This is mostly an rp blog and you may call me Knight Captain Thorn. I'm bi but mlm leaning, mid 20s, he/him pronouns.
You're allowed to yes-and or reimagine my text posts in any way you like, just don't put words in my mouth. You're allowed to take inspiration from my pics or use them as reference, but please try to preserve the vibe I was going for.
I don't have a specific canon world, personality remains mostly consistent but posts don't follow any particular timeline or setting. Open to rp with anyone in the medieval fantasy ecosystem.
Feel free to hit me up any way you'd like.
#knight kink = nsft/suggestive posts
Kinks under cut
Updated: July 8th 2026
Dom/Top Sadomasochist, theoretically Switch/Verse but dom/top unless explicitly stated otherwise. Happy to play with sides too. Dming me to discuss potential/ongoing rps is not only welcomed but encouraged. Nothing is sexier than mature conversations about your desires and limits.
Likes: Painplay, Service, Body Worship, CNC, Bondage, Religious play, Denial, Chastity, Blood.
Open to most things though, if you've got something specific ask me and I'll probably be down. Trust me, your embarrassing kink is not going to faze me in the slightest.
Dislikes: Dom breaking, manipulation (of me), overly rude/condescending bratting.
You may treat my genitals like cis male genitals and refer to them using terms like penis, dick, cock, etc.
Many a night I have spent considering my sweet prince. After all, what harm can a dream unrealized be? A thousand times I can imagine the softness of his skin against my own, and the prince will not feel my touch. I can picture the taste of his lips against mine, and his will remain unsullied all the same. I can dream of his body under mine, with eyes full of desire looking up at me-
I sit up, for it seems the night shall bring me no rest.
'An idle mind will wander'
The father's warning echos in my mind, and I take my prayer sheet once again, though I've long since memorized it's words.
The ball has long since started once I make my way to the ballroom. Music, polite laughter and clinking glasses flow out of the softly lit room, muffled by the rich draperies around the entrance. Even knowing this was my destination, I couldn't bring myself to come entirely unarmed. My blade hangs familiar at my hip, and my hands stay safe cocooned in my gauntlets.
I'm not exactly nervous, but there's an unease building in me. Not only am I entering a strange new environment full of unknown threats and rules, but one I left suddenly with no explanation. I've already written my reports of the ongoing conflict to the royal highnesses of Eridanus; I needn't justify my absence to anyone else.
But, I am here to play nice, am I not? Perroy's advice had been to give a gentleman where a monster is expected, and I'm not fool enough to disregard his words.
I scoff at my own cowardice. No challenge has been overcome through hesitation. I straighten my back, and enter.
My eyes widen when I see the captain enter the ballroom, and it's all I can do not to make a beeline straight for him. He must have just returned, from his... mission. I don't know any of the details, it wasn't my place to ask.
His eyes don't meet mine as he scans the crowd, not that I can see, at least. He seems to have stalled just over the threshold, like he's regretting entering.
I tear my eyes away, lest he catch me staring. He's back. Something in my chest loosens. Why am I smiling?
I give it a moment before making my way towards the ballroom entrance, walking casually, I hope. Trying to hide my limp.
"Captain," I say when I reach him, dipping my head in respect. "Welcome back."
My posture remains strict but noticeably relaxes as Errant approaches. I wonder for a moment when he started having that effect on me, but I decide to save that worry for another day.
He looks beautiful. Far more beautiful than any warrior has a right to be. The smooth shine of his hair and the way it contrasts with his green clothes almost distract me enough not to notice his limp.
"Good evening Errant. Thank you, and please excuse my absence." My eyes run across him again, this time to scan for further damage rather than take in his form. "How have these days treated you?"
I actually have to try not to shiver as he looks me over. I know ostensibly it’s innocent enough, and they don’t linger anywhere. Far more clinical and appraising. But I’ve been on the receiving end of that gaze under far different circumstances enough times that my body seems to know it better than my brain.
Gods. When did I get so fucking easy?
“The Ball has been… eventful,” I say, suddenly feeling like I should have a more detailed report for him. “It seems that this many folks gathering like this can’t help but invite some chaos. I… don’t know all the details, though.”
He doesn’t reply, and I take it as a silent order. Continue.
“As for myself,” my voice lowers just a touch, “I won my first joust and lost my second. I did well in the melee and the archery tournaments.” I hesitate. “And I was caught in the Hunt, but I suppose that’s the entire point, isn’t it?”
Winning a joust, and doing well in two tournaments was a very respectable effort, especially considering how suddenly he had become the only knight to represent their kingdom. I should be proud, and a part of me is. Still, there is a pit growing in my stomach.
"I would like you to come with me after the ball Errant." It's a blunt invitation, an order more than an offer.
I blink, anxiety pooling in my gut. “If there’s something I should know about, I… well, I would rather you tell me now. Otherwise I’ll be curious for the whole masquerade.” I try to keep my voice light, but it’s not working. I can’t read him right now. It’s not the voice he uses when he fucks with me, but he doesn’t exactly seem… pleased, either. “Does it have to wait, sir?”
I can't help but smirk under the mask and I lean in close. "I intend to see the damage to your body myself, Errant. By all means, you may strip here instead." I look the lithe man in the eyes for a few beats, and smile proper when he doesn't move.
"If not, we will continue this privately. Since you're in such a hurry, why don't you find us a place?" I lean back and keep looking at him expectantly. The contrast of his now bright cheeks against his otherwise ethereal appearance is absolutely delicious.
The knot in my stomach stays, but it changes from anxiety to anticipation. I find myself wishing I’d worn a mask that covers my whole face, because then I could grin with excitement the way I want to. As it is, my lips twitch as I nod. “Follow me, sir.”
I lead him out of the ballroom, trying to remember the layout of the manor. Would my own room be best? Very little chance of being interrupted there, but also the farthest away. No simple dark corners if he’s planning to fully strip me, but I don’t know how involved he’s planning for this to get.
I settle for a room off the kitchens, one of the storage spaces for ingredients. It’s cold, and it smells like onions, but the feast is over for tonight and we shouldn’t be found here.
I light a few candles before turning back to Thorn as he closes the door, and wait expectantly.
It really does smell of onions, but my hunger quickly shuts any complaints down. Especially when he looks at me like that. Like he's scared I might eat him, and like he can't wait.
"This will do. Now show me where he hurt you." I lean back against the door. My eyes are drinking in every inch of the man before me, but my ears stay vigilant to any movement outside.
I do my best not to fumble as I undo my clasps, laying the pieces of clothing over a barrel to avoid wrinkling them. My mask comes off too - it feels ridiculous to bare myself and keep it on - but I hesitate when I reach my trousers.
“I want you to know,” I say, “that it looks worse than it is. It was done accidentally, and there are no hard feelings between him and myself.”
Thorn doesn’t answer, he just waits for me to continue, so I do. Carefully, a little stiffly, I let my trousers fall.
My left leg is wrapped in bandages from thigh to just above the knee, and though there are a few spots where the blood is visible, the linen is mostly clean. All said, I’m in much better shape than I was coming out of the forest.
I stare in silence for a minute, letting my eyes glide slowly over each curve and edge of my sweetest knight. I push away from the wall, and order him to stand still in the center of the room. Without question he obeys, and of course he does. It's Errant.
I circle around him, taking note of every little mark. Scratches on his shoulder blade. Bruising along his ribs. Blood spots on his bandages.
Before I've even touched him I can see shivers running across his skin. I lean down to observe his torso from behind, and he tenses in anticipation. I can see the blood pumping in his wrists, and I smile. How very little it takes for him to crumble.
I go to run my fingers softly across the blue and yellow of his ribs, but as soon as I make contact he inhales sharply. I stop.
The ball has long since started once I make my way to the ballroom. Music, polite laughter and clinking glasses flow out of the softly lit room, muffled by the rich draperies around the entrance. Even knowing this was my destination, I couldn't bring myself to come entirely unarmed. My blade hangs familiar at my hip, and my hands stay safe cocooned in my gauntlets.
I'm not exactly nervous, but there's an unease building in me. Not only am I entering a strange new environment full of unknown threats and rules, but one I left suddenly with no explanation. I've already written my reports of the ongoing conflict to the royal highnesses of Eridanus; I needn't justify my absence to anyone else.
But, I am here to play nice, am I not? Perroy's advice had been to give a gentleman where a monster is expected, and I'm not fool enough to disregard his words.
I scoff at my own cowardice. No challenge has been overcome through hesitation. I straighten my back, and enter.
It's a little while before Perroy notices Thorn, busy as he is, but once he's noticed him he can't stop noticing him. Their little tryst the other day had ended positively, however... questionably it had begun. But Perroy had also rushed off at the end of it, and they hadn't spoken since. Not doing so now would, he suspected, communicate a message he wasn't intending to send.
And more to the point, Thorn looks uneasy. Perroy recognises the look - he's seen it before on men stepping onto an unfamiliar battlefield, one fought with soft fabrics and whispers. He sighs, and makes his way over.
"Captain Thorn. You do clean up rather well. Whoever you chose to dress you for the event did a good job." He nods faintly in approval. "The first impression is half the battle."
The Chancellors face remains unreadable as ever, even as he compliments me. I assume it must have been genuine, seeing as my prince had said the same, but it's an assumption all the same.
"Thank you, Chancellor, my prince took me to his personal tailor." I realize I don't know if that's normal, and make a note to ask Dorian about it.
"How have these last few days treated you?" I crack a little smile beneath the mask. I admit the memory of Perroy trapped and moaning beneath me is rather comforting, but I remind myself that we are in his field now. Whatever power I held then means little here.
"Kind of your prince to do so," Perroy says with a nod. "Clearly they are skilled."
The mention of the last few days does prompt the faintest of flushes to race upwards from his neck, and he raises his chin slightly. "They've treated me well enough. I've found myself rather busy. And you?"
There's a slight pause, but I can't tell what it means. Hesitation? Anger? Embarrassment? Perhaps a little flush to his neck, but that might as well be an excuse to keep staring at it.
I shake my head. I'll figure it out later.
"Rather busy would be right here too. The royal highnesses of Eridanus heard of the potential invasion, and I got new orders to investigate the safest option for Prince Dorian. To leave immediately or wait until the smoke clears. They are rather protective of him." As am I, but I keep that part inside. The break was appreciated, but I rather glad to be back as his guardian.
Perroy grimaced faintly, nodding. "Unfortunate, but I can't argue with the wisdom with an army camped on the doorstep," he said, voice deliberately low enough for only Thorn's ears. Achieving that necessitated taking a step closer. Talking privately during a busy social gathering was always a challenge.
Of course, there were ways of making it easier to do so.
He tilted his head, studying Thorn for a moment. "Did you ever end up having those dance lessons?" he asked, offering him a hand. "I believe your Prince had been intending to teach you? ... would you care to demonstrate?"
My first impulse is to say no. I'm not a dancer, never have been, but the chancellor's step closer and little glance around the room tells me there's more to this. Somewhat reluctantly I unwind my arms from their crossed position, and take his hand.
"Not as many as I needed, though that is no fault of my prince's teaching." I whisper a silent thanks for the prince's absence. No need for him to see me embarrass both of us.
I find myself surprised at the chancellors warmth as he leads me out. I know for a fact that he's but a mortal man, but some part of me seems to expect something more... cold, from him. And yet his skin burns as hot as my own.
Further out on the floor - in a spot as removed from other dancing couples as possible - Perroy turns to the Captain, taking the hand he's holding and placing it on his own hip. He places his hand on Thorn's shoulder, unthinkingly taking the more 'feminine' part in the dance - though also unquestionably leading as he begins to walk Thorn through the steps, prompting him physically as they go.
"You wouldn't be the first to have concerns," he murmured, now that he was close enough to be able to do so. "Prince Percival's seneschal and I have also spoken. There have already been altercations between Bloodhaven's forces and the camp, but for some reason they seem... reluctant to move, as of yet. I am unsure why. One of them - Cuervo - spoke with me directly demanding we send no more forces against them, as the attack had been unprovoked. Needless to say, I am somewhat concerned. I would be ready, just in case."
I find it rather hard to focus on his words. Both trying to remember the steps I practiced far too briefly, and the subtle movements of his hip under my hand keep demanding my attention.
I do pick up most of it though. "I see. I've made the recommendation that we stay within the castle until the threat has been dealt with, or until proper reinforcements can arrive."
Before he can ask I hurry to clarify: "Reinforcements intended to get the prince out safely. It's possible that the kingdom would be willing to help drive them off, but I wouldn't count on it." Sending their only son here had been a great sign of trust, and a decision made with the understanding that he would be kept safe.
"Their highnesses are rather ... displeased at the moment."
Perroy fights the urge to grimace, but nods. "Of course," he says smoothly. "The Prince's safety is our utmost priority, and I can only apologise that the circumstances of the Ball turned out to be less... ideal than we had hoped." He is already anticipating, with a wave of exhaustion that he keeps carefully locked out of sight, the sheer number of apologies and explanations he is going to have to send. Dealing with irritated royalty is his bread and butter, but doing so at this scale is something else.
"We would not expect aid in dealing with the situation, of course. His Highness was invited here for a party, not a battle."
He wordlessly corrects a step Thorn is making as he makes it, guiding him back into the correct form of the dance. "On another subject - my apologies for my hasty exit the other day," he murmurs.
"I'd like to say I would have handled this situation better had it been my court, but I've never seen anything like it. I do not envy your position." If it bothered him I couldn't tell. The second subject got more of a reaction though, and I can't help but smile.
"Oh don't worry, I understand you're a busy man. I'm glad I was able to steal you away for a moment." My smile widens and my chest puffs out slightly. "Should you ever find yourself in need of a break, I'd be quite happy to-" my foot meets my ankle and my stomach drops for a moment before I find my balance again.
I clear my throat, and thank myself for picking a full face mask.
"As I was saying, I'd be happy to repeat the encounter."
Perroy steadies him as he stumbles, huffing a small laugh. "I'm not sure I've ever seen you uncertain, Knight Captain Thorn," he says, amused. "I rather enjoy the sight. A pity that I couldn't see your face to full admire the effect, so I will have to rely on my imagination."
He squeezes the man's hand, quiet for a moment. "I would be, as well," he says at last, quietly. "Repeating the encounter, I mean. However I am aware that it is fairly unusual for us to be in the same place. I don't anticipate staying in Bloodhaven long-term, necessarily, but my work for Prince Arséne is guaranteed on a more long-term basis. So I suppose we will have to embrace opportunities as and when they arrive."
His eyes flicker to Thorn's through their masks, lashes lowered.
"Careful chancellor. I do not appreciate being condesended to." My voice is dark, but the threat is half hearted. Instead my focus lies on the eyes I feel pricking my neck like needles. I sigh to myself. Perroy is not to blame for my lack of ability.
"My apologizes. I'm rather unused to this feeling as well." I allow myself to lean into him for a moment, and try to ignore everything else. My voice matches his quiet tone. "I must return to my prince before the ball ends, but the night is yet young." My hand tightens slightly around his side, and my thumb glides in slow circles from his waist to his hip.
I lean in close and breath to him: "My time is yours, should you want it."
1. Your character can have any fantastical trait, if you play them right, it'll be the least interesting thing about them.
2. A memorable attribute doesn't mean making your character the specialest snowflake. It can be something mundane or even negative.
3. Cultivate a healthy habit of asking yourself what the scene does to the other character(s). Interaction with someone who only wants to prop up and develop their own character gets old fast. Other people are not NPCs to your main character.
4. Learn the art of restraint. If introducing your character or a certain element into the scene will cause problems, make sure you ask if people are interested in that. Personal example: One of the reasons I keep Bec unaware or uninvolved in some situations is because they are a busybody with a moral compass and that affects how things will go in any interaction they are included.
5. Barring extreme situations, there's usually more than one way a character can react that will remain consistent with their personality. Consider the options, choose the most interesting and that doesn't brick future interactions.))
it is usual routine- bathing and grooming my Lady— howe’er, she told me to take special care tonight, for tomorrow were a big event, so she says, and she would be ready for her Knight love—
she is sat on her plush stool, fresh from the bath- applying oils to her hair- perfection embodied— and I am knelt between her parted legs- fine comb and scissors in hand— she trusts none other than me to do this, mine gentle touch, careful, exact—
I comb slowly through her soft hair, and snip- comb, snip- gently brushing the debris away, a soft breath across her skin- combing and cutting, slowly and slower—
my Lady yelps, and when I flinch and look to her- she is all giggles and smiles— she enjoys tormenting me so, knowing how I would hate to hurt her, how the very idea breaks my heart—
she compliments me on mine attention to detail- holding my face, instructing me not to pout so- it is not as pretty as thine smile- she says- that I may continue now—
pray, excuse me, I beg of her- before parting her gently— for I am thorough in my work- dedicated to it—
my Lady knows as much- rewarding me with such sweet sounds as my fingers graze across her skin— her hips lifting to meet me sooner—
tis my turn to laugh, to hold her in place- I cannot work whilst you squirm so- I say—
The ball has long since started once I make my way to the ballroom. Music, polite laughter and clinking glasses flow out of the softly lit room, muffled by the rich draperies around the entrance. Even knowing this was my destination, I couldn't bring myself to come entirely unarmed. My blade hangs familiar at my hip, and my hands stay safe cocooned in my gauntlets.
I'm not exactly nervous, but there's an unease building in me. Not only am I entering a strange new environment full of unknown threats and rules, but one I left suddenly with no explanation. I've already written my reports of the ongoing conflict to the royal highnesses of Eridanus; I needn't justify my absence to anyone else.
But, I am here to play nice, am I not? Perroy's advice had been to give a gentleman where a monster is expected, and I'm not fool enough to disregard his words.
I scoff at my own cowardice. No challenge has been overcome through hesitation. I straighten my back, and enter.
It's a little while before Perroy notices Thorn, busy as he is, but once he's noticed him he can't stop noticing him. Their little tryst the other day had ended positively, however... questionably it had begun. But Perroy had also rushed off at the end of it, and they hadn't spoken since. Not doing so now would, he suspected, communicate a message he wasn't intending to send.
And more to the point, Thorn looks uneasy. Perroy recognises the look - he's seen it before on men stepping onto an unfamiliar battlefield, one fought with soft fabrics and whispers. He sighs, and makes his way over.
"Captain Thorn. You do clean up rather well. Whoever you chose to dress you for the event did a good job." He nods faintly in approval. "The first impression is half the battle."
The Chancellors face remains unreadable as ever, even as he compliments me. I assume it must have been genuine, seeing as my prince had said the same, but it's an assumption all the same.
"Thank you, Chancellor, my prince took me to his personal tailor." I realize I don't know if that's normal, and make a note to ask Dorian about it.
"How have these last few days treated you?" I crack a little smile beneath the mask. I admit the memory of Perroy trapped and moaning beneath me is rather comforting, but I remind myself that we are in his field now. Whatever power I held then means little here.
"Kind of your prince to do so," Perroy says with a nod. "Clearly they are skilled."
The mention of the last few days does prompt the faintest of flushes to race upwards from his neck, and he raises his chin slightly. "They've treated me well enough. I've found myself rather busy. And you?"
There's a slight pause, but I can't tell what it means. Hesitation? Anger? Embarrassment? Perhaps a little flush to his neck, but that might as well be an excuse to keep staring at it.
I shake my head. I'll figure it out later.
"Rather busy would be right here too. The royal highnesses of Eridanus heard of the potential invasion, and I got new orders to investigate the safest option for Prince Dorian. To leave immediately or wait until the smoke clears. They are rather protective of him." As am I, but I keep that part inside. The break was appreciated, but I rather glad to be back as his guardian.
Perroy grimaced faintly, nodding. "Unfortunate, but I can't argue with the wisdom with an army camped on the doorstep," he said, voice deliberately low enough for only Thorn's ears. Achieving that necessitated taking a step closer. Talking privately during a busy social gathering was always a challenge.
Of course, there were ways of making it easier to do so.
He tilted his head, studying Thorn for a moment. "Did you ever end up having those dance lessons?" he asked, offering him a hand. "I believe your Prince had been intending to teach you? ... would you care to demonstrate?"
My first impulse is to say no. I'm not a dancer, never have been, but the chancellor's step closer and little glance around the room tells me there's more to this. Somewhat reluctantly I unwind my arms from their crossed position, and take his hand.
"Not as many as I needed, though that is no fault of my prince's teaching." I whisper a silent thanks for the prince's absence. No need for him to see me embarrass both of us.
I find myself surprised at the chancellors warmth as he leads me out. I know for a fact that he's but a mortal man, but some part of me seems to expect something more... cold, from him. And yet his skin burns as hot as my own.
Further out on the floor - in a spot as removed from other dancing couples as possible - Perroy turns to the Captain, taking the hand he's holding and placing it on his own hip. He places his hand on Thorn's shoulder, unthinkingly taking the more 'feminine' part in the dance - though also unquestionably leading as he begins to walk Thorn through the steps, prompting him physically as they go.
"You wouldn't be the first to have concerns," he murmured, now that he was close enough to be able to do so. "Prince Percival's seneschal and I have also spoken. There have already been altercations between Bloodhaven's forces and the camp, but for some reason they seem... reluctant to move, as of yet. I am unsure why. One of them - Cuervo - spoke with me directly demanding we send no more forces against them, as the attack had been unprovoked. Needless to say, I am somewhat concerned. I would be ready, just in case."
I find it rather hard to focus on his words. Both trying to remember the steps I practiced far too briefly, and the subtle movements of his hip under my hand keep demanding my attention.
I do pick up most of it though. "I see. I've made the recommendation that we stay within the castle until the threat has been dealt with, or until proper reinforcements can arrive."
Before he can ask I hurry to clarify: "Reinforcements intended to get the prince out safely. It's possible that the kingdom would be willing to help drive them off, but I wouldn't count on it." Sending their only son here had been a great sign of trust, and a decision made with the understanding that he would be kept safe.
"Their highnesses are rather ... displeased at the moment."
Perroy fights the urge to grimace, but nods. "Of course," he says smoothly. "The Prince's safety is our utmost priority, and I can only apologise that the circumstances of the Ball turned out to be less... ideal than we had hoped." He is already anticipating, with a wave of exhaustion that he keeps carefully locked out of sight, the sheer number of apologies and explanations he is going to have to send. Dealing with irritated royalty is his bread and butter, but doing so at this scale is something else.
"We would not expect aid in dealing with the situation, of course. His Highness was invited here for a party, not a battle."
He wordlessly corrects a step Thorn is making as he makes it, guiding him back into the correct form of the dance. "On another subject - my apologies for my hasty exit the other day," he murmurs.
"I'd like to say I would have handled this situation better had it been my court, but I've never seen anything like it. I do not envy your position." If it bothered him I couldn't tell. The second subject got more of a reaction though, and I can't help but smile.
"Oh don't worry, I understand you're a busy man. I'm glad I was able to steal you away for a moment." My smile widens and my chest puffs out slightly. "Should you ever find yourself in need of a break, I'd be quite happy to-" my foot meets my ankle and my stomach drops for a moment before I find my balance again.
I clear my throat, and thank myself for picking a full face mask.
"As I was saying, I'd be happy to repeat the encounter."
Battle of Castillon, July 17, 1453, Charles-Philippe Larivière, 1839
At the Battle of Castillon, the last major clash of the Hundred Years War, English forces under John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, were cut to pieces by massed French artillery. Talbot and his son were both slain. This painting depicts the moment of Talbot's death (inaccurately--in fact he was unarmored, due to a vow he had taken several years before).
The ball has long since started once I make my way to the ballroom. Music, polite laughter and clinking glasses flow out of the softly lit room, muffled by the rich draperies around the entrance. Even knowing this was my destination, I couldn't bring myself to come entirely unarmed. My blade hangs familiar at my hip, and my hands stay safe cocooned in my gauntlets.
I'm not exactly nervous, but there's an unease building in me. Not only am I entering a strange new environment full of unknown threats and rules, but one I left suddenly with no explanation. I've already written my reports of the ongoing conflict to the royal highnesses of Eridanus; I needn't justify my absence to anyone else.
But, I am here to play nice, am I not? Perroy's advice had been to give a gentleman where a monster is expected, and I'm not fool enough to disregard his words.
I scoff at my own cowardice. No challenge has been overcome through hesitation. I straighten my back, and enter.
It's a little while before Perroy notices Thorn, busy as he is, but once he's noticed him he can't stop noticing him. Their little tryst the other day had ended positively, however... questionably it had begun. But Perroy had also rushed off at the end of it, and they hadn't spoken since. Not doing so now would, he suspected, communicate a message he wasn't intending to send.
And more to the point, Thorn looks uneasy. Perroy recognises the look - he's seen it before on men stepping onto an unfamiliar battlefield, one fought with soft fabrics and whispers. He sighs, and makes his way over.
"Captain Thorn. You do clean up rather well. Whoever you chose to dress you for the event did a good job." He nods faintly in approval. "The first impression is half the battle."
The Chancellors face remains unreadable as ever, even as he compliments me. I assume it must have been genuine, seeing as my prince had said the same, but it's an assumption all the same.
"Thank you, Chancellor, my prince took me to his personal tailor." I realize I don't know if that's normal, and make a note to ask Dorian about it.
"How have these last few days treated you?" I crack a little smile beneath the mask. I admit the memory of Perroy trapped and moaning beneath me is rather comforting, but I remind myself that we are in his field now. Whatever power I held then means little here.
"Kind of your prince to do so," Perroy says with a nod. "Clearly they are skilled."
The mention of the last few days does prompt the faintest of flushes to race upwards from his neck, and he raises his chin slightly. "They've treated me well enough. I've found myself rather busy. And you?"
There's a slight pause, but I can't tell what it means. Hesitation? Anger? Embarrassment? Perhaps a little flush to his neck, but that might as well be an excuse to keep staring at it.
I shake my head. I'll figure it out later.
"Rather busy would be right here too. The royal highnesses of Eridanus heard of the potential invasion, and I got new orders to investigate the safest option for Prince Dorian. To leave immediately or wait until the smoke clears. They are rather protective of him." As am I, but I keep that part inside. The break was appreciated, but I rather glad to be back as his guardian.
Perroy grimaced faintly, nodding. "Unfortunate, but I can't argue with the wisdom with an army camped on the doorstep," he said, voice deliberately low enough for only Thorn's ears. Achieving that necessitated taking a step closer. Talking privately during a busy social gathering was always a challenge.
Of course, there were ways of making it easier to do so.
He tilted his head, studying Thorn for a moment. "Did you ever end up having those dance lessons?" he asked, offering him a hand. "I believe your Prince had been intending to teach you? ... would you care to demonstrate?"
My first impulse is to say no. I'm not a dancer, never have been, but the chancellor's step closer and little glance around the room tells me there's more to this. Somewhat reluctantly I unwind my arms from their crossed position, and take his hand.
"Not as many as I needed, though that is no fault of my prince's teaching." I whisper a silent thanks for the prince's absence. No need for him to see me embarrass both of us.
I find myself surprised at the chancellors warmth as he leads me out. I know for a fact that he's but a mortal man, but some part of me seems to expect something more... cold, from him. And yet his skin burns as hot as my own.
Further out on the floor - in a spot as removed from other dancing couples as possible - Perroy turns to the Captain, taking the hand he's holding and placing it on his own hip. He places his hand on Thorn's shoulder, unthinkingly taking the more 'feminine' part in the dance - though also unquestionably leading as he begins to walk Thorn through the steps, prompting him physically as they go.
"You wouldn't be the first to have concerns," he murmured, now that he was close enough to be able to do so. "Prince Percival's seneschal and I have also spoken. There have already been altercations between Bloodhaven's forces and the camp, but for some reason they seem... reluctant to move, as of yet. I am unsure why. One of them - Cuervo - spoke with me directly demanding we send no more forces against them, as the attack had been unprovoked. Needless to say, I am somewhat concerned. I would be ready, just in case."
I find it rather hard to focus on his words. Both trying to remember the steps I practiced far too briefly, and the subtle movements of his hip under my hand keep demanding my attention.
I do pick up most of it though. "I see. I've made the recommendation that we stay within the castle until the threat has been dealt with, or until proper reinforcements can arrive."
Before he can ask I hurry to clarify: "Reinforcements intended to get the prince out safely. It's possible that the kingdom would be willing to help drive them off, but I wouldn't count on it." Sending their only son here had been a great sign of trust, and a decision made with the understanding that he would be kept safe.
"Their highnesses are rather ... displeased at the moment."
