miss katherine e. berkshire

katherine elizabeth berkshire | lady-in-waiting to her royal highness princess alexandra of england

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots :

He could feel her radiating with excitement and the smile on her face was undeniable. it filled his chest with satisfaction and excitement of his own. He reached up slowly, grazing her cheeks with his hands as he reached around her to untie the blindfold. He pulled the edged of the ribbon so the bow came undone and the fabric fell away. He took it back and stepped aside so Katherine could see the scene before them, gesturing grandly with his arm. “For you, Lady Katherine,” He said with a smile, anticipation dancing behind his eyes as he awaited her reaction. Once she’d had a chance to take it in, he grabbed her hand and led her over to the blanket. “Sit, Milday, and let me spoil you.”

     If his fingers grazing her skin to tug the lace undone wasn’t enough to have her be forever at his mercy, then what she saw when she finally opened her eyes would certainly do the trick. Katherine had to take a literal step back to appreciate what sigh she was faced with. The cottage, wrapped in vines and what she could only assume would be blossoming flowers in the spring, was exciting, but the make-shift tablecloth draped on the ground, the picnic set up for the two of them, the gracious bottle of wine and the two cups next to it -- those made her weak in the knees. “For me?” she repeated after him, as if she truly hadn’t understood the meaning of those words. She’d been pampered before, surely; she was a woman born in a noble family and attending the royals in her country, after all, but a man had never truly seen her for her. Nobody had ever prepared such a meal, such a private, intimate instance to share with her. “My Lord, this is...” she was truly at a loss for words. How to explain to him what this meant? How to explain this was all she had ever wanted, to feel so wanted, so cherished? She couldn’t finish her phrase, she was too caught up in her own head. She merely followed his lead and took a seat on the blanket laid out in front of them. “This is wonderful, my Lord... You’re too kind to me,” she almost regretted -- as if she weren’t worthy of such demonstrations of affection.

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots :

Evander smirked even though she could not see it and took both of her hands in his, “Come,” he instructed her, and began pulling her forward by both hands as he walked backwards out of the palace. They reached the two steps down into the yard, and instead of navigating her down them, he told her, “Stop,” softly, right at the edge, and he put both hands on her waist and lifted her lightly down the steps, settling her feet into the grass. When she was settled, he grabbed her hands again and began to lead her towards the edge of the woods that surrounded the palace. As he guided her, he gave her simple instructions, sweetly and patiently in his honey silken voice. Come, To your right, Watch your step, Milady. Each one a command, and every now and then when he had navigated her around an obstacle, he would smile and reward her softly with a, “Good girl.” 

It was some minutes before they finally made it through the woods and broke into the Clearing he had been searching for. By the time they did, Evander could feel the anticipation buzzing between them. In the center of the clearing stood a little hunting cottage, more of a shack, really, though it looked much more quaint for the vines that grew up it’s walls. And next to it, Evander had arranged for his servants to lay out a picnic for them. A lush fur blanket lined the ground and on it sat platters of fruit and cheeses, two glasses, and a bottle of wine and Brandy each. Evander’s smile widened, pleased with the presentation, and he turned to Katherine. “Stop,” he told her gently, then stepped forward, resting both hands on her shoulders. “We’re here,” he whispered excitedly, “Would you like to see?”

     He, his hands, his voice, they were all so damn gentle with her. His hands on her waist had her gasping for air, his touch taking her by surprise -- her legs trembled ever so slightly when he put her back down on the ground. She was so maleable and at his disposal, he could have done nearly anything and she would have likely thanked him for his kindness. His words were music to her ears, so sugar-sweet as he rewarded her with those suggestive words each time she complied: good girl, yes, she was one of those for certain. In more ways than she could possibly anticipate, too. Katherine’s feet stopped when he commanded her to -- she was so good at following orders, perhaps she should have been taught better, or she should have listened to the lessons more attentively. “Yes, please,” she hurried to say, noticing a wide grin tugging at the corners of her lips. She allowed her teeth to graze over her plump botton lip and dig into it in a poor attempt to hide her excitement. It smelled like the woods -- if her time wandering the grounds of the England palace had taught her anything, that was to recognize the marvelous aroma of the greenery. She was so eager to see what he’d planned she was nearly shaking in anticipation -- and he’d notice, too, with his hands rested on her shoulders it was hard to keep any physical reaction from him.

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots :

He was delighted to see excitement in her eyes at the prospect and not nervousness. Oh how she trusted him so easily. Had no one warned this girls of the perils that could befall her? But it was no matter, Evander was more than happy to take advantage of her naivete for his enjoyment, and he would ensure it was enjoyable for her too. When she turned around, he tied the ribbon firmly, but comfortably over her eyes, binding the sash in a little bow at the back, and stroking his fingers through her hair gently as he finished. He placed a hand o her shoulder and gently turned her back around to face her. He reached up slwly to tug down the bottom of the ribbon and make sure it covered her eyes as he whispered to her, “I promise I willna let that happen, Milady. Just listen to my voice, and we’ll be there before you know it.” He smiled, wanting to toy with her a little bit with the blindfold. He tilted her chin up gently with the tip of one finger and allowed his mouth to linger near hers for a moment before granting her a chaste peck. When he pulled away, he asked softly but dangerously, “Are you ready?”

     His whisper sent a shiver down her spine and, as if that wasn’t enough, his lips hovering over hers and eventually stealing a quick kiss nearly had her tripping over her own feet before even taking a step. Was she ready? Most likely not... But this man had made her feel so dangerous and daring that she was uncapable of backing down from any plan he offered. And he seemed, too, so infatuated with her... How was she to deny him anything? “Yes, sir,” she murmured, quickly and as carefully as possible following his lead -- his voice, wherever that took her. She probably should have been more careful, shouldn’t have been so easy to trust a man she didn’t know, but his honey-sweet words, dropping from those experienced lips... She never even stood a chance.

[evanderofscots]

missberkshire‌:

     Katherine finally understood what the the saying butterflies in your stomach meant as the man kissed her hand and held it tightly in his. “It’s been a wonderful day, sir, and I trust it will grow better in your presence,” she didn’t only mean it but she was so sweet when flattering him. It was a wonder no man had stuck with her long enough to wed her, but maybe he had a tolerance for waiting and the innocence she held that others simply didn’t understand. That’s what made him so special to her, too. “Have you something planned, my Lord?” she didn’t mean to expect too much from him, but he’d set the bar so high himself… It would be a disappointment if he didn’t fulfill.

Evander’s smile turned soft and fond as she said that her day would be better now that she was here. he certainly hoped so. He had put a great deal of effort into imagining and arranging this little outing for them. He’d always enjoyed constructing elaborate dates for women, manufacturing places and situations where romance came easily and girls let their guard down. it came naturally to Evander, and he more than enjoyed the luxuries himself as well. He nodded to her question excitedly, and reached out to pull a length of deep blue silk from his back pocket. “I do have something very special planned for you, Milady.” He smiled at her with charm and anticipation and told her, “But we will have to walk some ways, and I had hoped to keep it a surprise.” Evander gently let go of her hand an laid out the flat length of silk between both of his, looking at her from under his lashes as he asked, “Can you trust me, Katherine?”

[missberkshire]

     Katherine was, at first, confused when he showed her the sash made of blue silk, and her eyes peered up to his face to try and find a silent explanation. It was better than that, as her smile unavoidably grew on her face -- he explained the location was to be kept a secret and, even though she was incapable of telling a soul about their escapade, she knew he meant for her. A surprise! For her! Oh joy! The lenghts he’d go to keep her interested were outstanding, even if she’d settle for much less than this magical ride he was providing. “Of course, my Lord,” Katherine gracefully spun around on her heels to turn her back to him -- this way, he’d more comfortably me able to wrap the make-do blindfold over her eyes. In her wildest dreams, Katherine never would have guessed she would so willingly accept to be deprived of one of her senses - and by a man! How entirely awful of her! He had a way with words that had her on a magic spell she couldn’t ( and most certainy didn’t want to ) break free from. “I’m afraid I might trip and make a fool of myself,” she admitted, once her eyes were covered. As if that meant he couldn’t see her either.

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots‌:

Evander was early to the spot where he had told Katherine to meet him. He had rushed through his meetings for the day, eager to get on to something more enjoyable, and he had been waiting for nearly half an hour by the time she arrived, albeit patiently. He knew she had her own duties and would come when she was allowed. When he finally saw her round the corner, his eyes widened in delight and a smile graced his lips. As she rose from her greeting, he reached for her hand and kissed it lightly, humming, “Milady,” As he looked up at her from under crimson lashes. He lowered her hand, but instead of dropping it, he stepped closer to her and kept it in his grip. He looked down at her with shimmering eyes and asked, “How has this day treated you, Lady Katherine?”

     Katherine finally understood what the the saying butterflies in your stomach meant as the man kissed her hand and held it tightly in his. “It’s been a wonderful day, sir, and I trust it will grow better in your presence,” she didn’t only mean it but she was so sweet when flattering him. It was a wonder no man had stuck with her long enough to wed her, but maybe he had a tolerance for waiting and the innocence she held that others simply didn’t understand. That’s what made him so special to her, too. “Have you something planned, my Lord?” she didn’t mean to expect too much from him, but he’d set the bar so high himself... It would be a disappointment if he didn’t fulfill.

[missberkshire]

@evanderofscots

     She had convinced her Princess to give her a few hours of time to herself, and had somehow done so without telling her the name of her suitor. "I don't want to jinx it, Your Grace," she'd giggled under her breath before draping her best cloak over her shoulders and hurrying to their meeting spot. Graceful feet danced over the cold stone floors as she turned one corner after the other and stepped down flights of stairs -- finally, she reached her destination. Before turning the last corner, she took a moment to catch her breath. She truly did not want to seem so desperate that he'd be repelled by her. He was already standing there when she at last reached the West exit of the castle. "Lord Chancellor," she greeted him with a short bow of her head, fingers wrapped tightly around handfuls of the skirt of her dress as she bent her knees slightly.

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots‌:

The way she looked up at him, as if she trusted him completely, as if she wanted to believe everything he said, that look was everything. He knew she was his now and it had been oh so easy. Now he could enjoy her, unwrapping her maddeningly until he’d shown her the world. At least for a little while. He felt her hands snake out from under the fabric of his tartan around her shoulders and his breath caught in pleasant surprise. She truly was giving in to him, letting her inhibitions slip away. He smiled at her brightly, leaning into her touch as he stroked his thumb along her cheekbone. His face fell slightly when she confessed they were leaving so soon. No matter if she was letting him in now, he knew girls like her. She would not be ready to lie with him tomorrow night. He had to take his time, and with girls like her, he savored the sensation of building anticipation. He nodded, looking into her eyes as if there was no question, “I will make arrangements in the morning,” he told her, bringing his other hand up to cup her cheek, then slipping both hands under the curtain of her hair around the back of her neck, so small, so soft, so warm as her pulse thrummed against his palm. “It will be at least a week, but i shall write to you until then,” He swore. He’d always enjoyed writing letters to girls. He had a small stack of them on his desk which he replied to each morning. It always managed to put him in a good mood. He smiled at her sweetly, eyebrows creased in nervous questioning, “But if you must leave so soon, please tell me you will let me see you tomorrow? Just for a little while?”

    The way he spoke and how his expression, too, changed when she mentioned how soon she was leaving his lands, brought a spark of joy and hope to Katherine’s heart: this man could very easily have fooled her, pretended to care and court her and never see her again -- and she’d been warned tiredlessly about these men -- but he had lent her his tunic, he had wrapped his strong arms aroud her petite figure, he had kissed her and promised they would see each other again ( and soon ). He would visit her and he’d make plans for it as soon as he could -- the next morning. His fingers resting on the back of her neck had Katherine giving into her heavy eyelids and letting them close over her glimmery hues for a brief moment. Oh, she’d so eagerly wait for his letters -- seeing his handwriting would undoubtedly bring her joy and an undescribable passion would bubble up in her chest. “I will patiently wait to hear from you, my Lord,” words void of meaning, truly, but they held the weight of her being the ones to speak them. And he wanted to see her agan before she left? She must be dreaming! Only in her wildest fantasies did a man want to spend so much time with her, was it possible that he was transforming her childish hope into reality? She had her duties, Princess Alexandra would need her, but... “I shall ask my Princess if she could spare me for some of the day, I hope she’ll understand,” was all she could tell him. 

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots‌:

Evander gazed into her eyes and cupped her cheek in one of his hands as she caught her breath, “That’s alright, lass. That this is new to you. I don’t mind showing you, when you’re ready…” he left it open ended. Let her think what she wished, however innocent or vile. She would fill in her own fantasies, but he could reassure her that he would honor her journey. He stayed close to her, rubbing his hands up and down her arms to keep her warm as the wind picked up and it became apparent a storm was blowing in. He would need to take her in soon, but he wanted just a few more minutes with her before they returned to the real world, where so many eyes were on them. As the wind whipped her hair in front of her face, Malec caught it deftly between his fingers and tucked it back behind her ear tenderly. “How much time do you have left in Scotland?” He asked softly. This was the tell he needed to devise his plan. How long would he have to make her take him to bed?

     His statement really sounded genuine -- when he said it’s alright that this is new to you, Katherine simply kept her eyes on his face, studying the man who had so blatantly told her he was interested. In her. And she -- oh, how innocent and gullible she was! -- had responded in the same tone. If you don’t mind me showing you... She truthfully did not know what he meant, but if he was willing to spend the rest of his life with her, Katherine would follow his lead wherever he pointed. How high? she’d ask. Her face leaned into his touch instinctively as he moved her hair off her face again, allowing her cheek to rest comfortably on the palm of his hand. A lady would never... But she took one liberty and sneaked her hands out of underneath the tunic and rested them on his waist -- almost as if she intended to pull him closer, impossibly closer, to her body. “We leave the day after tomorrow, my Lord.” His question had brought her back to reality -- to the world in which they both lived, and where romance had never been that easy -- and a sad expression adorned her features. She had only ust met him and would have to part ways with him all too soon, life truly was not fair. “I do hope you will visit my country soon, sir.”

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots :

When her lips finally crashed into his, he melted into her. He wrapped his arms around her, one around her waist and one behind her head, hand twining in her hair as he kissed her fiercely. He was as lost in it now as she was, riding the wave of amazement as energy flowed between them like lightning. Evander picked her up by her waist so he no longer had to bend to kiss her. He kissed her hungrily for just a few moments longer before settling her back onto her feet and pulling back breathlessly. His eyes opened, meeting hers with a liquid emerald gleam fro beneath crimson lashes as he breathed, “I can’t remember the last time I felt like this,” and it wasn’t a lie. Some matches were more exhilarating than others, and he could tell already, Katherine was magic.

     There was a certain contradiction in Katherine’s mind, in which she knew wanting a man so carnally was wrong, it was dirty and would stain her reputation and ruin her life -- but, also, men appreciated women who knew how to handle themselves. Or at least that’s what she’d heard. She welcomed him more passionate kiss with a matching tone, knowing that giving into his lead was the safest road to take. Already the tunic over her shoulders wasn’t necessary, she was warm alright pressed against him. And when he wrapped an arm around her waist and picked her up, pushed against his chest? Oh, the noise the girl made was far from angelic. Godly, maybe, but it had long crossed the line of appropriateness. A complaint was caught in her throat and what came out resembled a cry, a whine, rather than a spoken word. When her feet touched the ground again, she was utterly disappointed. She would have hoped to remain in his arms forever, where it felt so safe. “Sir,” she breathed out, trying to catch her breath, pulling away from him much to her dismay. She really needed to keep herself in line. “I’ve-- I had never felt like this,” the lack of title was perhaps too telling of how her legs were trembling.

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots‌:

Evander let out a breathless laugh at her answer, bubbling forth from his lips in relief and excitement. This was it, he had her exactly as he wanted her, and he was riding the high. He couldn’t help himself, he pressed another firm peck to her lips, flexing his fingers in her hair and loving the silken feel of it. When he pulled back he looked in her eyes, shaking his head as if in disbelief, “You cannot fathom how delighted that makes me, Milady.” He told her quickly. His pulse was rushing, running on the pure adrenaline of success. He kept her held close, stroking her cheek with his fingertips and looking down at her in awe. It always felt like this at first, and it never got old. And with girls who had never felt it before it was oh so much sweeter. That was why he always sought one after another, for the thrill of the novelty, chasing the romantic high. Or at least, he told himself that was what he did it for. But none of that mattered now, because he was here, with her.  He looked into her eyes dreamily and told her, “How can no man have hidden you away yet? You truly are a gem,” He brought his lips close to hers again, his eyes slipping closed, but he hesitated, brushing his nose against hers as he whispered, “And I am humbled by the privilege of you,” He wanted her to come to him, the last step to falling off that ledge…

      His words were honey sweet and she could not believe her luck. Who would have known that wandering down to a foregin palace's kitchen to beg the cooks for a cup of wine would earn her a man? All she's ever wanted was to be wanted, and finally she had found someone who would deliver. And how well he delivered, too. His rough fingertips contrasted harshly against her silky smooth skin. With the winter cold and the heat she felt all throughout her body, this was definitely a new experience to her, and was damn glad he was holding her still because otherwise her knees may have given under the weight of her slim body. Her smile was evident when he looked into her eyes, and it faded as quickly as it had appeared when he spoke again. How could she have forgotten? The love of her life, the man she'd been pining after for nearly two decades... Even if other men had made attempts at wooing her, her prince was the reason she wouldn't have gone through with any of their proposals. His lips hovered over hers and she was already weak in mere anticipation, almost enough to make her forget about the beautiful man she'd been pining for her whole life. He didn't take the last step and she was craving his touch again, the warmth was fading and she needed something to keep her grounded and avoid her going into a daydream. Katherine did what so many teachers had advised her against. She dragged herself impossibly closer to the man she'd only just met a few days prior and kissed him. She kissed him. So out of line, but with those promised he swiftly made... She didn't stand a chance at all.

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots‌:

Now warm, Evander saw her surrender to their closeness. Perhaps it was that there was no longer anyone to see, or perhaps he had finally found the right balance of charm and daring to lure her in, but he couldn’t help but notice that she did not create space between them this time or they way her eyes lingered on his, shining with the hope of the innocent, and the anticipation of one coming-of-age. He smiled back warmly, feeling as if a magnet pulled him slowly ever closer to her as she slowly asked him to visit her. Oh there was so much weight to those words, and they sounded oh so sensual on her lips. He pulled her closer slowly by the tartan as she spoke, never losing sight of her eyes, and when their faces were mere inches apart, he whispered, “As you wish, milady,” An, searching her eyes for permission, he leaned down and pressed his lips slowly  but fully to hers. When their lips met, it was electric, and one hand came up naturally to push her hair back from her face as he melted into this kiss as much as her. He’d been anticipating it too, and it flooded him with warmth in every place on his body. He longed so strongly to force his tongue into her mouth, to push her up against the banister of the balcony and devour her, but he forced himself to stop, to pull away breathless, forehead resting on hers, “I wish to court you, Katherine,” He confessed on a breath, falling from his lips like a prayer.

      In any other situation, with (almost) any other man, Katherine would have long pulled away and bowed her head and excused herself back to her chambers. But as he pulled her closer by his own clothing wrapped securely around her shoulders, she didn't stop to think if he had lent the coat on purpose to make this move; instead, she tilted her head up, completely mesmerized by his warm breath brushing her cheeks, and allowed his lips to press against hers. Oh, she could have melted right into this man if it hadn't been so cold - and so wrong, too. His hand moved a rebellious strand of hair off her face and hers rested oh so gently on his bicep, as if she feared he might stop touching her all too soon. As soon as he moved back, a shaky breath left her lips and she fought against her heavy eyelids to look into his eyes. Oh, those sweet, sweet words he said, the ones she'd so desperately been waiting to hear... From someone else. But with her chest moving so quickly up and down, and pushing gently against his, all she could focus was on the man in front of her. "Lord Chancellor, that... Would bring me the utmost pleasure," she had suddenly forgotten all the lessons she was taught as a child: how to respond, how to behave, what to not want... All out the window. This man was making her lose all her inhibitions and it was thrilling. 

[missberkshire]

historiclivcs :

If not for the tone of Katherine’s voice, Augustus would have taken her words as a chiding to focus on better things in his role as Prince and even though he knew she was playing and didn’t mean it in any sort of sense, Augustus’ posture still tensed in response. It was hardly an unknown secret to Augustus that he took implications that he wasn’t doing his duty seriously, perhaps reacted too sensitively, but what else was to be expected when even his own sister seemed to think she was more fit for the crown? It seemed as though every moment of every day was devoted to proving himself worthy of the throne and he didn’t usually consider Katherine to be a reminder of that struggle, but it seemed that was to be her fate, turning into the very thing he most appreciated that she wasn’t. “No. No need for that. You’re not my wife, it isn’t your duty to handle things for me, I can manage.” Augustus muttered, keeping his focus on the box. Considering he wasn’t the one that packed up, Augustus wasn’t even entirely sure the gift was there and he could have easily asked one of his own servants to search for them, but somehow it seemed important to do it for himself so that Katherine could see that he wasn’t lazy or incompetent. Soon enough he found a golden wrapped box with a crushed red ribbon of silk wrapped around it and he made a noise of discovery before setting it aside. “I’ve found darling Alexandra, so yours should be… yes, next to it.” He said, pulling out a square box wrapped just the same before moving to hand them both to Katherine. “Hopefully Alexandra doesn’t see the gift as a form of bragging that I went and she didn’t.”

     Seeing him tense up at her innocent comment made Katherine wonder if she had finally stepped out of line. He had, after all, only just arrived in his own country, the one he was supposed to run and lead out of its misery, and she was daft enough to mock him about his duties. Would she ever catch a break? The second he reminded her she wasn’t his wife, Katherine coulld have sworn she felt her heart shatter inside her chest. I know, she wanted to tell him, and I lament my fate away from you every passing moment, my love. Instead, she sat up straighter and didn’t say a word. He was too focused on searching the token from his trip he had brought for Alexandra and she wasn’t to bother him. She contented herself with observing him move through his luggage. She loved how his forehead wrinkled when he was focused, and how fast his eyes would move from one package to the next until he found the right one. Katherine was physically unable to hold her grin back. Oh, he really brought me something, something different from Alexandra... Maybe he doesn’t view me as a sister. She really shouldn’t take it that far, she reminded herself as she immediately reached out her hands to grab both boxes. With a curious, almost childlike smile and glint in her eye, Katherine looked up at him through her long lashes. “Would it be so terribly inappropriate if I opened mine here, Your Grace?” I’m just so excited about you thinking of me. I muse control myself and not touch you or I will get in deep trouble.

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots :

He could see instantly that she had caught a chill, though it did not pull the color from her cheeks. Without thinking, he reached for his shoulder and unclipped his crest pin, freeing his tartan from the fabric of his tunic. He pulled the tartan off and stopped her walk gently with hand on her arm. He turned around to face her with a warm smile, and reach around her to wrap the tartan over her shoulders, bring the ends together over her bosom. He let his hands rest there as he waited for her to grip the fabric for herself, feeling the heat of her skin so thin through it. “It that better, Milady?” He asked with a gentle half smile keeping his hands on the fabric even as her own joined them, not wanting to let go. The corners of his mouth quirked up higher at her invitation. He could read between the lines of her thinly veiled platitude. She was telling him that she might wish to see him again when her time here was up, and that was exactly what he wanted. He laughed softly, looking down, then back up to her from beneath his lashes, “The English are not as fond of Scotish visitors as I am of you,” He joked in self-deprecation. “But I would, if you asked me to,” He said softly, almost as if a question. His eyes searched hers for the answer he already knew, but he wanted her to think she was in control here.

     His fingers grazed her exposed skin ever so slightly but it was enough to send a shock wave all over her body. He was, again, standing so daring close, except they were now alone. No one would see, no one would know if she did or said anything stupid or out of place. There was only him, right at that moment, and how damn scary was that? Her hands came up and did the clasp herself; the fabric weighed so comfortably, securely, on her shoulders, it was almost soothing to have something to ground her to reality. “Yes, my Lord,” he was so close -- her words, again, were a mere breathy whisper. With her eyes fixated on his, it was hard to deny how he had been making her feel all night. She was entirely captivated by him, by his way of moving and behaving, by his manners and his touch. By his voice, his laugh. He looked at her through his lashes and Katherine would have sworn that would kill her on the spot. Did he not know the effect he was having on her? Was that possible? “As I am of you” he said and, against, her heart fluttered. What was this intense connection, this feeling at the pit of her stomach, that so desperately made her want him to stay this close forever? “Then...” she sighed, letting her lips stay parted as if closing them was too much effort. “I am asking you, my Lord, to visit me in England when I depart.” 

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots‌:

She always seemed to run off when he tried to escort her places, but he didnt mind. She had accepted his invitation in such a sultry whisper, he would have followed her anywhere. He traced her beeline through the crowd to the hall and was grateful when they broke free of it. The heat of the room was beginning to get to him, and he did not wish to sweat in her presence. He fell into step beside her as they made it to the corridor, though he did not take his eyes off her. She seems to breath a little easier here, but they still headed for the exit, and Evander was gladly anticipating the cold air. He needed to control himself if he was going to guide her to what he wanted. At her question, he smiled sincerely, “I grew up here at court. Its standard education for all the children, as I’m sure you know,” he laughed a little before continuing, “Although they always said I took to it more than the other boys. I guess I’ve always had a soft spot for the arts.” And particularly the art of seduction, for which dance was a powerful tool, if their current encounter wasn’t proving as much. As they reached the doors, Evander opened them grandly for her, gesturing for her to head out before him with a Cheshire cat smile.

Publicación original de thegreymajor

     Yes, she did know - God, why have you cursed me to be so blatantly idiotic? “You were truly wonderful, my Lord,” she bowed her head slightly, as if embarrassed - she was because it was obvious why he had learned to dance so well. Same reason for why she had learnt from a young age, too. The compliment rolled off her tongue so easily, she’d been trained well as a child to be kind to men. That way, maybe, she’d be wed and her life wouldn’t be devoted to caring after a princess forever. Alexandra was nice to her, but she needed something else -- someone else. Katherine walked out the castle as he held the door open for her, her fingers only slightly grazing his kilt as she passed by his side. The cold air of the dead of winter hit her face full-on and she realized, in that moment, that in her hurry to leave the ballroom, she hadn't grabbed her cape. So much for a smart lady. The sheer blush on the tip of her nose contrasted against the pale white of her skin and the dark black of her hair as she looked up at him. Wasn't the cold supposed to calm her down? Why was she feeling so much more nervous than before? Perhaps being alone with a man hadn't been her greatest decision -- oh, but it wasn't just any man... “Your people have been so kind to us, my Lord, I wish you would visit England someday so we may repay you,” a casual, corteous line that definitely meant something else.

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots‌:

Evander couldn’t deny the arousal that stirred in him, feeling her hips pressed against his and the heat of he against him, the rise and fall of her breaths pressing harder. He stood her on her feet simply, catching his own breath and allowing his head to come back from the clouds, so intoxicated he had been by her scent. She stepped away from him quickly, joining the other patrons in their applause, but all he could hear was the rushing of his pulse in his ears as he looked down on her with sparkling admiration. He could tell she was trying to center herself, to process the feelings he’d stirred in her, and there were too many eyes here. He had to get her somewhere more private, though not too private lest he risk an image of impropriety to be seen leaving with her. He smiled at her warmly and took a step closer, placing a hand softly on her arm and leaning in so she could hear him over the rising conversations around them, “Allow me to take you for some air, Milady.” He said sweetly, offering her his arm to be escorted.

     He was really offering a whole new world of emotions and it was thrilling and so damn scary. She had been content in her small universe of encapsulated neutrality: nothing too exciting, nothing too risky. He, however, seemed to be the perfect impersonation of enciting and mysteriou, mixed with a wonderfully sweet smile that would melt her anytime time now. She was more than glad that her dress was long-sleeved because if he had touched her skin, after such a magical moment, she wouldn’t have stood a chance anymore ( not that she did now... ). And now his face was so close to her - again - and she was trying to keep her posture intact, even when he offered to take her out for some fresh air. Yes, that’s exactly what she needed: to leave this closed space and the crowd behind, and be out in the open. Maybe the winter cold of Scotland would give the red at the apples of her cheeks some well deserved break. “Please, sir,” she was so unaware of how filthy those words could be - in a different context, between different people, in a different time. Perhaps. She was bold enough to lead the way herself ( she needed out now ) and just hoped, prayed, that he’d follow closely behind. Merely exiting to the hallway outside the ballroom was a welcomed change: there were a few guards scattered by the walls but no guests. There was a silent pause between them as they walked closely together on their way to the entrance door to go out to the grounds. “Where did you learn to dance like that, my Lord?” The Queen of Small Talk.

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots‌:

He could feel her heart race and her breath quicken as she slid down his body. A flush had flooded her cheeks once more and he loved it. Every color so vibrant against her midnight hair. When she responded, her words wer almost seductive. Maybe he was reading more into them than she meant, but how could he not when she sounded like that? So breathless yet so enticed. And the way she added on his title ass if an after thought, accentuating it. He wanted her alone. She had finally admitted that she was giving in, and he wanted to take advantage of it. The music swelled to a crescendo, close to its end, and Evander picked up the pace of his steps, commanding her with his body as he guided her through the dance. As the music flourished to its end, he spun her out, then brought her spinning back in, catching her back against his chest and dipping her low, nose grazing the stretch of her neck as he held her breathlessly.

     Oh. Was this what maidens meant when they talked about the wonders of men? When they whispered in the hallways about the secrets they shared and whose sheets thay shouldn’t be so familiar with? The curve of her bottom was innocently yet strategically rested against his hips and, even if over all the layers of fabric that separated their skins she wouldn’t be able to feel anything but her own silk underskirt, it was hard to keep her mind from wondering what she was missing. No, no, no. Was this cheating? Thinking of and dancing with another man when her heart belonged to another, even if her true love was so oblivious to her endearment? Was she supposed to look for love elsewhere, and had she finally found it? The electric connection between them was undeniable, and with his nose tickling the back of her neck -- Katherine really couldn’t be held accoutable to her own actions. She was only brought to reality by the crowd on the dance floor applauding the musicians, and it prompted her to push herself off him and clap herself. Her eyes, however, still wandered on his features, searching for any sign of teasing -- any sign that he might not mean it. She couldn’t speak, not afte being held like that, so warm and containing and so damn sinful. Fingers laced together at the front of her skirt, mostly to hide how much her whole body was trembling, and she bowed her head shortly, but she didn’t walk away. She couldn’t.

[missberkshire]

evanderofscots‌:

The sound of her calling him My Lord sent his blood singing. In her voice which almost always sounded on the edge of a mona the longer they spent together, the title sounded like so much more. And he wanted to be her lord, of her body, of her soul. He wanted to show her how much higher she could soar. Her breathless compliment went straight to his head and he gave her a suave smile. When she returned from her turn, he held her just a little tighter, allowing himself to feel her body press into his ever so slightly as he looked down on her stunning features. Her dress was simple, and worn, but he did not care. He had been with women from all walks of life. It was what was under the fabric that counted. “I believe it is you who has infected me, Milady,” He replied, voice teasing ever so slightly. “I can’t keep you out of my mind,” He told her, suddenly, picking her up by the waist with both hands and spinning them around. As he settled her back on his feet, he gave her a sweetly sinister half smile, “And I’m not sure I want to.”

     She was sinfully unaware of how her bossom pressed against his chest might affect him, or how the sway of her hips and the curve of her waist might prompt more ideas in his head about what he wanted to do with ( and to ) her. Her eyes were fixated on his face, as if she wanted to prove she didn’t need to look down at her feet to move so swiftly. She was ust that good. His teasing kept her smile intact on her face; not playful or suggestive, just kind and warm. Much like the rest of her. She was trying to come up with another compliment to reply with when he, without so much as a warning, held her waist so tightly, picked her off the ground and spun around. Her cheeks were certainly deep red when she came down, her chest moving rapidly with her uneven breathing against his and her hips so daringly grazing his, too. A nervous, shaky laugh escaped her plump, wine-tainted lips, when he offere the punchline. “Sir,” her tone was nearly reprimanding, but oh  she did not want him to stop anytime soon. Finally she was getting the attention she deserved. Would she be so daring? Her lips decided without consulting her brain and she’d soon regret even coming to the ball, because what rolled off her tongue was a a low whisper with too much weight in its meaning. “I’m not sure I want you to, either.” It took her a beat to add, “My Lord.” She was not that daring as to defy their God-mandated heirarchy.