In the Wind

Ethan Proteus Asterion, King of Marya.

[kingasterion]

lady clare ; of marya:

         since her friend had took her rightful place as the princess of marya , things have been going fairly smoothly. the rebellion was silenced , needless now that their king had shown a different , more approachable & invested face. they no longer had the need or the excuse to overthrow him & put alina in his place & everyone was happy about it - as far as she knew. there had been moments when she had wondered if the queen stella was as bad as she appeared , but after further conversing with the woman , arysin had found it that she was most unpleasant indeed. she started to sympathise with the king for having to be married to her but she was aware that politics demanded such sacrifices.

standing beside her sister & their friends , lady clare observed the people - both maryan & foreign , her gaze drawn to numerous lords & ladies in attendance. she had tried to make out royalty from nobility , but had it not have been for the telling crowns atop their heads , there was nothing in their stature , no overinflated air of importance about them , they were simply people in attendance. finding her goblet empty , arysin excused herself from eryn’s company , leaving her in good hands with foreign ladies & lords , & approached the king who had happened to be sitting by himself. smiling politely , she accepted the offer & sat herself beside the king. “ & why are you on your own , your majesty ? “ she asked , curiosity getting the better of her manners.

HE REMEMBERED SEEING LADY CLARE around the court, but they’ve never interacted besides a hello and a goodbye. Being his wife’s lady in waiting couldn’t have been an easy job and he immediately felt sorry for the lady for having to endure his wife daily, for more hours than Ethan had endured her since probably the early happy years of their marriage. “Lady Clare, what a pleasure.” He greeted her with a smile and shrugged at her question. He was on his own because everyone else had been a little tiresome for the night and he’d needed a respite from endless well-wishers and painted, not-so-subtle smiles of some interesting ladies; but he’d had his mistress close by and he hardly needed another one. Phoebe had proven to bee sincere enough in her affections.

“A moment of respite, I’d say.” He replied, stretching over the table for a pitcher, before filling both his and lady Clare’s glass. “How do you enjoy yourself, lady Clare? Is your sister in attendance?” Ethan asked, rounding the room in a gaze, briefly spotting lady Eryn, before turning his gaze and attention to lady Arysin.

[kingasterion]

queen blackwyd ; of iatris:

“You’ll forgive me if I decline that offer of drinking, my lord,” Rowena said when she slowly arroached the King with a smile. “Wine always gives me headache and I don’t want my dear husband to make a scene if he seems I’m not that comfortable.” She took a seat next to him. “Happy birthday, your majesty,” she said. “I hope this is a happy occation, even after all that’s happened.” She was being polite because if she wasn’t a Queen, she would have turned back and go back to Iatris with her husband to be with her son, but these were the responsabilities of a monarch and she had to be here, whether she wanted or not, it was her duty.

Before acceptin Erik’s proposal, she had been talking with her sister about al lthe things she would be able to do as Queen as well as the things she was going to stop from doing because of it. “I want to help people, be outside, share their points of view. Not to hide in a castle and lock the doors to everyone who’s not of noble blood. I’m not like that but I’m sacared that the crown could make me so”

Rowena came back to the present and smiled at the King. “I hope you like the present me and Erik got you. He said you were going to like it but if I’m being honest, I haveno idea what he got,” she giggled. “He said he was going to take care of it personaly.”

ETHAN SMILED TO THE QUEEN of Iatris, giving her an understanding nod and at her words his smile widened. “Thank you, your majesty, I hope it’s a happy occasion as well.” He commented, remembering the last birthday celebration which had gone sour. Poor princess Moyra. It was a terrible thing to happen at one’s birthday. “I do hope there will be no more animosity and ill thought words to dampen the joyful mood.” He agreed. He was no longer so selfish to think that he had to have a wonderful birthday, since none of them ever were happy, with him being lost to his surroundings, in that eternal haze of recklessness and loss of any regard. He had his sister beside him now and he was better for it.

Chuckling at her words, Ethan’s smile widened. “I don’t doubt I will. From what I’ve gathered from the expertly wrapped gift, I’d say if either a long sword or a bow, and I’m most appreciative of either of those things. Thank you for the gift, queen Blackwyd. I must thank your husband as well.” He glanced at her before he asked. “How do you find the celebrations so far? Are you enjoying yourself?”

[kingasterion]

AS FAR AS HIS BIRTHDAYS went, this was the best one yet. His sister, being officially recognised as Marya’s princess, was always somewhere close to him, and he couldn’t have been happier to have her around. He wasn’t too happy about selling her off to Noctifera, to marry prince Lucian, but since she’d insisted, he obliged. If she was happy, so was he - and if he ever suspects she’s being mistreated or unhappy, then he’d be more than content to bring her home, regardless or not if it meant risking war with the kingdom of Fire. Yet, sometimes told him that his sister might be happy there.

He was seated somewhere in the back of the room, enjoying solitude that came after his latest conversational partner had left to go dancing with his wife. Maybe he should dance with Stella, but lately their marriage had been worse than ever, so he was more than happy to keep her out of sight - so long as she didn’t openly embarrass him, he was fine with whatever she did. While once he wouldn’t have cared much about appearances and how his behaviour reflected on his kingdom, now he knew better and so he refrained from asking his mistress to join him for a dance. Well, he could always dance with Alina, if he felt like dancing.

But, when a person approached him, Ethan’s lips drew into a smile, greeting them in a friendly tone and patting an empty chair beside him. “Come, join me for a drink. It’s not that fun to drink by oneself.”

[kingasterion]

king blackwyd ; of iatris:

         there was more to ethan asterion than met the eye & behind blond curls hid a sharp mind ; a political mind. had anyone ever told erik that he would be counseling with marya’s infamous king he would have admitted them to be mad & foolish , but it would have been him who had been played a fool. “ no , ‘tis not. “ he agreed , matching the wind’s king’s expression with a thoughtful frown of his own. he wondered what his wife thought about it & that made him think of queen stella & what might have been her thoughts about it.

indeed , how does one fight things unseen ? he did not know the answer , but ethan hardly expected one. for conversation’s sake however , erik had tried to oblige. “ it does bother me but it is something i must do. what all of us kings & our queens must do. but it does bring about a nasty migraine. “ he confided & matched ethan’s sigh. “ seems like it. if only we could made them visible , then most of our problems would be solved. knowing the enemy is a powerful thing. perhaps that is why they remain hidden , whoever they are. “

HE UNDERSTOOD THAT. THE MIGRAINE that came hand in hand with foul thoughts, and foul things. To be absolutely honest, he didn’t know where his sudden diplomacy came from, but he suspected that the fear of the unknown had a say in it. If such things could manifest on such a happy occasion, then what was next? Were they to suffer thought every merry gathering, wondering when and if the Voice would pour vinegar in their drinks instead of wine? He nodded along with king Erik’s agreement. It felt nice to have someone to share in such doubts, and where Stella would fail, his advisers would come forth. But, chatting to such an extent with a fellow monarch, was something he did not expect; both because of his parents’ stigma and legacy, and because he did nothing to prove everyone he was different. It was time for that to change.

Erik’s retort brought out another frown, but the questions was wise, and it was something he caught himself thinking of, often. He weighed his thoughts before he spoke. “I don’t think anything can stay hidden forever. Mordu appeared again, and if they could surface from their confinement, I think this unseen threat will show itself, and soon.” Ethan replied, though a question’s been bothering him, now as he thought of it. “Do you think they could have something with it? The citizens of Mordu? I know the Voice would like us to doubt one another, but I like to keep all options open.”

[kingasterion]

princess asterion ; sweetest sister:

“Probably drink himself to sleep.” The princess commented with the softest of chuckles, hiding the smile behind her hand. Manners & etiquette came to her naturally, politeness always at the tip of her tongue & it wasn’t too hard to fall into the proper court etiquette, one fit for the princess of her rank & bearing. Though she was still uncertain how to behave around the queen & she didn’t find herself craving her company. At the thought of her brother’s wife, Alina threw a careful look her way, briefly assessing the other’s bearings before returning her full attention to her brother.

She returned the affectionate smile, understanding all too well the happiness behind it. It really was beautiful, a little too beautiful but she wouldn’t worry about it. Not now when she’s chatting idly with the one person she never thought she could chat this openly. But, the secret was out & their lives were better for it. “I find it pleasing enough, but I’m more than glad to see you happy.” Alina replied with a gentle smile, honestly happy to see Ethan smiling for once. Broaching the topic of Lucian, the princess shrugged lightly. “I haven’t, really. I mean, he is nice enough & I think we will get along nicely, but the men of the Vyrg line don’t seem all that talkative. Their princess is, but the prince & the king? I think you know well enough the latter to be the ‘on the quiet’ side.”

LAUGHING QUIETLY AT ALINA’S WITTY remark, Ethan felt like there was nothing wrong in the world. He forgot, in that moment, all the talks about the Voice, its previous appearances and the threat it posed to their world, if it was a real threat after all. His sister was beside him and no one could come between them, and if anyone had tried, they would lose their heads. He didn’t think that about Alina’s potential marriage, and if it weren’t Lucian in the talks, it would’ve been someone else eventually. He couldn’t and wouldn’t keep her holed in Marya, and while he knew his kingdom would prosper from the alliance, he wasn’t too keen to see her go yet.

Chuckling softly at Alina’s retort, the King nodded. “They do seem a bit stuck up, do they? But, I think you would be fine with him as a husband. If nothing else, the Vyrgs are fiercely protective over their significant others. At least my heart would be at peace, knowing you’re safe, protected and well taken care of.” He didn’t dare broach the subject of love. He did not love his wife and that might have been why he wasn’t too happy to send Alina off to marry Lucian; he didn’t want for her to be trapped in a loveless marriage like he is, all but resenting his spouse. If he could spare her of it, he would. “You can always talk enough for both of you.” Ethan lightly teased.

[kingasterion]

king blackwyd ; of iatris:

         it would appear that erik blackwyd was initially very wrong about the asterion king. he fell into the old as time trap of prejudice , but the more he spoke to him the more he came to realise that the king of marya was a very intelligent & rational man. but as the subject proceeded to unravel , he did not comment on the ways a kingdom to be toppled into ruin. the only thing he really wanted to do was to prevent that from happening to iatris if he could help it. & as the king he ought to.

ethan was , in lack of any better word , right. too right once erik came to think of it. the question he ask rang through ; how could something unknown damage them ? it could probably find a way , but how ? “ maybe they wish us to destroy ourselves out of panic & fear. if we start going around blurting our own secrets it would play to their hand & it could potentially prove fatal to us. i suppose what we all must hope to now is that no one finds out or deepest secrets , ourselves included. no one can tell a secret better than the person saving it. “

ETHAN HUMMED IN AGREEMENT WITH the Earth’s king. Only those who don’t know any secrets can truly keep them. Knowledge may have been a blessing and power, but sometimes knowing things was a curse, and not knowing them, a true bliss. “That is not a bad strategy. Taking us out one by one, without having to lift a finger to destroy us. We would be like sitting duck, easy for the picking and elliminating, once we are done running around like headless hens.” He commented, a thoughtful frown setting between his brows.

“Lets hope it doesn’t come to that.” The King said after a moment, sighing heavily at the headache which had started to drum against his temples. “All this talk of conspiracy and ifs and buts is starting to weight me down. Doesn’t it bother you? Trying to outplot something we don’t even know is plotting against us. Has the world gone mad? Invisible enemies. How do we fight those?” He did not really expect an answer, but a part of him hoped king Erik would have a fresher perspective than his currently was.

[deactivated-blog]

Lovers & Secrets || Phoebe & Ethan

[kingasterion]

mistress eyre ; sweet lie:

Her eyebrow twitched in agreement. No, no one in Marya truly trusted one another. The Drago, and Clare, siblings might be exceptions, but she did not know for sure. She had wanted to believe that there was true honesty in Marya, but was there, really? She did not trust many people; once, she had trusted Layla, but seeing she friend so close to the Queen, she had started to wonder about her. Perhaps she could trust the younger Lady Clare, Arysin, and Lady Drago, but could she, really? It was unnerving.

“You are right, of course. How can anything change, if we do not change? But, I am not sure how wise is it, to trust someone. Especially not now, and with the Voice, and what it had said. This could be playing right into their arms. Or, whatever it has. Is.” Phoebe sighed, shaking her head. “But, enough about that. Are you having a good time here? I find the company to be… pleasing enough. Though, I have not made as many friends as I would have liked, but it is our first night here, anyway.”

SHE WAS RIGHT AND THE king pursed his lips as he nodded his head. But, all that talk of change was stirring unsettling things in him; mostly the thought of his sister, now alive and breathing. How will that change affect them all; how will it affect his sister? He knew he was thrilled, happier than ever to have her back in his life, after never really having the chance to meet her and he wasn’t about to go squander it. But, he knew it wouldn’t be easy, on either one of them.

“As good as one can with nasty things attempting to prophecise our demises.” Ethan said with a heavy exhale. “Yes, they are all pleasing enough to tolerate and, maybe, even befriend. Have you made any friends yet, Phoebe?”

[kingasterion]

The Truth | Ethan & Alina

[wyndastericn]

kingasterion:

IT WAS COMFORTING TO HEAR he wasn’t the only one with panicked expressions. It made him feel more normal, knowing that his sister had just the same reaction as he did. He didn’t like that she was uncomfortable about it, but at first he was, as well. This was a life changing situation, and it would’ve been childish to take it lightly and with immediate enthusiasm. Although, he was certain he’d feel it in the morning, when the reality truly downs on him. “I can believe it was. It couldn’t have been easy for you to have your life change like that. This must be hard for you too.” He said, in a very knowing way.

He wasn’t really aware how he was taking it, but her words provided him with a reassurance, which was well needed at the moment. He appreciated her words and he chuckled, smiling wider and in a manner he hadn’t smiled in a while. “I hope you know I will hold you to that.” The chuckle turned to a nod, when he grew more serious with his following words; “If you don’t want us to tell anyone yet, I’m alright with it. But, I do want to see you daily, and I do want for us to be close. It’s… You, being alive, is the only thing I’ve ever wanted and I don’t care if admitting to that puts me in a weaker position. I know you’d never use it against me and I trust you.”

She nodded; it was hard for her, too. From the moment she’s discovered the truth about herself & about her brother, she’d wanted to be around him, to confide in him & have him as a friend & a sibling, but she had to keep quiet. Geoffrey had advised her against telling him, until they were sure he would take it well, but she’d always known he wouldn’t scorn her. “It was, but I don’t have any doubts anymore.” She gently smiled.

Alina could cry there & then, but she refrained from acting like a wuss. His words brought such joy to her, his admission as well & she squeezed his hand a little tighter. “I want that, too. But, I care about your welfare, & I don’t want to endanger you any more than you, being a king, already endangers you.” The Princess said with a nod. As soon as she, & the rebels, find out who’s been sniffing around the information concerning the “lost” princess, she’d deal with them the best she could & then her brother & she wouldn’t have to hide their sibling bond in front of everyone. 

[kingasterion]

Closed.

[kingasterion]

princess asterion ; sweetest sister:

She didn’t expect for the events to take such a turn. The knowledge of her lineage has gotten out & now the world was made aware of her existence & her identity. Someone from the Rebellion had let it slip & no matter how much they tried to find the culprit, they vanished into think air it seemed. But, the deed was done & it wasn’t as terrible as Alina had thought it might be. She was brought up expecting the worst to happen, prepared for it, but as she sat beside her brother at the feast, it started to feel more like a dream, rather that reality. & she loved every second of it.

Chuckling lightly at her brother’s words, Alina quietly laughed. “Maybe you haven’t been paying attention. I, for one, have noticed lady Cecily tripping over her own feet down in the corner. I think it’s fortunate she took her husband there, lest they bumped into some other poor soul. Gavotte doesn’t seem like something up their alley.” It was refreshing, speaking to her brother so openly & chuckling along with him like they haven’t been apart for a lifetime. Alina turned to glance at him, with an affectionate smile on her face. “Are you enjoying yourself, Ethan?”

HE LAUGHED AT HIS SISTER’S remark, following her gaze to the pair in question and the tripping lady. It was a surprise that it was just one clumsy pair and not at least a baker’s dozen of them, especially since they were currently dancing a rather fast paced dance. “No, you’re right, I haven’t been paying close attention. I was distracted by the lady Pemberly in the corner, stuffing not one but two chocolate truffles in her mouth. And that lord with waxed moustaches is trying to conceal a bottle of sherry under his coat. I wonder what’s he going to do with it later.” The King mused with an amused purse of his lips, chuckling idly, sitting side to side with his sister.

It was beautiful. They could finally be a family, publicly and openly, and they could finally be happy. He didn’t need anything else in his life anymore. An alliance with Noctifera dangled in the air in front of his nose, with the whisper of a marriage between his sister and the King’s brother and, even if he wasn’t happy to sell Alina off so soon, it was good. “I am. All the more now that you’re with me, sister.” Ethan’s smile was affectionate and honest, “How do you enjoy the evening? Have you talked with the prince yet?”

[kingasterion]

EVER SINCE THE KNOWLEDGE OF his sister became public, the king was beside himself with joy. He didn’t have to hide his family from the court anymore, and he didn’t have to sneak around to have a chat with his sister - all was out in the open now. Unlike his time in Iatris and Eyden, this time he was in a truly good mood, with his sister sitting beside him on her rightful place as the princess of Marya, and he couldn’t have been happier for it. Naturally, he wasn’t aware of the fact that not everyone shared in his sentiment, but he was blinded by joy and, given his past and his situation, that was forgivable. 

Placing his mask at the table, Ethan turned to watch the masked dancers, trying for a gavotte or a waltz, endless swirls of rich dresses and elegant boots. The masks were exquisite; animals, inanimate objects, strange faces painted on a white or black ceramics or fabric, the people really tried to impress. His fox max was carefully crafted, but he was tired of wearing masks even if he was rather fond of masquerades. With a light grin, Ethan turned to the person nearest to him. “It never ceases to amaze me how no one has tripped so far. With so many people dancing together, and the ladies with their ridiculously long skirts, I must say I’m surprised to see everyone’s holding out so splendidly. Though, it’s still early in the evening. Maybe after one or two more glasses of wine and the true entertainment would start.” He commented with a mischievous chuckle.

[kingasterion]

king blackwyd ; of iatris:

         the king frowned in thought , surprised by ethan’s words. he did not expect wisdom from someone like him & he did not expect to nod in agreement. there was no reluctance in the gesture but pleasure to have found someone of the shared thought. he felt similarly about the voice & what it spoke of & it was that truth in it which alerted him that there could be more to the voice than it seems. it was a concerning thought , just like the marya’s king had said & erik found that he did not like the implications of it. already were they all somewhat uncomfortable with the notion of a fifth kingdom emerging from the darkness , but he was of the sort to give everyone a chance to prove themselves for good or for bad.

& to prove his moral values , he had chosen to give marya’s king the same treatment ; benefit of the doubt & deviation from the path of prejudice & distrust. “ i agree. you voiced it better than i could , but it is my thought as well. it is just as you said ; something true about it. what do you think the secrets might be ? we know nothing of the kingdom of mordu so i do not see how any of their secrets could influence us but if it brings an internal turmoil for them , it might backfire on us. “ he failed to see how & he ought to discuss it with his advisers & his queen.

HE MIGHT HAVE VOICED THE fear well, but how could he even begin to guess the secrets of the kingdoms? He wondered if he knew everything about his own kingdom and he doubted he did. His wife, his mistress, every person in the court could have a potentially damaging and damning secret in them. But, he was pleased that the king had asked for his opinion, so she shrugged, attempting to answer as truthfully as he could. “I can’t say I know. It could be anything ranging from internal affairs of the kingdoms, the external affairs, the changes in trade or acts of treason, There’s a large variety of things which could break a kingdom and those living in it.” He answered with a thoughtful frown.

That made him pause and the frown on Ethan’s face deepened. “You are right. How can something we don’t know have an effect on us? That could go for the Voice as well. We haven’t seen anyone saying those words and it could’ve been someone playing tricks on us. Maybe when we feel dread about it, it is our own secrets we don’t wish to see getting out. We’d all be fools to say and think that we don’t have any secrets. Everyone does.”

[deactivated-blog]

Lovers & Secrets || Phoebe & Ethan

[kingasterion]

mistress eyre ; sweet lie:

She does deserve respect, and admiration, if she may add. But, it was nice to hear she was appreciated by her lover, and so she smiled to him, tilting her head back to get a better look at Ethan. She shrugged when he asked her about Eyden, and she paused to think about it for a moment. The Mistress did enjoy the place, but  as he had said, it was not Marya, and she did not know what to expect of it, and it made her antsy. “It is agreeable to me, but it is not our home, Ethan. It could never compare to Marya, and our sandstone. All this white moonstone is making me a feel a little blinded.” She admitted, offering him a light smile. “But, yes. It is a nice change.” She agreed.

Phoebe hummed in understanding. It was a little optimistic to think they would all be delighted at them, and ready to trust them with their lives. She doubted anyone from the other Kingdoms trusted anyone else, but some of the people from their own Kingdoms, anyway. People were either distrustful creatures, or they were naive creatures, but most of the time they belonged to the former. She smiled, and nodded. “Well, that is good to hear. I hope they learn how to trust us.”

HE LOVED HIS KINGDOM, YES, but seeing something new every now and then, proved good for his head. Seeing the luxury and overall trust the people have for each other in Eyden, and before that in Iatris, Ethan couldn’t help but to devise plans on how to make that achievable in Marya. He knew his people were not as honest as the others might have been, but he doubted they were all disloyal and dishonest. He knew his sister to be loyal and honest, and his adviser Geoffrey and his sister Elinor Drago, he could trust them. Maybe he could even trust Phoebe, if he gave her a chance. “It is a nice change.” He absently repeated, asking himself if he could trust her enough to tell her But, the secret of his sister was too great to be bartered with, so he remained silent once more. 

“I hope they do.” Ethan nodded, but then added; “Although, it would be nice if we learned to trust each other first. They can’t trust us if we don’t trust our own people, can they?” He wondered about that often. How can he, or anyone really, trust someone from another kingdom, if they didn’t trust the people in their own kingdoms? He didn’t trust many people from Marya, so how could he trust someone from Eyden, or Iatris? Maybe he could, but maybe he couldn’t and it was eating him alive.

[williamblackwyd]

talks with the bridegroom || OPEN

[kingasterion]

king blackwyd ; of eyden:

“I suppose that… the first step as they say is admitting there is a problem,” William hedged. “And in any case–” he added with a sigh, “–it’s not as if I have been much better.” Although, of course, William had just come into the crone. Previously, he had been a prince, and in charge of nothing more than trying to make his family and subjects happy. It was an easy task for someone who had few other responsibilities.

“I will admit to not taking much interest in politics up until now.” Thankfully, William’s wife seemed to be a good ruler. Unlike Ethan’s apparently. “Hopefully you can rectify the situation…as you see fit,” he hastened to add. He didn’t want to imply that he was criticizing the other man or his kingdom. Though he did think it a bit irresponsible to just leave one’s governing up to someone else, especially when it was your kingdom. Your responsibility.

IF ONLY THE OTHER MONARCHS were as open minded and friendly as the Water’s new king. His attempt to rectify the situation would’ve been much easier and more fruitful. There was an innate wisdom about the young king and Ethan agreed, nodding lightly. “Admitting something always seems to be the half of the job.” There was slight amusement in his voice, but he did mean it. Admitting mistakes was possibly the hardest thing for a person do to and now he was readying himself to mend the situation between his kingdom and every other kingdom in the Realms. Thankfully, there were just three more - well, four, but he didn’t think he’d done anything to Mordu - especially since he didn’t remember it existed. 

“It’s never late for anything, your Majesty.” He added, and a thoughtful bob of his head expressed his agreement as he repeated; “Hopefully, indeed.” He didn’t need hope, he needed a chance. Queens of the other kingdoms have all showed a willingness to hear him out and even to plot with him, more so when he expressed his wish for peace and a change in politics. The king of Noctifera was somewhat more difficult to talk to, but he could hardly blame him for it, and the king of Iatris had seemed to warm up to him a little - and the same went for his brother, the now king of Eyden. He hadn’t spoken to the king of Mordu yet, but he hoped he would be able to.

[elinordrago]

secrets told || Elinor & Ethan

[kingasterion]

lady drago ; of windtop:

She could see how the news affected him. For all his wishing and lamenting, for all his dreaming of the possibilities, Ethan’s words had only been those of a lonely man. Elinor hoped that with confirmation, with the knowledge that what she was saying was the truth, Ethan would realize he had more to live for and fight for. (As if the responsibility of a kingdom and its people were not enough, but clearly the cause had to be made to be a personal one).

Crossing her arms over her chest, Elinor did not even bother to deign that with a response. He knew her well enough by now to know that this was not in keeping with her sense of humour. This was not something she would joke about. And, even with their increased familiarity, she still knew he was the King. She was not that much of a fool that she would toy with him in this way. She was neither stupid nor cruel, and he knew it.

“I could do that if you like,” she said practically. “We could forget that this conversation ever happened–” possibly for the best, “–but we would both know it to be a lie.” Elinor was not one of the other courtiers. She did not lie, did not cheat. She was honest and loyal and she prided herself on being someone others could trust–even if that occasionally only earned her scorn and derision from her more ambitious peers.

 A LIE. WE WOULD BOTH know it that his sister being gone was a lie. Everything he had ever wanted was now in front of him, but he was nailed to the spot, unable to move a muscle. His sister was alive. She was alive and, judging by lady Drago’s words, she was well and he didn’t know how to deal with it. Calling her a liar or writing it off as a dream was the easiest thing; a lot easier than dealing with his emotions and the endless string of both them and thoughts, which tangled around his heart and his mind. He felt disoriented, like the ground was being removed from beneath his feet, and he fixed his stare of lady Drago.

He had a thousand questions. Why was the knowledge of his sister kept a secret from him, if it wasn’t a rouse, a lie? Now he wondered who she was and where she was. What was she like? He needed answers and he didn’t care much if lady Drago was starting to become something of a friend of his, he would demand them of her, if she refuses to provide them. He was still a king and he needed to know. Ethan frowned in the moment and calmed himself enough to repeat the string of questions out loud. “Who is she? Where is she? Why was I not notified before? How long have you known?” Questions left his lips in a hurry, one after the other, and he didn’t even try to stop them.

[kingasterion]

The Truth | Ethan & Alina

[kingasterion]

princess asterion ; sweetest sister:

Alina lightly chuckled at his words. That was certainly a fun was to look at things - to find amusement in dire situations & despite it being a happy occasion, it was a bit of a dire situation. She is the princess & she is his sister - it’d be stupid to think that it wouldn’t have some consequence on him, her & those around them. But, so long as there weren’t too many people in the know about them, they could manage just well. It was the others she was worried about, not her brother & their relationship. They could finally be a brother & a sister, maybe not openly yet, but in his presence & in private, she didn’t have to be lady Wynd. “I can relate. You should’ve seen my expression when I found out. It would’ve been comical if I hadn’t been so mortified about it. That was a shock.” & that was an understatement. She felt like she was falling down a bottomless hole.

The princess chuckled & her smile widened as she affectionately looked at her brother. “Doubtful, but I appreciate the warning.” She returned the gesture & nodded. “Thank you. For taking this a lot better than I’ve thought you would, to be honest.” She said in a light tone, but that was the truth. She was relieved to learn she was right about her brother all along, & the way he reacted to the news told her enough - & that she needn’t worry about his character. But now a different kind of worry surfaced - the one which was always there, but now magnified; the one for his welfare. “& I’d be happy to walk with you. Middle of the night or in broad daylight.”

IT WAS COMFORTING TO HEAR he wasn’t the only one with panicked expressions. It made him feel more normal, knowing that his sister had just the same reaction as he did. He didn’t like that she was uncomfortable about it, but at first he was, as well. This was a life changing situation, and it would’ve been childish to take it lightly and with immediate enthusiasm. Although, he was certain he’d feel it in the morning, when the reality truly downs on him. “I can believe it was. It couldn’t have been easy for you to have your life change like that. This must be hard for you too.” He said, in a very knowing way. 

He wasn’t really aware how he was taking it, but her words provided him with a reassurance, which was well needed at the moment. He appreciated her words and he chuckled, smiling wider and in a manner he hadn’t smiled in a while. “I hope you know I will hold you to that.” The chuckle turned to a nod, when he grew more serious with his following words; “If you don’t want us to tell anyone yet, I’m alright with it. But, I do want to see you daily, and I do want for us to be close. It’s... You, being alive, is the only thing I’ve ever wanted and I don’t care if admitting to that puts me in a weaker position. I know you’d never use it against me and I trust you.”

[kingasterion]

The Truth | Ethan & Alina

[kingasterion]

princess asterion ; sweetest sister:

She lightly chuckled at his words, finding the notion both true, & amusing. “I ask myself the same thing.” The chuckle had ebbed & she smiled gently to her brother, nodding. “Yes, you can trust them. You can trust them, & you can trust me. Aside from this secret, I would never lie to you. I couldn’t, not really.” That was the truth - she couldn’t lie to Ethan. This secret had weighted too much on her & there were countless occasions in which she was seconds away from blurting out the truth to him, but either someone would’ve interrupted them, or she would’ve chickened out in the last minute. But now, she was glad that Elinor had told him. Now, there were really no secrets between them.

Alina frowned, a sad frown as she listened to her brother. At least he was also wary of Layla Verlos, so that was a good start, if she could say so herself. She was moved that her brother trusted her, & trusts her still, & it made her smile wider. But, she was still sad to hear that he found himself wary of everyone else. Something had told her that he could trusts Desmond & Edelbert - the latter seemed to be really fond of him, & that made Alina inclined to put some of her trust in him. “I wouldn’t sell your general & adviser short. They seem like they might be honest, but I understand what you’re saying. If you find yourself unable to trust them, you can always come to me. I’d be happy to help you, even if it’s just a conversation.”

HE WAS TRULY TOUCHED TO hear his sister would never lie to him. It was all he’d ever hoped for and more. She was just like he had imagined his sister to be and the relief he felt at the discovery of her identity was an overwhelming one - even if it was a bit mixed with panic at the time. Who wouldn’t panic at being told that the only person which mattered the most to him was not gone, but alive and breathing and close by? “I know I can trust you. I think I’ve always felt that. Maybe that’s why I haven’t been too surprised to learn you’re my sister. No, I was surprised, but after finding out that the person I thought was dead is alive, it kind of puts a stop to every other surprise, you know what I mean?” At this point he felt like he was ranting, but he’s never felt more relaxed as he did in this very moment. 

Ethan squeezed his sister’s hand again and gave her a grateful nod, and a wider smile than he’d ever offered to anyone besides his daughter. “You might come to regret that, when I wake you up in the middle of the night for a light chat.” His words might’ve been a joke, but there was sincerity behind them. It was good to know he could rely on someone who wouldn’t betray him and he felt in his blood that he could trust his sister more than he could trust anyone else - including himself. “I want you to know that the same goes for you. I’m your brother and as such I want to help you with anything you need. Conversation or company or a stroll in the middle of the night. Whatever you need.”

[deactivated-blog]

Lovers & Secrets || Phoebe & Ethan

[kingasterion]

mistress eyre ; sweet lie: 

It did make her lose sleep, but she could not say for everyone else. Truthfully, she doubted her Majesty lost sleep over anything, except maybe herself, but it was not something she could say to Ethan. The Queen was his wife, after all, but Phoebe hated it. Oh, how she hated it! How she hated Stella for having something she had wanted ( and oddly enough, it was not the crown she was after, but the thought was perpetually repeating itself in her head, and so she ought to admit that the odd thing she felt was love. ). The Mistress listened to him, with a tilted head, and a cocked eyebrow in light surprise. But, it was a good sort of surprise, the dash of cunning resourcefulness she noticed behind his eyes - a determination of sorts. Perhaps he could break Stella’s spell yet. Perhaps he could be more than meets the eyes; but, she had already known that, for years now.

“You are right, Ethan. If it is sincere, then I am sure you can deal with it, as you just said. And it sounds like the most reasonable thing to do. And, if it is a jest, or a very poor attempt of amusement, then it truly does no one good to think about it.” Phoebe was not a fool, although she did enjoy playing one, in front of certain people. But, her King had known she was intelligent; there was never any reason why she would hide it from him. He changed the topic, and she shrugged. She was not really paying that much attention to what other had been doing, and how they looked at her. “I have learned long ago to ignore people around myself, especially the Ladies and the way they glanced at me. But, I cannot say I’ve seen any of them being odd, or rude towards me. Everyone’s been so… nice. I am not sure how I feel about that.”Especially since she felt they were honestly nice to her.

“And what of you, have the Monarchs showed more respect to you? Are they more inclined to trust you now?” Phoebe asked, curiously. It was something she’d wanted to know ever since they got to Eyden. How much did they trust them now, and how much have they remained prejudiced, and suspicious of them. But, if she were completely honest, some of them were right to mistrust them. At least, they were right to mistrust the Queen.

HE WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED BY his mistress’ reasoning. She was intelligent, that much he knew, but this bordered on wisdom and in that moment he wondered just how much she could prove to be trustful. Maybe, if he truly puts his faith in her, she proves to be an invaluable adviser, but maybe she would use the information against him, play sides and betray him. He would put neither of the options past her - or past anyone. It was a lonely way to live, but now he has at least one truly honest person beside him; his sister and for the foreseeable future, it was enough. But he wished he could confide in Phoebe. Maybe she wouldn’t betray him. But, dreaming of love and honesty was already dangerous enough, more so with his wife still in tow.

“I’m glad no one’s impolite to you, or rude. You do deserve respect, as both my mistress and the lady of my court.” She came from one of the most powerful families from Marya and showing her disrespect was equal to taking up arms against her family; and he doubted anyone would’ve wanted that, especially the wise people from Eyden. “But, are you enjoying this place? I find it pleasing enough. It isn’t Marya, but it’s a refreshing change.” If one could forget or ignore most of the tonight’s events. But, there was fortune to misfortune and if the Voice hadn’t spoken, he still wouldn’t have known his sister was alive, and that she was lady Alina, and he’s grateful for at least that knowledge. 

“They haven’t been openly disrespectful and some of them did seem to warm up to me. I’ve had a lovely chat with Eyden’s new king. He seems trustworthy enough, but that is always uncertain when it comes to rulers.” If he couldn’t trust his own wife and mistress, how could he trust anyone else? “We’re still far away from trust, Phoebe, but they don’t seem as cautious around us as they were in Iatris and it’s hopeful enough.”