every kingdom needs a queen

Lucienne Kane. 32 years old. The Empress. Business owner, wife, greyhound mom. (Closed roleplay blog written by Riley)

[luciennekane]

gavinxcrow:

There is clear confusion on his face for a good few seconds as he processes that information. This was not the “Mrs. Kane” that he had met previously… However, it seems more likely that he was mistaken and either not heard or not corrected than it was that this woman would be so brazen as to claim the title in the Kane household. After what was likely an awkward length of pause, he smiles again.

“It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Kane. And yes, a tour of your art would be lovely.“”

He would likely be just as happy staring at this one piece until dinner officially started, but that would likely be seen as a bit strange.

“Are you the collector, or is it more your wife’s collection”

That statement brought up an issue he isn’t really sure how to resolve. It would be impolite to not use the more formal names for his boss and her wife, but it also seems hard to distinguish when both of them are Mrs. Kane. He would have to ask his mother later.

Lucienne spent longer than was probably necessary trying to decode the twitches and changes in the young man's features. Their circle had always been a somewhat motley crew, everyone different, everyone with their own ticks and cues and quirks, but Gavin was someone she had a hard time reading. In the end, she just assumed that was just how he was, that he was socially awkward and not used to face to face interaction. And she wasn't entirely wrong. But it was better than learning the alternative; that her wife's mistress had pretended to be her to his face.

"Then a tour will be my pleasure too," Lucienne said, giving Gavin a small nod as she lead him down the corridor, showing off pieces of art and statues as they went. "My wife and I are both the collector, I suppose. This one was a gift for our one year anniversary." She gestured toward a Van Gogh, one with water lilies, because Lucienne had always found water features to be relaxing. "She does know how to spoil me," Lucienne chuckled. "Do you have a favorite artist?"

[luciennekane]

gavinxcrow:

He was certain that he had not met this woman before, but that did not mean much considering how little he was interested in meeting those he did not need to. Which is why hearing her use his name surprises him so much that he turns to face her. 

“Yes, it is Gavin. Though, I am not sure I know your name. My apologizes ma’am.” 

Yet again being asked about the painting. Perhaps this plan to look focused on the art was not as well thought out as he had thought. Drawing a blank on why he liked the art more than just its location, Gavin gives a shy smile.

“Well it is.. ah, interesting. However to be truthful I was just looking for something away from the others. I do not handle crowds well, especially when this much alcohol is being consumed.”

In addition to smelling bad, alcohol also seemed to make its consumers louder, which made it twice as bad in Gavin’s book.

Lucienne wasn't used to not being known, at least by those inside their little circle. Oh, it wasn't as if she was a celebrity who people fawned over when she went to Starbucks, but those within the Arcane ring or those loosely associated with it knew and revered the name of Lucienne Kane, if not for herself then at least for Remy's sake. Lucienne did not seek to be feared, so Remy sought it on her behalf.

"That's a first," she said with a chuckle. It might have been easy for her to be offended, but she had a good sense about people, and the boy seemed shy and was doing everything he could to be polite. "But it is your first time here, so I won't hold it against you. I'm Lucienne Kane. You can call me Mrs Kane, Lucienne or Luce, depending on what you prefer."

She nodded, as understanding as possible at Gavin's explanation. Truth be told, she had little experience with people such as him. Most of the people she socialised with were the type to seek attention, not to avoid it. "I see, well, I'd be happy to show you some of the artwork and other things of interest, if you'd like a distraction."

[luciennekane]

remykane:

Remy couldn’t help her curious eyes, wanting to take every bit of exposed skin Lucienne had to show. When they caught sight of a scar along her abdomen, a question formed in her mind, but then Luce was closing the distance, giving her a kiss (albeit on the cheek) and her mind went elsewhere. Her wife was beautiful, to say the least and maybe this whole thing wouldn’t be as business as she thought it would be.

With a smirk, she took the bottle, popping it without even removing her eyes from Luce. Remy only looked away to fill their glasses, handing over Lucienne’s glass before raising hers. “To marriage.” Remy was exactly good with toasts. Their kind of marriage was unique, but Remy was committed to make things work if only to benefit the Arcana Ring in the long run.

For a while, Lucienne had been self conscious about her scars. They were mostly faded by now, but they still bore memories of fear and helplessness, of there being something wrong with her body and knowing there wasn't anything she could do about it, of waking up and being told she had been taken for emergency surgery. It was a blessing that Remy didn't ask. She wanted a different kind of closeness tonight.

"To marriage," she agreed, helping herself to a chocolate covered strawberry to go along with the champagne. "Now come along and join me in the warm water, hm?" Lucienne gave a coy smile, taking her wife by the hand and walking backwards toward the tub, stopping as its edge and sitting on the decking that surrounded it before picking up her legs and sliding in. "Goodness, I feel more relaxed already," she teased. "You had better make sure I don't fall asleep."

[ramonameisel]

put your hands around my throat and I’ll worship you even more

thoughts #01 | r.m (via rmeisel)

[luciennekane]

@yunajou

Lucienne had a nack for picking people up out of the gutter, either literally or proverbially speaking. She had an eye for lost souls and for those that sought protection. She wanted to lift them up and make them strong then let them fly their own ways if they so wished. She had done the same as a child with abandoned kittens and birds that fell from nests, and she continued it now with the prospects of The Arcane Ring and her employees at L'Empire Rouge.

Yuna had been one of those baby birds without a nest. She was soft and fluffy, had difficulty surviving alone, and she couldn't return home. Lucienne had picked her up and brought her in from the cold, and there she had remained. Lucienne had few people who she felt as close to as Yuna, and unlike a certain someone else, Yuna wasn't sleeping with her wife. "Bonjour, dearest," Lucienne greeted, wrapping Yuna in her arms and kissing her cheeks tenderly before taking her hand and leading her inside where she placed the finest wine in her hand. "How are you? Well, I hope. As always."

[hallcarmody]

                        SAMPSON WAS NOT THE SORT OF MAN TO WEAR A BLAZER WITHOUT A TIE. It wasn’t happening. He had worked hard to achieve the dress code he now wore, and he refused to part with it. Let everyone around him be less formal than him – he was a banker in some sense, and unless he was working out, he wouldn’t be caught dead in casual wear in public. The garden was immaculate, and Sampson had always appreciated the Kane’s taste in architecture. Sure, he was a money, but advertising was the easy catch with money. Designs had a way of setting the mood for him, and he enjoyed the regal and crisp feeling of the night. Just as he appreciated the smoothness of the scotch between his fingers. There was something of a smile on his face, this was supposed to be an easy going night, perhaps he’d let himself enjoy it. Take a night off for business. The liquor smoothed over his tongue as he took a sip. “Perhaps the only thing missing is a drink coaster.”

[luciennekane]

Remy did have impeccable taste in hires, and Sampson, or Sam as he preferred to be known, was one of the best. Lucienne knew as much about him as she felt she needed to. She knew that unlike them, he hadn't come from money. He had dragged himself up by the bootstraps to make something and that had required a particular tenacity, a particular intelligence, and indeed... a particular ruthlessness. But around them, he was merely Sam, the polite and charming young man who was classically handsome as he was well dressed. Lucienne greeted him with a smile and a light kiss on each cheek. 

"I'm glad you could make it," she said. "And there are coasters, of course. That table is older than everyone sitting at it combined." It wasn't quite true, of course, but she had made her point with a dazzling grin. “You look lovely as ever.” 

[luciennekane]

Lucienne’s outfit for the dinner party

[gavinxcrow-blog]

Gavin wasn’t comfortable being here at the dinner party, but he had been assured that not going would prove to be the worse option. This was partly because the Ring expected him to attend, but also because of his mother. When he had asked for her help picking out something nice to wear to a social event, she had told him in no uncertain terms that he would be going and he would not be backing out if she was going to help him. He needed more friends, she said, and she was proud of him for even getting this far into a social life. He didn’t mention that his ‘friends’ were a crime ring. 

And so, Gavin had found himself at the Kane estate after a rather… uncomfortable.. car ride. He had slipped away from the main group of people and was now inspecting a painting on the wall. He didn’t look up when he heard the person approach, instead just continuing to look at the art. 

“Good evening.”

He would normally include sir, ma’am, or a title, but that is rather hard when he doesn’t look over to see who it is. 

[luciennekane]

Lucienne wasn’t sure she had ever seen the young man before. Of course, she made it her business to know everyone involved with the Ring. They each had files and dossiers filled with important information, even blackmail material if it was needed, or all the ways that an individual could be hurt or exploited if simple loyalty wasn’t enough. Remy usually handled that side of things though. Remy usually handled everything except L’Empire Rouge. 

“Good evening to you as well. Gavin, isn’t it?” She raised an eyebrow at him. He was a quiet and private individual much more suited to the peace of his own bedroom instead of a dinner party, but Remy liked everyone to turn up when it was possible. “Are you a fan of the collection?” Lucienne asked, seeing that the art had drawn his attention. 

[swiftagron]

[tmh-gloucester]

«I’ve been pretty lucky with all my jobs; had fun at most of them really.»  (х) 

[luciennekane]

&. BASICS

Full Name: Lucienne Kane

Nickname(s): Luce

Age: 32 years

Sexuality: Lesbian

Romantic orientation: Lesbian

Date of Birth: 5 July 1985

Place of Birth: Paris, France

Gender & Species: Cisgender female, human

Current Location: Paris, France

&. MORE BASIC INFO

Languages: French, English, Italian, Spanish

Religion: Agnostic

Education: College Graduate

Occupation: Owner of L’Empire Rouge

Drinks?: Yes

Smokes? Sometimes

Drugs?: Only when testing products

&. PERSONALITY

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

MBTI: ENFP

Likes: Dogs, children, fashion, shopping, socializing, literature, art, sex

Dislikes: Social injustice, poverty, violence (though will utilise when necessary), liars, feeling left out

Bad Habits: Nail biting 

Secret Talent: Drawing

Hobbies: Reading, philanthropy, walking, visiting museums/galleries

Fears: Rejection, failure, abandonment

Five Positive Traits: Protective, kind, charitable, ambitious, clever

Five Negative Traits: Manipulative, self-motivated, cunning, jealous, greedy

Other Mentionable Details: N/A

&. APPEARANCE

Tattoos: None

Piercings: Multiple in each ear

Any other details:  Surgical scars on abdomen

&. FAMILY INFORMATION

Parent Names: Armand DuPont (Father), Leonie Masson (Mother, Estranged)

Sibling Names: N/A

Other Relevant Relative: Remy Kane (wife)

Relationship Status: Married

Children: N/A

Pets: Greyhound named Hera

[katieskeep]

♥

[rheanixent]

[luciennekane]

celestefontaine:

We always give them a reason to come back. Somewhere inside of her, a streak of pride reared its ugly head, a voice loud and clear inside of her mind. I give them a reason. It’s all me. “One way or another.” Matters of the heart - and, she supposed, the nether regions - were the only affairs she had ever taken seriously, engaged with competitively or truly cared about. She took both pride and pleasure in her work, in the delicate ways she wound the clients around her pinky and left them wanting more. Each demanded a specific desire, a niche to be exploited. Some were lonely people craving company - and she fucked them so soft it could be called making love, pressed butterfly kisses on their cheeks and fell asleep in their arms. They wanted a lover they could call girlfriend - and would pay for it. And then there were the ugly brutes who craved the collision of flesh, less interested in the experience and more in the carnal pleasures of her skin. They were never the type she had fallen in love with. They shattered dreams too easily, never fostering them. These days, she didn’t entertain those whims with either type.

But, meeting Lucienne’s eyes, it was best not to think of that, for guilt and bitterness are never endearing, even when speckled across her features.

An overnight. Her coworkers would do anything for an opportunity like that. They were the most exclusive, the richest and the most important. They were the people who meant something. And in turn, you could mean something too. “I’m honoured you thought of me first. I thought-” She cut herself off, saving herself from expressing the truth. Too close. Changing the subject, she continued quickly. “What’s he like?” 

Betrayal was such a funny thing. By definition, it always came from those close to you, those you trusted. And that was what made it sting all the more. Lucienne was perfectly aware that she wasn't the only woman her wife had ever been with, even since their marriage. They led an adventurous life, especially in the beginning, and they had on occasion invited third parties into their bed. The rest of the time, they just had a quiet agreement that as long as they didn't get attached and kept it out of the business, the occasional night with someone else did no harm, an open relationship, of sorts.

Whatever was going on with Celeste had clearly violated that.

Right now, Lucienne wasn't entirely sure what to do about it. Flat out accusing them would have made a mess, and the Ring couldn't afford that. They had to be tactful, and perhaps this small act of revenge was underhanded, but it beat doing nothing. "Well, who else would I think of but my best girl?" She said with a grin. "He's just your typical American businessman, really. Not the prettiest man I've ever seen..." He somewhat resembled a goblin, and he smoked the worst smelling cigars Lucienne had ever smelled. "But he pays wonderfully." Not only that, but sending Celeste away with him for the night meant she was away from Remy. The more overnights she could book her on, the better.

[luciennekane]

malachiheron:

With a roll of his eyes, but a grin still firmly in place on his lips; Mal knew that he was a SAFE ENOUGH to speak his mind in the current company. Lucienne knew more about him than anyone else, which was saying something in and of itself, considering there was still much to be uncovered should anyone care to dig a bit deeper. Luckily, no one had, yet, and as long as he did his job well enough then they never would. And the moment they started to dig deeper into his past, was the moment that he bounced from this place with enough of the money that he’d earned in his time in the spotlight. Another thought that wasn’t likely to be spoken out loud to anyone, including present company. “I may not need it but I’ll take it. Like I’m one to ever give up a chance for praise from anyone, most of all you,” he told her with a small chuckle.

Taking another sip of his water, he popped the top back on and set it aside, eyes taking in the current read of the room from the moment that she walked in. Sure, there was a certain degree of letting him know how well he’d done out there and that he’d earned his pay for the night as well as everything else that came rolling in while he was out from the customers who were his fans as of late. There was more to her entrance, calming down the overtly cocky tone that he would have held with anyone else who had walked through the door as he watched her move in closer than before.

A conversation for two. Even in places like this, there wasn’t a wall that wouldn’t talk to the right person or ears listening behind every closed door as he smirked with his arms crossed over his chest. “Don’t I always earn it?” His eyes followed her movements. “I’m workin’ on it. She isn’t the easiest egg to crack or keep distracted.” Not that it meant he was willing to give up, with or without the incentives that Luce floated his way should he keep up with working for her in this capacity. It only proved that there was more to him than what met the eye, something he didn’t like to let slip out but with Luce; he knew that she wouldn’t be the first to talk. Not when she’d been the one to come to him.

They might have denied it, have played the role of the strict professional, but Grace liked to believe that all those who ran clubs and facilities such as hers had their favorites, their golden children who raked in the cash and who had something special about them. Malachi was Luce's golden boy. He was gold of hair and laid golden eggs, but he also lightly challenged and amused her, his cockiness endearing. "You're lucky I'm a very giving mistress," Lucienne teased. "You more than earn your praise. I'm a nice person, but this is my place of work, and I don't lavish praise about my employees unless I mean it. Encouragement, yes, but praise?" She grinned, cocking her head. "That's something else entirely." It might not have been entirely fair to say that her voice was free of flirtation. Working in a business such as Luce did, there was always the hint of gentle flirtatious teasing, but with almost everyone, and especially with Malachi, it meant nothing. He wasn't too many years younger than her, but she felt strangely maternal about him, and besides, she had never really been attracted to men.

It had been a stroke of genius, she thought, to ask Malachi to keep an eye on Celeste. He was such a magical young man, wowing people everywhere he meant, so of course it was irritating that so far, she seemed immune to his charms, only to have eyes for Remy. "I believe in you, Mal," she said with a softer smile, a softer tone. "And I might just get you that dressing room anyway. For your efforts."

[luciennekane]

remykane:

If they were in any other situation, Remy would have long tried to initiate physical contact, but considering their marriage and Remy was hesitant for the first time. The fact that Luce had already began experimenting with a touch of her hand and now on her shoulder. As she looked at Luce she couldn’t help but find her beautiful. Maybe it would be so bad…

With a small grin, Remy turned her head away at Luce’s compliment, but not out of bashfulness. “You’ll see soon enough,” Remy teased, hands running along Luce’s waist as she walked back into the room. Remy had wanted Luce the moment she saw her in her home—back then that wouldn’t have been the brightest idea and Remy wasn’t entirely sure it would be now, but she wasn’t blind. She knew when a woman was coming onto her.

After ordering room service, specifically ordering the best champagne they had (wouldn’t be as good as what you could find back home but it had to do), Remy wasted no time finding her bathing suit, a black two piece. She could have shied away, but Remy didn’t find anything bad about undressing in front of your wife. 

“All dressed?” Remy asked before turning around, giving time for Luce to answer, not wanting to intrude on Luce’s privacy. 

Remy had a delicious kind of fire in her eyes, a warmth that was beckoning Luce, inviting her in. She looked at you in such a way that sent shivers down your spine, and Lucienne felt her whole body tingling as Remy's flirtatious response. She couldn't help but grin to herself.

That was her wife. She was married now. It was such a strange thought, exciting and scary all at once, just like Remy herself. The wedding ring on her finger was beautiful and she was almost sad to take it off, but feared its getting lost in the water if she didn't. Not wishing to get rid of it completely, she placed it on a chain around her neck, deciding that's what she would do from now on if she ever was faced with a situation where she was unable to wear it. She liked the idea of keeping it close.

She tried not to blush when Remy simply began to remove her clothes. She had her back turned, as if wanting to allow Luce to change without being seen, but not minding if Luce herself got an eyeful. Lucienne kept her eyes on her own suitcase, pulling on a red bikini. When Lucienne was dressed, she stepped toward Remy and planted a kiss on her cheek, wrapping an arm around her waist. "All dressed," she announced, then reached for Remy's hand, turning her back toward her and giving her a sweet kiss on the cheek.

Within a few moments, the room service had arrived, and Luce pulled a bath robe around herself to get the door, thanking the bellhop in Spanish. "Will you do the honours, darling?" she grinned, guiding her over to the hot tub outside on the veranda and placing the champagne in her hands to pop the bottle.

[raniatsaran]

anon requested: hogarth stroking pam’s hair