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governorofscots​:

  Malec nodded, turning and pacing as the wheels in his head turned. Goodwill was a good place to start. He hoped that Eliza was right and that her brother had not succumb to the luxury of English compliance - that he and men like him would be willing to stand when the time comes. But it was just once family. He needed more. Many more. The Governor stopped in his tracks and turned back to look at her. “Do you still hold contact with members of any other families that may feel similarly?” He asked. He hated to put her in a position of such risk, but once he left, she would be the only Scot by his King’s side, and he needed to feel that she was prepared for the responsibility that would hold should she agree to partake in it. “Or perhaps your brother does. We need to know of as many of the families still loyal to Teárlach as we can, and quickly.”

When she asked where he would go, it broke the cycle of thoughts he had gotten stuck in and he gave her a rueful smile, stepping back in her direction. “You musn’t tell anyone…” he said seriously, dropping his voice even though they could not be heard here. “But I believe Teárlach intends for me to stay in Scotland until the bairn is born. To travel clandestinely and collect his banners throughout the highlands. I am hoping whatever missives you may send will reach these families before me so that much of my work will be done with it.” ‘Twas a fickle thing, convincing fathers and brothers and sons to lay down their life for a fight half of them didn’t even remember - though many still suffered the injustices of the English - he would have a much easier time of it if the men had already prepared themselves in their minds for the possibility of the fight.”When I am finished I shall return to Nova Scotia to do the same.” He wished desperately to tell her that he would be returning to take the bairn before he went, but he had only just sworn secrecy to the Queen on the matter, and despite the fact that Eliza would likely learn of it anyway, he could not bring himself the betray Isabel’s trust again even to share in his joy.

“ Yes, yes, there are. “ There must have been more people like them. She thought about the noble men and women that so often visited the halls of Goodwill when she was just a child... and how all of them stood there and watch how her father was beheaded with one stroke of a sword. No, no, no... She shook her head, battling this image. It was too much. It was too long ago. But maybe it wasn’t too late... to make them realize they can pay for their past mistakes and cowardice. 

“ I know these people, but...  was just a girl of fifteen the last time most of them saw me. Still, I will try.  “ at fifteen she thought she will be leaving Scotland for a month or two. How naive this little girl was ! How easy she was to fool... The redhead tightened her lips. She had to focus on the future now. “ I know they were loyal patriots. If my father had better chances in his plan, they would join him. “ Were their chances bigger now ? She was afraid to ask that, though she felt like the mention of her father, a failed rebel, brought this question to his attention.

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guillaumevalois​:

  A groan escaped him at the touch of her teeth. He lifted his chin, baring his throat to her- if she were a vampyre, he was her familiar. Hands sliding down her hips, pulling up the fabric as he went. Desperate to touch her skin.

It had been too long since he had last seen her- another consequence of Louise’s sheer stupidity. He should have ordered her to remain at court, sent his sister away without her.

“I have no doubt you would. I’m sure by the time you leave, you’ll have turned all the nuns red as beets.” Hand grazing the bare skin of her thigh beneath her skirts, his mouth quirked into a grin. “How a woman such as you has been allowed in such a holy place, I shall never know.”

Her breath quickened as she felt his touch on her skin; the prolonged waiting was almost unbearable. Eliza reached to his lips again, kissing him passionately and eagerly, she wanted to make sure if the kisses were enough to sooth the fire inside her... or not. As if she truly was about to turn into some unholy child of the night, eager for blood, she nibbled on his bottom lip.  

“ Don’t hold back. I’m not a nun yet, am I ? “ she breathed out, reaching out to brush her fingers across his cheast and lower, her legs now slightly parted. She wondered, if he could feel that they are shaking slightly, or did he hear the echo of how loud her heart is beating.

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crcwnprincc​:

  He narrowed his eyes at her for a moment, wondering what game she was playing with him - did she fail to realize he already had relations with someone else? Either way, it’d be fun to play along and see where this goes with her. “Let’s see you shoot, yes, I want to see the rabbits run in fear”

The forest wasn't that far away. As they were walking slowly, she began : “How do you find France, your grace ? To be frank, I have never traveled so far south as to visit Italy, but maybe I can imagine it based on the differences you see...”

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governorofscots​:

  The girl had a strange expression on her face, as if she was too shy to say something. He wasn’t one to admonish girls for being brazen, and given her Scottish blood, he didn’t peg her as one to be concerned with such things, but perhaps there was another reason for her reserved demeanor. It could just as well be chalked up to the whole situation. Malec had become one whom must be tread carefully about in French court, lest others become tainted by association in the eyes of the former King.

As she stepped closer to him, his eyes flickered between her and the still open door. He did not know how likely it was that anyone would seek to exploit Scottish information here in France - most Frenchmen had an equal distaste for Englishmen and just as little interest in their affairs. Still, what they were discussing was delicate. Malec stepped past her carefully, touching her shoulder chastely as he maneuvered around her to close the door to his quarters. It would not be considered appropriate for her to be closed in her alone with him, but he hoped that she had been diligent enough in seeing herself unfollowed knowing the nature of the note she had been carrying.

The doctor secured the door and turned back around to face her. “’Tis true, Teárlach believes England is as weak now as ‘twill ever be. If we are t’ make a move, it must be soon, but we are unprepared. We must rally troops an’ quickly - at home as well as abroad,” Malec had begun rambling, as he often did when he was anxious. He paced back to face Eliza as he spoke, his tone still conspiratorial despite the closed doors. “If you sent word - secretly of course - t’ yer mother, d’ye believe she could gather yer father’s men? D’ they still stand loyal t’ the Bonnie King?” He held his eyebrows raised in inquiry even as a crease of concern formed between them. He hated to ask her to put herself at risk in order to commute this information, but it could be invaluable to their cause.

It took her a moment to understand what was he saying. Could it be ? Eliza felt her throat tighten and suddenly was in a great need of sitting down. She located a chair nearby and sat down slowly, still searching for words. But what else she could said, except : “Yes. Yes, of course, I shall write to her. “ 

Though with her next breath came realization; was her mother truly willing to rally the men that were loyal to Goodwill and Lennox family name? She lost so much to the war that was never hers...love of her life and peace of mind, to some extent. She lost me, too, Eliza told herself, her heart seemed to tighten in the same way her throat did just moment before. She had to send me away to protect me... Was she truly ready to fight now ? The answer came to her, as if someone else lit a fire inside her :  “If not my mother then my brother... he will lead them, I know it. He loved his homeland as much as I do, and he wants what we want... “ 

We. Eliza looked at Malec. She felt like something was escaping her grip and it was too slippery for her to catch it. 

“ Malec, what about you ? What are you planning to do ? “ she looked around the room, before her eyes found him, again. “ Where will you go ? “ 

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enlightenedwomen​:

  She smiled at the young girl, happy to see how some comfort came to the young girl. She always wanted people to feel welcome, and it seemed like she was able to provide that for Louise’s ladies. It was almost like they were daughters to her as well.

It wasn’t difficult for her to figure out why the girl was asking such a question. Isabel had always wondered if she felt the same loss as she did. It was something that no one else in France could truly relate to as none of them have moved away from their homelands.

“There is always a part of me that misses Spain,” she admitted. “I have grown to love France, but I will always miss my home.” Her eyes showed concern. “If you have seen my chambers, you will see they are decorated with Spain’s national colors. I have taught some of our cooks to make traditional Spanish meals, even if I am the only one who enjoys them. It makes me feel I have brought part of Spain here with me.”

“ There is always a part of me that misses Scotland, too. “ Eliza agreed. Suddenly the day did not seem as sunny to her anymore, nor as peaceful. The memory of her home made her feel uneasy, as if someone was waiting for her far away, as if she was in rush to get there. 

“ Though i don't think many would want me to bring some of it here, I’m afraid. “ she tried to laugh it off.

“ I have seen your chambers. The colors are beautiful. Unlike meek beige, which Is so common in all the other rooms. “

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crcwnprincc​:

  She wasn’t scared? Hell, he was scared and he had known how to hold a bow since he was a child. Either this girl cared little for her safety or she simply was used to such things. God the French were weird and he couldn’t wait until he was out of here and back into his lovers arms.

“Well, Eliza, you’re very lucky that arrow hit the roof, next time you may not be. I inquire you to be more careful next time,” he told her with a small sigh before nodding in agreement, holding out his hand for her to take it. “You want to watch me shoot?”

“ How chivalrous of you to think of the safety of the ladies, my lord, it won’t go unnoticed on french court, I can assure you. “ she laughed, watching him attentively. What his reaction would be to such a comment ? Would he cared for the ladies at all ? Or does she have only ONE in his heart, one he is faithful to? That would be a valuable piece of information, for sure.

She took his hand, smirking. “ If it pleases you so, my lord, yes. But you can watch me shoot too,, the rabbits around here know me all too well.”

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enlightenedwomen​:

  Isabel looked at the young girl with pure fascination. It was rare to see a young woman who was that aware of herself to notice a duality of sorts within. The sort of description of herself was something that Isabel would expect in a woman twice her age. This was the first time she had truly seen how aware the girl was about herself and her upbringing.

“That does not sound strange at all. In fact, it sounds wise beyond your years. A little bit of a wide side never hurt anyone, and you have found the key in finding outlets for that energy.” She smiled at the young girl. “I cannot say that I understand having those two sides. I think the closest thing I have in my life is how I am torn between my home country of Spain and my current home here and France.”

“ Thank you, my queen. “ Eliza replied and smiled to herself. It wasn’t often that people called her wise. She was hoping that indeed, just like the queen said, her wildeness won’t hurt anyone/Though, as she should have learn by now, most of the wild things she did eventually backfired. 

The mention of Spain made the redhead focus her eyes on the woman. Yes, she knew about that, but... Queen Isabel seemed fit for the french court as if she was a part of it since she was born ! It was almost unthinkable to assume her fatherland might have been somewhere else. 

“ Do you miss it ? Spain ? “ she thought about Scotland, and castle Goodwill, and the heartache that came with the fact that the memories of her childhood were slowly drifting away from her, and with them, memories of home. “ How to... stop miss it ? “ 

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guillaumevalois​:

  He could feel her breath on his lips as she spoke. “Was this what your prayed for?” he murmured, hands finding their way to her waist, holding her to him. He wouldn’t admit it, but he had missed the feel of her body against his. Other men and women in the court were fleeting fancies, but he always seemed to find her back in his arms.

The sound of blood rushing in his ears echoed in his head. The touch of her fingers burned his skin, setting him alight in the darkness. The familiar smell of her hair, the familiar weight upon his lap- it was near intoxicating.

“If so, I do believe you must have made God himself blush.” His mouth fell onto hers- all skin and tongue and teeth. Fingers tightened in the cloth covering her hips; needing her to be closer, needing to feel to softness of her skin beneath his fingers.

A swirl of emotion flooded her. Eliza knew that sensation all too well, shiver running down her spine, warmth in the most intimate parts of her, awaiting his touch. Her fingers smoothed through his hair, feeling the ends curl between her fingertips before she let the strands escape her fingers. The redhead deepened his kiss, eager to be as close to him as she possibly could be, joining their tongues in a slow dance. She was starving for him, like a sinner after a long fast; the longer she was surrounded with silence, purity and all things holly at the convent, the more she wanted what was forbidden.

Once breaking from the kiss, she muttered, almost breathless : “And I’d make all of His saints blush, too.”

Eliza’s fingers dragged up his shoulders to tangle in his hair once again -  then she pulled his hair slightly to expose his neck and left a soft kiss in the place where she felt his pulse. Immediately after, she dragged her teeth gently up his vein, like a bloodthirsty demon, tasting her victim.

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guillaumevalois​:

  He let out a chuckle at her own giggle- the sound of it sending sparks running down his neck. “Of course.” Guillaume had little plans to stop- even after he was wed. He was, after all, the King of France, and could do as he pleased. And Eliza pleased him greatly.

He watched her through the barrier- the little of her he could see, and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He wasn’t sure how just her words, and the low tone of her voice managed to do such a thing- or perhaps it was the anticipation. 

The king was sure that their location had something to do with it as well.

“Do you plan on doing so tonight, or are you just to sit over there?” he asked in a whisper. “Because there is certainly room enough for two over here.”

Eliza said nothing to that, but didn't keep him waiting for longer than necessary. She stood up, her moves slow, careless, as if she was about to leave him, but headed to the part where he was sitting. Only few steps separated her from what she craved since the last time she saw him. Eliza moved the heavy, dark curtain aside, revealing her confessor. 

“Here you are, hiding from God...” she teased him, with a grin on her lips. There was little space on the other side of the confessional, but sinners didn't need much of it to repent. Another step. The curtain fell back behind her, closing the view for the curious eyes of saints and angels. The silence was deafening and for a moment she heard only her restless heart pounding.

It would be hard for her to navigate in darkness, if she wasn’t used to it. Eliza found a way to sit on his lap,her lips hovering over his, only a kiss away, hungry fingers slowly mapped out his jawline, then neck...

“ You were in my prayers today... In a way.“  

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enlightenedwomen​:

  “You have already brought her so much peace and joy. I know I have made excellent choices when it comes to my daughter’s ladies.” That was a true statement. The girls always seemed that they had become a close group of friends, and she was relieved that it was a choice that her husband had no say in that she did right.

Isabel assumed the best in these girls. When given such a trusted position at court, she assumed they would treasure it and avoid doing foolish mistakes. There had been nothing brought to her attention. With Isabel always seeing the good in everyone, she assumed that no news is good news. If she hadn’t heard about it, why should she assume it was happening?

“I have a hard time seeing you as a disobedient child,” she replied honestly. “You have always been so well behaved when you are here. May I ask what caused you to leave your ‘naughty’ ways behind?”

She took her words as a compliment. Clearly, her facade of well-mannered young lady was convincing to those who had to be convinced... or maybe... it wasn’t a facade at all ? Maybe there was a part of Elisa that wasn't completely wild and wicked, but, truly well-behaved and fitted to live the life in Versalis? 

“ I don’t want to sound... strange, your majesty, but I always felt like there are two sides to me.I treasure both, but they are so different from one another! I am french, as much as I am scottish. I am a proper lady that was able to found her place here, in court, but there is some wildness in me. A touch of Highlander’s blood. Even more than a touch, at times.” she smiled. “ When I argued with my brother and stole his first sword from him, it must have been one of those times...”

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governorofscots​:

  Malec nodded slowly, trying to accept her reassurances. He knew that Louise was well cared for - the Queen had already admonished him for doubting as much - but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something would go wrong without him by her side to tend to it. Childbirth was a fickle thing, and despite Lulu’s young and passionate nature, pregnancy had drained her greatly. He feared she did not have as much strength as she once did when he had nursed her back to health. Still, he had to believe, lest he fall into a terrible pit of depression and fear. He gave Eliza a weary smile, “At least I can take some comfort knowing she has a Scot by her side. Her needs shall never go unheard,” Save it for a Scot to stand up when no one else was willing to speak - though Louise seemed to have no issue doing that for herself - he believed that Eliza would advocate for bath their wishes if Lulu was too ill to do so.

His heart was touched when she said his love would not be the only one to miss him, and he gave her a warm, appreciative smile. “I shall miss you as well, Lady Eliza. It has been too many years since I have been able to commiserate with a fellow Scotsman as I have with you.” Of course his men in Nova Scotia were Scots themselves - or at least of Scottish descent - but they had all lived abroad too long. Many of them had lost the fire for the fight back home. For Eliza, thought, the fight was still fresh - having lost her father to it just less than a decade past. “I hope that we shall stay in touch through this tumultuous time. I’m sure you’ve heard word from our King on his plans for England.” Teárlach did not have many people to talk to about politics, but Malec knew that while he likely hadn’t shared with Eliza the dirty details, she had likely been apprised of the big picture.

She wished to hug him. On the way here she thought about what to say and it was so much... so much she wanted to say to him! Most of all, that he was the closest family she had during those last ten years. Well, the Valois  were her family in a way, but out of out of politeness, not because they shared blood and history, and tradition. And, most importantly, he reminded her about the cause her father fought and died for.

It was so easy to forget Scotland during summer days in Paris, in the arms of her lover, when she was so full of joy, her heart was almost about to burst... when there wasn't anything else to long for. The moors, and the cliffs, and the forests of far north truly seemed like some wild dreams of a child who thinks to much, then.  How happy one can be once he forsakes vengeance... and with it, homeland.

That reminder was harsh, but necessary. She would not flee from her destiny, father wouldn't want that for her.

At the mention of king Teárlach, Eliza looked around and shortened the distance between them. Those matters are better to be spoken about in a whisper.

“He didn’t discuss the details with me, but yes. I’ve been told that this might be our best chance, as long as they have their guard down. That the english soldiers became impatient in waiting for their king’s commands and it's the best time to strike. But nothing more than that at the moment.” she looked up at him, waiting impatiently for Malec to say the words which Teárlach spared her.

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enlightenedwomen​:

  It was easy for Isabel to connect to people around the same age as the twins. There were so many young ones with no mothers in their lives or estranged parents. Somehow, they were as drawn to Isabel as she was to them. The same seemed to happen to all the people of France. They treated her like a mother of the people, and she was happy to feel that way. When she would visit the people, they could call her “Mother of France”, and she never thought she would be given such a title as the foreign Queen Consort. It was an honor that she had been accepted by the people.

She had always had a caring and maternal nature. Even as a child, she was almost like a third parent to her brother and sister. It made her want to be a mother, which also made her slipping into motherhood so simple. It seemed that the hardest part of becoming a mother was becoming pregnant. Maybe that is why she was drawn to young adults at court. They were like the children she never was able to bring into the world.

The girl’s world sent a pang of guilt through her. She hated that she couldn’t be with her daughter through all of this. It was killing the Queen Mother to send her away, but she didn't’ have much choice in the matter. It was a delicate situation. “It is true, but you will be there shortly to help with those.”

“I know she would be happy to hear from you. Have a servant bring it to my chambers once you are finished, and I will make sure it comes with me on my journey.”

“ I will do my best to bring her peace and joy, as much as I can. The quicker I follow her the better. “ Eliza promised. Eliza treated Louise like a sister, sister she never had. The girls were like fire and water in many things, but strangely they're differences were what kept them together. They had enough love for one another to understand each other in a way not many were able to.

During this whole situation Eliza was there, by her side, as lady in waiting ought to be. She observed. Watched the love blossom before her eyes. From time to time she questioned her princess ; is there a right way to go ? What about the consequences ? But she could not judge her. Not when she was as reckless as the princess herself in the matters of heart. 

Falling isn't painful, it feels like freedom. The worst part is hitting the ground, though.

“ I remember, faintly, my mother wanted to sent me to the convent once, when I was a child. I was quite naughty and I think I have stolen something from my brother. The convent was more a threat than a plan, but... maybe it was my destiny all along. “ she said, jokingly.

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The art of waiting / Eliza & Louise

@courtesies​

Being in a convent felt like prison for her, and it wasn't even that long since her arrival. She hated the nuns. She disliked most people who were obediently following the rules,without second thoughts, without a whimper of complain... which was the most of society, honestly. They were so... silent and so serious ! But in the same time she admired them. For the patience, piety and hard work, which were abilities so unattainable by wild creatures like Eliza that it was only right to mock those who perfected them. 

On the way to the garden Eliza passed two nuns and stick her tongue out at them as soon as she was sure they would not see her. The day was balmy, sunny, serene.  The girl walked up to the princess, who was sitting under the tree - a great, majestic oak, maybe as old as the convent’s walls itself. She too, looked serene, fit for the picture. Only when Eliza moved closer, she noticed that pregnancy and the stress of last weeks took great toll on her health. 

“ I hate nuns.” Eliza declared, quiet enough for Louise only to hear. “ They can’t take a joke. “ 

She sat down beside the other, with a platter of apples and peeled oranges, which arrived from the village this morning thanks to queen’s mercy.

“I hope I didn’t miss anything... Did the grass grow quicker when I was away? “ Eliza smiled at the other., hope to see her smile in return.

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crcwnprincc​:

  He was a trained archer, that was until he was attacked, after that he was too afraid to even try anything that involved raising his arms. But, he had been feeling better and he wanted to give it a shot. Lining up the shoot, he went to shoot it until he heard a voice. “Gah!” he exclaimed, the arrow shooting up into the roof and he quickly looked over at her. “A lady in waiting? Are you sure you’re not a ghost?” he asked with a breathless laugh, honestly scared by her interruption. “Yes, of course, next time I would wait until the person with the bow and arrow doesn’t have an arrow”

“I’m not from around here, my lord. I don’t get scared easily. And I am quicker than most. “ she replied to it, still smiling, as if the possibility of being hurt amused her more than terrified her. With a smile on her lips, she walked up to him. 

“ You can call me Eliza, Eliza Lennox, your grace.”she gave him a curtsy. She knew very well who he was and where he was coming from - gossips around here were quicker than arrows. “ Shall we take a walk ? A stroll in the woods perhaps? There are plenty of rabbits to shoot there. “

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dangerous liaisons.

@crcwnprincc​

She ought to be with Louise right now, in the convent, ut she was awaiting letters from home, from Scotland. It was as good excuse as many to stay behind at the french court few more days before leaving it for few months. Besides, she got to spend her time with the future King of France. Their meetings were quick, away from the curious and judging eyes, in the places they discovered as children. Will their relationship continue even after he marries that southern girl ? 

Eliza wanted to know more about her, without actually meeting her yet. Though she learn with time to conceal her true feelings with a facade of courteous smiles,she feared that her anxiety about the future will be evident once she meets with the future queen. Why go to the southern girl if she had someone close to her right there ? The crown prince from the same land Aularia was, as she assumed, training archery. With a big smile and eyes flickering for the possibility of danger, as always, she stood before the target, despite him getting ready to shoot.

“ Your grace ! Don’t you feel lonely training here all by yourself? As a lady in waiting to the absent princess I feel obliged to offer you my company “ .

[namtan]

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guillaumevalois​:

“Adultery?” he hummed, the word rolling off of his tongue. It truly was a delightful word, especially the way that she said it. “Are you sure it is you that are dragging him, and not him you?” he questioned. 

His eyes flickered, trying to take in as much of her as he could between the dark and the partition. “Enjoying it just increases the sin, do you not agree?” He was sure she could hear the grin in his voice- he wasn’t even attempting to hide it. “Are you to continue in your manner of sin?”

The gigle that escaped her lips was quiet, low, husky. “Yes.” 

Eliza was a wild creature, who often longed for things she could not have. Once she had no will left to stay away from him, she thought that perhaps once she gets what she wanted the urge of being with him in the most intimate way will be no more. And she'll move on to something new, exciting and thrilling, wanting it as long as she's unable to reach it. 

But that was not the case entirely. After their first night she needed more. It was his kisses she compared the lips of others to. Instead of extinguishing the fire by getting what she wanted, she only ignited it, and now was mad at herself for making this first step. But there was no turning back.

“ And you ? “ she asked him, moving even closer to the wooden barrier that separated them.