he still was convinced that she had an agenda when it came to certain people --- himself included. 

as they stepped outside the car, a few eyes turned to look at them but fortunately they easily snuck into the famous restaurant. getting back to the car would prove to be much more difficult, he was certain of it. “well, of course. dearest venus, i am the king of france,” he told her with a smirk as they were lead to a table at the back, separated from the rest of the tables by a screen. he liked to dine in peace. “i take it none of your earlier... companions, have taken you here to dine?”

[vcncs]

distracted. the first word that came to mind when her eyes would rest upon his figure. in a flash it appeared and disappeared from his vision. the eyes were the mirrors to someone’s soul and inner thoughts. with much difficulty you could read arnauld. only the first layers of his complex personality. therefore venus had to try and pull every bit of information out of him in the most creative ways she could think of.

“ you and dinning with your grandmother. now that is a sight i wish to see. it would be a great laugh. ” the mere thought of him and his grandmother could bring tears to her eyes of laughter. this wasn’t the moment to laugh, instead an edged smile would curve her lips to conceal what would be a debacle. “ i have made it possible for other man to appear more… how can i say it kindly… more a man of their status. ” even if he was using her for the social impact, venus wouldn’t have minded it. enjoying the sight of him for the evening was already a blessing.

wherever he was taking her, she had gotten curious. would this be a place he would take any of his mistresses or was this a special occasion in honor of their new found ‘relationship’. they were a match made in hell and were each others perfect opponents when it came to their games. “ so, where is it that you take me? ”

[arnaulddorleans]

“you’ll have to wait for christmas, it will be a spectacle,” arnauld told her with a light tone that hid the disdain he felt. he had never been too taken with his family, he was lucky that he did not have to associate himself with them too often. his grandmother though, well, she really was an exception. she had a sharp mind that he found respectable, but it did not mean that he would have liked to spend an evening with her rather than the beautiful woman next to him. 

he leaned a bit closer to her and arched his brow. “that makes you sound like a very generous woman. but do tell me, what did you get out of it? i can’t imagine you wasting your time dining with men just for their sake.” it was straight-forward, blunt and maybe even slightly rude, to point out the fact that she did not seem like a woman who did anything without an ulterior motive. but he was certain that this was the case. he was curious as to what others could have have provided her with, the king of france was definitely a good person to keep in your pocket. arnauld was sure that venus was more than aware of it.

“le meurice, of course,” arnauld laughed, as if the question could only have one correct answer. he was known for his lavish lifestyle and that most definitely included only dining at the most prestigious restaurants. le meurice fitted him in the most exquisite manner.

[vcncs]

between the gates of the royal french court privacy was a given. the paparazzi wasn’t able to reach them beyond these walls. they were untouchable, gods among humans who desired nothing more then to catch a glimpse of them. when they would step inside this car and drive into the civil world, they would give them what they desired the most. venus had nothing against the attention, deep down she adores the aspect of this life. all arnauld gave her was even more. afterall, all she came here for was to wreak havoc.

entering the car, venus would settle in the curve of the seat, crossing her ankles below each other in order to be modest instead of flashing anyone off. “ i might be a duchess of low importance, my social life seems to be of high importance to the public eye. i am prepared. ” as they drove off she would catch a last glimpse of the castle she has gotten rather fond of. it was magnificent and magical, as if she were living in her own fairy tale.

“ i am deeply hurt you are only doing this for the media attention arnauld. i knew you had a bad reputation but trying to sugar coat it with a stunner like myself is even outrageous for your doing. ” these were all fabricated lies that could easily be the truth when it came to the young king. he wasn’t portrayed the best possible way, venus could easily change that for him.

[arnaulddorleans]

the chauffeur closed the car door after him and he left one seat empty between them as he sat down. his eyes followed her face as she looked at the courtyard, a small twinkle in her eyes. oh she was simply the most beautiful woman he had rested his eyes on for a long long time. her pale skin was lightly illuminated by the street lamps that they drove past. 

her melodic voice made him snap out of his thoughts. a more focused look was directed at the duchess, accompanied by a subtle smirk. “if i was doing this to save my reputation, i would be dining with my grandmother, appearing to be the most loveliest grandchild one can have.” his eyes assessed her expression before he continued. “but i suppose you’re right, you won’t harm my reputation in the slightest.”

he had looked her up after their first meeting, dug into her personal life and found almost nothing worth mentioning. she seemed like a truly exceptional human being, perhaps she was slightly unconventional but tabloids seemed to even appreciate this part of her. he was more concerned about her wit: she was a dangerous player, she was too smart to be considered just a pawn. 

[vcncs]

after taking the time to get prepared and all dolled up, it was time to break in the dress she bought only days ago. he had given her the perfect opportunity to wear it and to be honest, she liked him for that even when he hadn’t been aware of it at all. pairing it with a pair of killer heels she was all ready for the evening. curls dancing and framing her angelic face. they always said the devil was more alluring.

slender digit teased the edge of the banister when venus came down the stairwell. looking handsome and dapper in his suit, venus needed to refrain herself from grinning. at least he made as much as an effort as she had. she got pleasantly greeted by his words of teasery. he knew how to play her well, knew how to push her buttons in only a matter of seconds. she could admire that about him. “ it is because i am famished. who would refuse a free dinner reservation then? ” her shoulders would lift in a matter of fact manner.

venus toyed with many replies and responds to his words. all was fun and fair in their little game. venus could only imagine the scandals that would rise from their meeting. to add to the rumors that would spread, venus would accept his arm as support which was needed with her heels. “ you will make it up? you do know you are walking a dangerous line? i do enjoy when men try to make up for their mistakes. even when they might not have made one to begin with. ” she would take full advantage of any opportunity given to her. this was the perfect moment.

[arnaulddorleans]

his steps were short, just so she could walk in a comfortable pace. he weighted her warning before a dashing smile grew on his face. a charming smile. “perhaps i won’t mind being tricked by you? perhaps it would be a win-win situation for the both of us? i’m known to stay true to my word.” he really was not, not in the most traditional sense at least. he just happened to be rather suave and could twist and turn his words into sentences full of loopholes.

the palace doors were opened for them and the frisk evening air hit them. the black car was waiting for them , just like it was supposed to. “leaving is always the easiest part, no paparazzi inside the gates but be prepared. the next time you’re out of that car, it won’t be quite this serene.”

especially since she was one of the most interesting faces at the court at the moment. tabloids and newspapers alike had dotted her. he could only imagine what kind of a reaction the sight of the two of them would elicit. “but i imagine you are far too familiar with attention.”

[vcncs]

ever since the first day they have met, they have been on each others toes. their reputations were notorious and filled with many prejudices. parts of these rumous that spread through the hallways were the truth, however there were far too many that were a blunt lie. most of the rumors were created due to the conceptions and strong opinions of others. them getting together in public could lead to many new rumors that would spread like a wild fire. venus was more then prepared for the whispers and the many glances that would be thrown at them.

venus felt that in her presence the young king was different from his usual behaviour. he might not be at his best, neither was he at his worst. he was rather more conflicting. it was far too easy to get a rise out of him when it came to the commoners. venus was a different story and she knew it very well, which made her act more reckless and cocky to say the least. her days would certainly be filled with amusement.

“ all proper and prim. give a hour to prepare and i shall meet you at the car. ” venus would say with ease after the kiss pressed upon the back of her hand. she would close the door in front of him immediately and would prepare herself for the evening. venus wouldn’t need all the time she said she needed, it was more to prepare herself for the evening.

[arnaulddorleans]

he had to admit that he had been slightly irritated when she had just shut the door in front of him. he had called his chauffeur to meet him at the door on the spot and made sure that his personal assistant made a reservation at a small but revered restaurant. 

a pleasant smile appeared as he spotted her beautiful face at the top of the stairwell. she really was breathtaking. she was mesmerizing for the simple factor that she was not easily readable and that while she was deceiving and sly, she stayed true to her character. her quirks had not gone unnoticed by him, certainly not since they were the purest part of her. the visible part of her inner self.

“i’m almost surprised that you decided to grace me with your company,” he told her, his tone light and humorous for once in a while. he could tease, he didn’t mind it, but often he did not find the right person and situation for it. he offered her his arm as she walked to his side. “if the food doesn’t live up to your expectations, I will make it up to you somehow.” He liked what they had going on. It was so informal and simply just a game that they both were determined to win. He liked the constant tension between them and the ways they tried to push each other.

[arnaulddorleans]

He lifted his brows ever so slightly at her assumption. While she was not wrong — not in the slightest — he found it curious that she was so confident to make a point out of it. She was remarkable in that sense; she took every little piece of information and crafted it into something convenient. Into something to use against the person. “I’m certain meat is not the only thing they serve. And I’m feeling gracious so I will let you pick your own dish,” he told her, his voice relaxed and a small hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

It was odd how much he let her get away with, nobility or not, Arnauld often held everyone on the palm of his hand, and the moment he felt the person was more work than they were useful, he dropped them. God be gracious if anyone dared to make him even the slightest bit angry, only his sisters got away with it and even they suffered consequences.

His eyes narrowed: he could sense the mischief in her but it did not make him appreciate her way of challenging him. She was deliberately trying to get to him, that much was obvious. However, knowing the fact did not make him feel any less irritated. He took a small step closer to her. Gently took her hand in to his and planted a chivalrous kiss on top of it. She played by teasing and with straight to the point statements. He had decided to use his charms and manners, to appear calm and collected even when her words catalyzed a reaction in him. “Consider me thankful then.” Ah, humility. The one art he was still learning to grasp. “The car is ready whenever you are.”

[vcncs]

after a long and delightful shower, the last thing the duchess expected was for someone to knock on her door entirely unannounced. she wasn’t expecting anyone today which made the situation even more curious. wet locks of golden rays framed her face, whilst a thick comfortable robe hugged her curves. manoeuvring her fingers through the hair before heading for the door.

venus needed a moment register what was going on. arnauld was the last person she expected at her door. had he forgotten something or was there more to his arrival? the words that followed were even more remarkable. it seemed venus had played her cards well if the king of france personally came to ask her for dinner. venus knew better when it came to arnauld. his offers were more demands. he always got what he wanted which made it more entertaining to see how he would respond when she would deny him.

“ have we now? i guess it all depends on the type of dinner. i am a fuzzy eater and i rather know beforehand what type of food is served. ” it was all a lie, in fact she would love to have dinner with him. she wasn’t going to share that piece of information with him. not at this stage in their relationship. “if they offer is good, i might accept. ”

[arnaulddorleans]

For some odd reason he had not even considered that showing up unannounced might be slightly inconvenient. He had not expected her to show up in nothing but a robe that gave him a generous view of her cleavage. His eyes lingered on the sight longer than was appropriate in his opinion.  It was remarkable how she managed to look beautiful even with slightly messy, wet hair and a clear face. His timing really had been rather poor.  He shouldn’t have just expected her to be ready, to just say yes and off they’d go to a fine restaurant. If she were to say yes, and she definitely would, it would take her a while to get ready.

A small smirk crept on his face and he looked at her in the eyes straight-forwardly. “Who do you take me for? The day I eat at a poor restaurant is the day hell freezes over,” he told her with a chuckle. He had forgotten just who he was dealing with. The dangerously charming woman in front of him was no ordinary woman. If she were, he would not be by her door.

He put his hands into the pockets of his trousers and gave her a small moment to make a decision. “I do assure you that my taste is impeccable. My choice for company should be a clear sign of that,” he said as he gestured towards her. If paying casual compliments was a game, he was definitely winning.

[arnaulddorleans]

(( @vcncs ))

After the curious first meeting with the Romanian duchess, Arnauld had found himself thinking about her devilish smirk and golden curls far more often than he would have liked. Today was no different and he had decided to do something about it. It was ridiculous; he was a king for crying out loud. 

His steps were long and determined as he walked to her door. He knocked exactly three times and the sound echoed in the cold and stark hallway. He shifted his weight from one leg to another exactly three times. And he waited exactly three second before speaking after the door was opened.

“Would you care to join me for a dinner? I feel we left things rather unfinished the last time we spoke,” he asked, feigning a feel of excessive politeness. He had phrased it as an invitation -- one you could refuse in theory, but his demeanour and body language made it clear that he would take offense if she refused.

[liivwrites]

[mrcavilldaily]

Henry Cavill photographed by Ben Watts for September issue of Men’s Fitness 2016 x

[vcncs]

the look in his eyes told the story of his view upon love. he had a bitter and one sided view, one venus couldn’t relate to. not even the slightest. love was all around them and it was a decision whether you allowed yourself to love those close to you. “ it works just fine. i have loved more than hated. ” it was easy for her to speak of this subject since she had endured it several times and had come out stronger. it was right to assume arnauld had never experienced love first hand because he didn’t bother allowing love to be in his life. instead he saw women as objects of pleasure, nothing more, nothing less. “ i never said it is easy, but you don’t always get your heart broken. sometimes it is just a mutual separation. that doesn’t have to be hard.” venus wouldn’t bother making him understand, she assumed he was too stubborn any way. “ why would i make it easy when i like to see you struggle? ”

[arnaulddorleans]

How she managed to hold onto that mindset was beyond Arnauld, he had witnessed sobbing women and frustrated and sad men far too many times to actually believe that giving your heart away to someone else was a good idea. Why risk being unhappy when it was all too easy to avoid falling in love. “I’m sure you have,” he agreed, not doubting her statement for a second. Yet, he believed that she remembered the pain more easily than the joy. “So you mean if someone doesn’t break your heart, the love just fades away and leaves you empty handed? How is that comforting?” He asked amused, finding her argument rather weak. She was really a beauty wrapped around mystery. Though now he had already started to understand her: naivety accompanied with age. She was not young perse but she was not old, not by far. She could still dream but experience could tell her what mistakes not to do again. And she was more than capable at holding up against him. “Because you would like the outcome more,” he told her and leaned down, placing his hands on the arms of her chair, trapping her. In all honesty he just wanted how long it would take until she had enough of this game and decided to fuck it. If she just left, he would have learned quite a bit about her character anyways.

[yungbludsxx]

Isabelle walked over to him quickly and slapped him as hard as she could across the face. “You already made me nothing. Even with the title I am nothing. Just a stupid pawn for you to toy with until you no longer have use for it.” She hissed. “And I will talk about my parents whenever I feel like it. You think people don’t know that you did it? Everyone knows you killed them. They just don’t have proof.” She hissed. “I’m done being a pawn in your games.”

[arnaulddorleans]

His hand wrapped around her wrist the moment he felt the soft sting of her slap. His grip was tight and firm. He swiftly got up from the chair and stood there in front of her, looming over her tiny frame. Her actions were on a whole new level of reckless and disobedience. It took everything in him not to twist her arm broken. “I want you to listen to me very carefully,” he said every word pronounced with precision. He held up his finger as if he were lecturing her. “You won’t see him.” He held a small pause and held the eye contact. “You will never touch me again.” He tightened his grip around her soft skin. “And you will know that next time I will not be this forgiving.”

[yungbludsxx]

Isabelle couldn’t help but laugh. “You think you could guilt trip me? You? The monster who murdered his own parents just to gain power?” She hissed out. “I never wanted this. I wanted to renounce my title and live a normal fucking life. Become a dancer and follow my dreams and maman and papa were fine with that. But you took that and my freedom away from me!” She looked at him angrily. “I’m not going to let you ruin my happiness again. Not this time brother. August is a good man but I don’t feel for him what I feel for Madison.” She stood tall. “I’m not going to coward away this time. I’m done being your little obedient slave. I’m done being afraid.”

[arnaulddorleans]

“I believe I have forbidden you to talk about them,” he spat and his hand tightened around his knee. “You honestly think you could ever have a normal life? It’s time to climb down from the clouds, you silly little girl! You have never been in the ‘real’ world and you would not survive it, oh no, you would realize that you are absolutely nothing without your title.” He took a calming breath and closed his eyes for a short minute. “I’m going to tell you this exactly once: I do not lose and I always get what I want.”

[yungbludsxx]

Isabelle teared and looked down. “What have I done to you brother?” She choked out. “What have I done to make you hate me so much?” She whimpered. “Why can’t you let me be happy?”

[arnaulddorleans]

There she goes again. Isabelle’s fragility was both a great asset and an impossibly annoying factor. “You have mistaken my indifference to hate,” he stated, his eyes hard as stone. “Is that what you’re fixated here? Your own personal happiness? May I remind you that this alliance, between Denmark and France, would not only put us in good light with other Nordic countries, but also strengthen  defenses against the east? Have you considered that maybe this isn’t as personal as you make it out to be and I fear I’ve put too much on your shoulders. I should have never trusted you to be able to keep your word.”

[yungbludsxx]

Isabelle’s heart was shattering. “I can’t just push my feelings aside.” She whispered. “Brother please. I’m going to marry August no matter what. Just let me have this time with him. Let me be happy.” She whimpered. “We haven’t done anything. All he’s done is kiss me.” She wasn’t going to give her brother the satisfaction of knowing she’d given herself to August. That he had taken her virginity.

[arnaulddorleans]

“What exactly is it that your rodent sized brain cannot understand here?” He asked, his irritation starting to rear its ugly head. “There’s no alliance yet, just an engagement secures me nothing. Do you really think he’ll stay if he feels betrayed? Do you think I’m ready to gamble just to spare some of your feelings?” A sharp laugh escaped his laugh but it had no actual joy in it. “A kiss is enough for now. Just end it immediately.”

[arnaulddorleans]

“ People do not own other people. You do not own me. Money can’t buy you love and affection, darling.  ” Her voice was clear and calm. Her eyes looked at him with both cold hardness and pity. “ What am I supposed to do when you leave and take the light from my life away? “ He sounded bitter yet heart-broken. Where was the facade now? She shook her head. “ You don’t own me. But you have  m y  h e a r t . Cherish it and I’ll stay. “

(( @vcncs ))

001. lana del rey --- million dollar man

“  You're screwed up and brilliant, Look like a million dollar man, So why is my heart broke?   “ 

002. the fray --- turn me on

“  I see you rising and you're falling And I try to look away But I'm frozen in the darkness You're a burning cabaret   “

003. mumford & sons --- broad-shouldered beasts

“   But wasn't it you who said I was not free And wasn't it you who said I needed peace And now it's you who's floored by fear of it all   “

004. marina & the diamonds --- buy the stars

“    And you could buy up all of the stars, But it wouldn’t change who you are. You’re still living life in the dark It’s just who you are   “

005. natalia kills --- love is a suicide

“   Nowhere to go I'm already inside You know No one'll love ya like I love ya   “

006. bastille --- flaws

“    There’s a hole in my soul I can’t fill it, I can’t fill it There’s a hole in my soul Can you fill it? Can you fill it?    “

[qeckoedits]

Henry Cavill and Amber Heard requested by  nosequel

[arnaulddorleans]

@vcncs