#demons keep

[shadowedtalks]

Demons Keep what they are given. Part 5

He sat there rather confused She was apologizing now? To him she hadn't done wrong. he gave voice to his thoughts "Im confused princess...why are you apologizing you have done no wrong." keeping her gaze fixed on the table before them she spoke. 

"I spoke out of turn on something you said that didn't need my input so i had done wrong." he could only sit there further baffled by what he heard, before he scoffed, his tone vastly different from how he had been addressing her before, finally starting to see what Marland had given voice too the evening prior, something was wrong, more then just her strange appearance here in his estate. 

"...Demons don't even have that strict of rules and we have to keep our emotions on strict control. You need to relax. The other thing that confuses me is you saying you have been nothing but an disappointment.... As far as I am aware your land has had nothing but excitement and pride for you. I've heard nothing of this disappointment." Her response was a little faster but she kept her own tone low as she still refused to look up to him. 

"Then I suppose we are getting Two different stories. Every event I've helped at or attended I've heard nothing back but how I was embarrassing or they were disappointed in what was done from me as a host..... My only assumption is in front of you none wanted to speak bad of the royal family. Where as with me it is to improve where I fail to meet expectations." 

"That would make since but my people are not cowards like such, they will speak out on poor actions not ignore them... I believe it's the one talking to you feeding you such terrible news, that I fully believe to be incorrect." she nodded slowly having decided to not argue with him on this matter, So in stead of a reply she took a small sip of the drink she had. 

He, having been expecting a fiery reply or her disputing his words, gave a sad look when he got nothing but a gentle nod of her head. he also took note of something else, she didn't look up for their conversation. That alone awakened a strange desire to do something to make her look up at him... So she didn't look so broken down. She wasn't broken, as a future queen she couldn't be broken. 

Instincts gave way to him as he watched her trying to think of something to do, deep down He could still feel the fire of her spirit, But it was incredibly small almost snuffed out... He just couldn't stand to let that fire die. Because of what he heard from what little she did yesterday she was a good person... And her patients knows no bounds. Several hours waiting to eat with the host with food right in front of you without touching it shows incredible restraints. He needed to do something so that little fire wouldn't die because if it was nurtured he was sure she would make an incredible Queen rule the land. To have at his side, As the royal family he chose to help. 

He reached across taking her hand into his own, causing her to immediately look up to him, shock dancing across her face and a question in her eyes. He was practically frozen in place as he really took in her features that gazed fully at him for that first time in their close proximity, an despite his nature let off just a small smile for a second. She was delightfully easy to read in her Persian blue eyes. 

That in an of it's self was a strange trait to have, in humans it was incredibly rare an even more so in demons, her eyes were a quite defining feature, a trait they both shared, in his humanoid form his eyes were an Icey Alice blue. An in those few seconds he made a choice he typically wouldn't. "Princess i want you to look at me.... I hate to say it but you are higher rank then I, So you have no need to make yourself so submissive to me. Ill tell you if your acting out of line so perk up no need to look so small and down. Regardless of how it happened you are a welcomed guest in my home till I can get you retuned home safely." he spoke steady and smooth to her as he kept her eyes focused on his., he would nurture this flame an build her up while she was here in his estate. 

She took a moment then stuttered out a response her gaze not leaving his. His previous tone When he spoke her title making since now, he was a powerful individual, a rank above his says he was weaker, but by affiliation an her birth she was ranked higher in power then him, even if in every other area possible he was for sure much, much, more powerful. "Oh... Um okay. You can call me an equal... Since you don't like me being higher rank...." she supplied him with, since saying she was of lower rank was sadly out of the question, even if she felt that it was true in every since of those words. Silence fallowed then he chuckled taking his other hand to cover his mouth. That was, the LAST thing he expected to come from her mouth. He took a silent pride in hearing that she wouldn't lower her title to far to be below him rather she compromised an took title equal to him over above. 

"My equal huh?" he said softly shifting and barely closing his hand tighter around hers. His fingers curling in to almost keep her palm in place as he leaned closer to her as much as this small table would allow. Suddenly finding himself wanting to be seated closer next to her rather then across. He however banished such thoughts from his mind to focus on his breakfast slowly pulling his hand back an straightening out in his seat. 

"I want you to help in my study today. ill arrange for you to help Marland tomorrow so you have something to do while we wait to hear back from your father." Regardless of what she said she was still the princess an human at that so he shouldn't entertain such thoughts even for that momentarily slip of mind. 

"Alright." she said pulling her own hand off the table, That was good this way he wasn't tempted to grab at her, rather soft yet firm hands once again.

[shadowedtalks]

Demons keep what they are given. part 10

HI! I hope you have enjoyed thus far but sadly this is where this one ends for now but don't worry to much! ill update when I have more just be warned it may not be as much as the parts normally are! enjoy 10! oh! its a little more out their but I promise its nothing to risky raunchy. so sorry in advance but it is necessary for future advancements an... lets say occurrences? Problems? but that's all so enjoy!)))

Lord Oakwood re sheathed his sword once he was certain that Cardinals presence was no longer felt near by an the guards had cleared the room, looking at her an it made since now. 

The princess was affectionately starved because she was giving it to her guard that seemed very much like a bird in a cage. it seemed she tired to give her freedom at the expense of her own. it made him all the more curious about her and her guard, namely because Cardinal was a female, that reeked like a male an was easily on par with him, in this undesirable location of a fight, yet despite her looks smelled human as well. 

he was curious to the story of that guard an just how the princess came into contact with such a person. For now he would focus on confirming a few things with the princess starting by getting her alone so she would speak freely, that itself would be difficult but he had an idea, yet again not the best idea but an idea none the less. 

"It makes since now the way you act and seeing your guard." he said stepping forward placing a hand on her shoulder looking down at her. 

"I know. Cardinal is absolutely wonderful and such a sad story before she came to work under me. I do all i can to make things better. And cardinal knows this, loves me for it. Its why she is my personal guard yet why i will protect her." 

Marcona gave a soft giggle her words flowing honest before she could think of the proper story she is supposed to tell when it comes to questions about her guard. silence fallowed for a few minuets then he spoke again deciding to start with his idea, curiosity eating at him now. 

"Fallow me princess." he said softly and lead the way out of the room without looking to see if she would fallow an sure enough and she fallowed. Down corridors, around corners, down a set of stairs, and down one last hallway, he finally came to a stop. before them a set of doors rested. Things had to go just right or this idea would be for not. he pushed them open revealing a fairly humid room. 

"This is my private spring. Its a good place to clean up as well as relax." he said letting her walk into the room before fallowing himself an closing the doors. 

"In this room no one else is here. Its a place to relax an be honest among others..." he spoke low an let the doors latch, then turned to her as she looked back to him. Concern very obvious in her eyes an expression, 

"So princess I want you to join me an I want the full truth of your home life, and your guard." he said continuing to block the doorway so she couldn't make a break for it. Surprisingly enough she didn't seem to fight back for this moment as he expected of her, she just gave a deep sigh. 

"Alright...." she was giving in. He nodded an moved away from the doors towards a small shelf not to far away, certain that she wouldn't run since she had given in to his request. It wasn't until he began to undress that she freaked seeming to understand what he meant fully now. From watching him move away from the door to now turning her back to him with a panicked squeak he had to let out a low chuckle. 

Humans could be rather body shy as he remembered, An sure enough she kept her gaze averted from him while he undressed an moved towards the water sinking into the spring before looking to her. This will be the annoying yet difficult part. Getting her to join the bath 

"Well come on now, I said join me not stand at the edge of the room." he had come to realize that she had been inching closer an closer to the wall farthest from the spring, annoying indeed. 

"I can't bath with you!" an appropriate response for such a lady like this, but he couldn't give her this one, for the idea to work he needed her in the water with him. 

"Princess this is how this works. You want to be called my equal then we must. I am the alpha of this land. No one will think less of you for sharing a bath with the alpha, its an honor to do so. An as I said before we are the only ones here no one else will know what happens or is spoken of in this room." he was very firm in tone. Watching her frantically shake her head no as she still refused to make eye contact with him. He was tired of trying to convince her of every little thing. he needed to be pushy in this he couldn't let her run, Before something from a previous conversation they shared stuck a cord with him an he smirked. 

"You see, I am remembering that you were very excited to learn about me an my people. This is the first step, to being able to do so. It will welcome you to the pack. I am sure you have noticed that the staff, while respectful, is distant. They don't know what to do with you. You are the princess yes, but to them that title means nothing you are a girl that is not a packmate there for they don't know how to respond to you." That seemed to have the desired effect with her an she relaxed just slightly, finally dragging her gaze back to his eyes an toward the spring. 

"Really!? Doing this will let me learn an know more?" Bingo the princess had a desire to know about them, easy to manipulate or convince her with. She shifted slightly seeming to grab ahold of herself and stop her excitement as it washed away the awkwardness she felt of having to share a bath with him. 

"Well..... if its not weird to do so, no one but me will know... an I can learn more about you an your people.... then I guess, I could join you." she muttered more to herself then him seeming to drift off into thought an shifting around in her place and beginning to disrobe. While it was true that none would know the contents of the conversation they would share, all of his people would know she had bathed with him as she will emerge from here with his light sent lingering on her skin, his staff will know she is in formally recognized as pack it will take a lot more before he even considers formally marking her as pack.

It took her a lot longer then him to do so, she seemed to be trying to keep her nerves down to a minimum, eventually she finished an walked towards the spring, still having a hard time meeting his eyes as he had no problem watching her. Her body was a lot smaller an thinner then he assumed it would be, but was blemish free and very well managed an cared for despite her being human. 

He helped her step down into the spring so she didn't slip or hurt herself by joining him in the water. The heat an smell of the water took immediate hold of her and she let out a deep breath relaxing back into the spring more as she found a place to sit. She took a moment before looking to him seeming fine now.

 "What of my home life do you want to know?" Check mate. Everything is in place now, it had its light hold on her, she brought up the topic he addressed earlier an he knew he would get the truth not whatever scripted lie they made her to tell. 

"Everything." He answered, she gave a soft nod and got situated as he took a seat next to her. 

"My home life isn't like a typical royals as I have learned later in life. I very rarely see my parents. My mother is very sick often and my father can't stand to look at me because of this fact. The educate and training I was put threw was much more harsh then it should be. My father knew I was a spirited child, And wanted that part of me broken down and eventually beaten out of existence... 

Some teachers went so far and were bent on actually beating me till it was perfect in their ideal mold for me and just as cold. Everything about me was formed crafted and rehearsed to make me seem cold cool perfect and submissive to any and all male requests. I was to be the perfect 'yes Sir' lady not a princess to eventual queen. All events I put on were to be flawless, everything was where it was supposed to be, everyone had what they wanted or needed and enjoyed, yet their was always something wrong. in basic, I was involved. A few years ago I met Cardinal. The poor girl had rules much more harsher then my own yet was held to the same standard. 

Meeting her an for the first time I just couldn't be the perfect mold of a 'yes sir' lady, I fought tooth and nail to get her away from the one she was guarding to become my personal guard. An I was successful. But that was also the first time my father took to punish me himself... The dinner I ate with him before coming here was the first dinner I ate with him since I was just a little over 11 summers. He often told staff that he would be in for dinner an to inform them to have me wait for him, but ultimately he kept me waiting in the dinning hall many long hours. 

I had been so grilled and formed to not eat till the host, very often my father, took their first bite of dinner or supper, I would sit there for hours waiting till the chef an staff either came to clean up or word would finally be passed to me that he was not coming." she explained just watching the water move. 

"I have so many standards and many rules that being here is awkward. Being told by a lord, that what I do is to much, even for a race prided on perfection an control of action an emotion is shocking. I hate being called pampered because their is no way I am pampered I have seen other princes and princess. They are pampered, im no better then some stupid puppet for everyone to toy with... But as you saw there is one who I care for deeply. 

Cardinal is them... She has helped me really keep my mind over things that have happened because they too have happened to her if not on a worse level. We have a equal relationship. We protect each other. She can do so much easer then I but I do try. I gave her a space to relax to become herself for once. To have freedom an no rules." she took a moment to breath deeply as she kept hold of her slightly shaking voice. 

"One look at cardinal an I know that I am not a waist of space. I am someone's everything, because I got protective an didn't let them smother me when that feeling gave rise in me. because of that moment I have over heard by many of the staff say, when I do become a mother that I will be great at it.... Im not so sure but I know I won't let harm come to any child of mine." she sighed. 

"Even though I keep being told I will be married off to some man for whatever reason. I hope to love them before we are tied together forever. So I won't feel disgusted with myself for having to lay with them and have a child by them." she eventually gave a shallow sigh her emotions of telling her story seeming to leave with that breath an she gave way to another leaning over on his shoulder, actually letting her body seek out affection this time rather then suppress it. 

An he could feel her desire for comfort pour off of her small frame as she began to fully lean into him. The effects of the bath completely gripping the princess now, an he knew they wouldn't have to stay much longer.

"Its such a little girls dream to get married to a man she loves and help start their family." she lifted her hand moving the water in front of her as she watched it move an ripple. 

"Its a dream I don't mind having, given everything else. even if some days I feel like a fool because of it.”

[shadowedtalks]

Demons Keep what they are given. Part 9

"Princess?" she heard a soft voice and she turned, shocked at seeing who stood there, at the door. 

"My Fox? Is this you?" she asked standing, before rushing over with there conformation to hug them. She hadn't seen her personal guard in months. They were sent off to deal with an incredibly difficult task an when they returned they were kept in the healing ward due to extensive injury's, their for the two of them had been apart for a long time. 

"I am so glad you are okay!" Marcona called to them before gently releasing her guard an stepping back. her guard gave a gentle nod to her reaching up an brushing some hair back from her face, speaking soft an low threw their fox mask that adorned their face. 

"So am I, to see you without harm. I am sorry for leaving your side for so long. I've come to take you home. But we must hurry we don't have much time." 

"Im going home. Let me go an say goodbye before we leave." 

"Say goodbye? Princess, why would you tell your kidnappers you are leaving. Im good at fighting but not that good to fend of an estate. Much less one of demon's." 

"Kidnappers? What are you talking about? They found me a few days back outside his home, and have taken care of me while trying to contact the castle to get me home... I thought father sent you to get me." marcona spoke low with her guard to not rise concern to her room, wanting to continue to speak frank with fox for the time being an not as princess an guard should speak with each other.

 "That's incorrect. You were stolen from home and bought here to threaten the king." 

"Lord Oakwood wouldn't do that." she defended, an her guard gave a small thoughtful nod knowing how her princess could get when she has decided something about somebody. 

"If not him, then someone close to him is causing this, or someone who was nearly busted while they past threw this land an had to leave you behind to get away. regardless what ever option it may be you are still in danger here and we have to go and go now. They are most likely locking down the estate by now to try and find me." 

"You snuck in?" 

"Of course. An none would of been be the wiser if two hadn't rounded the wall last second in their finally patrol. You were taken from your home. Like I would ask nicely to have you back from the place where threatening letters are being sent from about your safety an the kings... Come on princess please we must go." her guard plead pulling her away from the door an to the open window gently looking to see the best way down quickly with them both, it was then that the door bust open and their stood Lord Oakwood and 2 guards. 

"Your not taking her infiltrator. Step away from the princess. Now." he growled out drawing his sword from his hip and pointing it towards them, his two additional guards doing much the same taking up defensive stances at the lords side. And she looked to her guard as they cussed lowly from beneath their mask.

Doing as they were to, they pushed Marcona behind them drawing out twin blades to protect an engage the threat before them answering with a growl to his demand, causing an allowing for a pause of confusion from the three at the door, before all three returned growls to them. Before Marcona could speak to defuse the situation, they engaged. 

Oakwood moved first an fox moved to put distance between them an marcona to keep her out of harms way, meeting him half way in a loud clang of metal, using one of her swords to block his an the second to slice toward his mid section to push him back so he couldn't push forward an had to pull away or risk harm. 

The other two guards stood at the ready looking for any kind of opening to join in an help their lord as the two continued to clash, push, parry, slice an repeat at incredible speeds. She had full trust in her guard but didn't want anybody harmed. an for now none were, till the guard to the left saw an opening an jumped for Fox only realizing their mistake last second as they twisted from Oakwood's powerful down clash to let their second blade slice cleanly threw a exposed portion in their armor.

The scream that came from them caused everyone in the room to move. The second guard jumped forward to help as Marcona ran forward to the two dead locked in crossed blades. 

"Stop this please! Fox is no threat Lord Oakwood!" she called out as the second guard moved to hold her back an she squirmed in the guards hold. "Let me go!" she yelled an in the next second she was released by the guard as they narrowly avoided Both of foxes blades that bared down on them, leaving Oakwood stunned momentarily in the middle of the room, an then she was pressed into the back of her guard as they stood protectively in front of her both blades poised in a low angle but taught an ready to shift at a seconds notice.

Shifting back from the two still seen as a threat. It was Lord Oakwood that had broken the silence, his growl very heavy in tone directed towards Marcona who was still somewhat hidden from view. "Speak, before I put them to death!" 

"W-wait! Fox is my personal guard from home! They have been severely injured for a while. They just came to get me! They mean no harm to you, me, or your people!" she countered quick in her panic looking over their shoulder to him. 

"By disarming my guards, jumping the wall, an cutting my guard so they can no longer fight, I don't think so!" he countered an stepped a single step forward. Her guard tensed an she spoke again in her quick panic. 

"Lord Oakwood please listen for just a moment! They said I was taken and brought here to threaten my father. I know its not true but please lower your weapon! Fox believed I was in danger, they defended themselves that's all! Please we have been separated for a long time, but I know them, I know what they would do and... They are just doing their job!" she plead defending fox moving this time, in spite of her fear, as she stood between the two her arms spread out blocking them from one another. Her guard listened to her pleas, an with a cleaning whip of the blades, both weapons were put away an hidden on wherever Fox keeps them on their body. 

Looking to Lord Oakwood expecting him to do much of the same, if he wished to keep grace with the princess. He took longer to comply but gave in, he sighed an lowed his weapon. "Fine." 

she breathed a deep sigh lowered her arms, an looked to Her guard then nodded. "Its okay I won't tell." Fox nodded and moved removing their mask. 

Behind the mask was a beyond beautiful woman, rivaling the looks of an immortal. her skin was clear and the perfect shaded color of peach porcine with no blemishes. Her eyes a vibrant Green and her hair a soft Fire Orange hidden under her hood, sure to look like real flames in the sun. An she looked dead ahead at Lord Oakwood her gaze un wavering, not afraid of him or his presence, as she stood tall. 

Marcona took that moment in introduce the two who had just been locked in a even fight. "Lord Oakwood this is Cardinal... Otherwise known as The Fox, my personal guard." she introduced them and cardinal nodded to him. 

"Pleasure," past the soft greeting cardinal began explaining what was going on. "For the past 2 weeks we have been scrambling to find the princess and for the last week we have received letters from your estate boasting about having her locked away and supposed threats to the king of the princesses safety," she took a minuet to look to her princess. 

"I acted independently, they wouldn't let me leave because of my condition, despite it being healed for many days now, to come and retrieve the princess. it had to be me simply for the reason being it was my duty that had been left unfulfilled for so long, allowed for her capture an Kidnaping in the first place. I snuck in to take her back believing her safety was in immediate danger." she explained moving and standing at Marcona's side. 

"I have sent several letters to try and get her sent back home safely not threatening anyone. I wouldn't let harm befall the princess." 

"Then there is a problem on someone's side with letter swapping... Someone brought her here. Someone aims to do her harm and to do damage to the ties of your loyalty with the castle an its current King." Cardinal stated it much like it was fact she had confirmation of rather then speculation. 

Marcona could only gave a deep sigh. "This is what I was afraid of. Someone aiming to do damage to our ties between lord Oakwood and my father. I can't let this continue to happen." marcona looked to Lord Oakwood an he shook his head slightly. Remembering his words from breakfast, she turned to cardinal. facing the female an giving full attention. 

"I have missed you dearly... But I need you to return home immediately. He will do me no harm and once he has proper word will get me home safely." she explained moving to gently cup one of cardinals cheeks as cardinal looked at her worried with what marcona was saying yet gave into the indulgence offered to her leaning into her palm giving a deep sigh as finally her eyes slipped closed letting her voice rumble out low just for Marcona's ears. 

"I am sorry, again for leaving you alone for so long." 

"Its not your fault... Father sent you alone to deal with a beast teams of men couldn't deal with." 

"Thank you for your care. I am happy to guard you." 

"I know an you will do anything for me. That's why you are going home... Find out everything you can about the story being told back home. Don't get into trouble over it an don't let others know fully why you are looking into what is being told and let us know what is going on." To that cardinal nodded as the two parted from each other. 

"As you wish. Any time limit?" 

"Of course not. I trust you and I know you will not over look anything." 

"Right away then princess." 

"Best of luck to you cardinal.... Return word as soon as you feel you can." Cardinal nodded and adorned her mask once again, before going and slipping out the window and was over the wall an gone within seconds. As the princess gave a deep sigh again the two guard accompanying lord Oakwood finally moved to get up leave probably to visit the infirmary.

[shadowedtalks]

Demons Keep what they are given. Part 8

The evening was relatively peaceful. Work was eventually done no issues occuring as time ticked slowly, But it seemed the night had its own plans of events set to occur before anyone was able to retire for the evening. Frantic steps had reached his ears as they came charging down the corridor and who it was had thrown the study's door wide open rushing in, out of breath the guard spoke immediately. "Milord! Milord! Emergency! We have an intruder!" that caught his immediate attention an his thoughts jumped to the princess across the estate. As his eyes snapped up to the one who rushed into the room. "What!?" "2 guards didn't return from parameter check, we went to find them and they were found them unconscious by the northern walls." he reported quickly over his rushed breathing an Lord Oakwood stood up, calling apon his power to surface. feeling it was over him for the first time in many, many years, that last time being a war that took his mother from him. "Go! Lock down the estate check every one and everywhere! Send me Kal and Soren, Ill check on the princess." he growled out as an order already heading for the door. "Yes sir!" called the guard, hurrying off to enact the order given to him.

[shadowedtalks]

Demons Keep what they are given. Part 7

From the corner of her eye she saw his hand rise, feeling her body react immediately stiffening up an she held her breath to stop from flinching away, before he just lightly touched her cheek breathing out slowly letting their eyes meet giving a small smirk resisting leaning into his hand, it was soft an warm on her skin. she gave the only answer she could think of for the moment. "You obviously don't know my father that well." she gave a small sigh. "Well, if you are done with breakfast why don't we go get to work i suppose." she said before realizing how his eyes were looking over her. she shifted back from his hand With a small chuckle, Looking away from him feeling odd. With the okay she got up from her chair as a group of workers appeared to clean up and she fallowed after him. He wanted her to help in the study so that is what she is going to do. Their she waited as he got busy. After a few minutes and him just working quietly she decided on something to do looking at his cluttered disorganized shelfs all around the study they both sat in. From books to loose papers and tossed about scrolls. So slipping off her shoes and tucking them under a chair she started organizing his books stacking them properly in order by name and volumes then organizing the papers by date as she didn't really know what was important or not. She moved around the room quietly as she worked threw the 30 something shelf's of books and papers dedicating 2 of the cleared shelfs to letters maps and documents that were dated and organized properly. It took several hours, she actually didn't take to much notice of how much time passed, till someone came to bring them lunch and they both looked up from their tasks when the maid knocked lightly on the open door then spoke in her shock, at the now organized study rather then the controlled mess it was before. "Oh wow...." to which the maid got bashful from speaking up like that, an lord Oakwood looked around looking shocked at the studies shelfs suddenly being organized. "Uh.... I have lunch here milord and my lady- Lady princess. It's something light since your both so busy." the maid stammered out as she moved to set the tray of food and drinks down on a separate table not to far away from his desk he was seated at. "Thank you very much." Marcona said offering a sweet smile as the maid bowed out quickly and the studies door closed with a soft click. And she looked to him. "I hadn't realized so long had passed since we got to work." she giggled softly. It was true as normally she often was very time conscious but this time.... Its like time fell away from her as she worked. Understanding now the words that had been spoken to her early that morning when she had been getting ready before breakfast. Keeping to herself with a little hum she retuned her focus to the books, dated documents, and various numbers in plans she was dealing with. She offered him a small smile and turned back to her task on the shelfs she was in front of. "Are you not going to eat?" she heard from behind her, as she reached up shelfing a book in the proper place. "Not at the moment. Im not very hungry as breakfast was very filing." she answered as she continued soring the books and papers on the shelf she was in front of. "Well i am going to eat." she heard after a moment. "Go right ahead milord, i got plenty to keep busy with." she replyed with seeming on auto pilot. "No.... I want to get to know you more princess." he spoke as she paused an looked at him shock seeming to dominate her face. It was strange. She was quiet but her presence alone pulled his attention from his work, having only gotten threw a handful of documents since they got started. And her simple light, yet sweet sent filled his senses as she moved about the room wanting to drag his eyes to her yet he kept focused as best he could on his work. She was a distraction.... It was strange but for now it was being chopped up to curiosity. She did a lot yet so little was know about her and so few had actually seen her. taking that into thought he assumed that was why he was hyper aware of her presence because not a lot is known, and she is royalty. Due to take the thrown at any time, But doesn't quite carry that air of regality about her... Simple things shut her down easy, and she goes so far as to okay that a Nobel lord could refer to them as equals yet her birth put her at a rank far beyond his own. In this kingdom as it was rare for lords of nobility to speak directly with the king, rather then his next of hand that took on such affairs an handled them or took them to the king. Even more so with any children the king an queen might have, And yet here he was causally fraternizing with the princess the heir of the kingdom. That must be it. His own curiosity and desire to annoy the king, as he was doing to him currently, must be what is driving his senses to be so hyper focused on her weather it be she is across the room or across the estate. He watched her shift bite her lower lip for a moment as she turned and put the books an various papers down before moving and sitting down near the tray of food then starting to pour a cup of their after noon drink before slowly passing one cup to him, as he took it he let his hand linger over hers for an extended moment then pulled the cup gently from her hands, she seemed to become flustered shifting and fixing her own and he let off just a small chuckle taking a drink slowly. Just watching her over the rim. She had resisted flinching earlier, that tells him she didn't miss speak when she said she wasn't pampered no princesses should flinch when a hand is raised to them, shows she was afraid of being hit. But when it displayed tenderness he caught her fighting reacting to it. From leaning into his hand just barely as her eyes fell hooded for just a split second before opening them normally and just now, how she let her hands linger under his, how she chose to hand it to him over slide it to him across the desk. It showed she liked gentle touch, the kind attention being given to her, almost like she craved it from someone, because she's never had it before. That makes him curious as to just what this beautiful princess went threw growing up, if she holds herself so in line with showing appreciation and cravings for soft affection. Just what an how was she taught? She was almost like a forced submissive but a lot more... Broken then normal yet she still had fire and fun in her eyes so he knew she wasn't lost yet. Perhaps knowing her can help some with that as well as calm down his senses in their focus to her alone at the moment as it could be a real hinder to further work. She just drank slowly on the sweet and slightly bitter drink as they took their break for the moment. Eventually she set her cup down and tuned looking at him. "Alright lord Oakwood, you want to know more about me.... Ask away with what you want to know." she said keeping her focus on him with a soft smile. She had nothing to hide so she didn't mind talking and answering questions. And talk they did however all her responses were all bland an incredibly dull. No significant talents. She had very basic schooling, focused more towards edict that was expected and required of her as a lady. All her events she help host was mediocre with no important details or means to help with meetings or discussions. She had no friends. Her father and mother are always very busy she had no time to be a clingy child as most royals grow up as. She shifted a bit as she just sat their during their talk. She didn't even have a favorite food or drink she ate whatever was given to her. She was so incredibly dull because of those responses. She didn't even have a hobby. And eventually he got fed up with those responses painting nothing but a dull gray photo of her. He called for her to just stop as he frustrations began to actually surface. "I don't know why you are doing this. Making yourself so incredibly dull! Your answers are obviously scripted! Do you have any personality at all!? Anything so you don't seem so flat and fake an dull beyond belief!?" he asked standing suddenly with his voice being loud and she jumped slightly with a flinch. Seeing that made him stall in his frustrations an began reeling back in his emotions quickly and he sat down. "If i want something boring to talk to ill go speak with the guild... Princess you can't be this dull. Why are you acting like you are? Their is no reason for it. its not like i will use this information to my advantage, we are under the same shield, YOUR shield of this kingdom." "It's so you don't get your hopes thinking i am some wonderful person, when i am not." he gave a deep sigh putting his face in his hands shaking his head slowly. "Alright fine. We waisted enough time talking like this, lets get back to work." she nodded, stood and moved returning to the shelf she was organizing last and silence fell around them he would occasionally grumble to himself about random things to low for her to hear really what he was saying before she eventually she turned an looked at him. "Hibiscus Tea." she said softly and he looked up. "Excuse me?" "Our drink this afternoon was Hibiscus Tea, i am rather good at picking out different tea flavors, an Hibiscus is one of my favorite kinds of tea. Sweet without sweetener and lightly bitter in the end like with green tea." she explained watching as that seemed to quell him an he smiled softly. "Is that so?" "Yes.... I also like all types of Owls and the stars." she said before looking away quickly and returning to her work in the shelf's before her. "So your not so dull after all princess." he said before he to focused back on his work, as now he could actually focus on it. Her finally telling the truth on a few things about her seems to of calmed his mind to let him focus. Before long she finished and left when a maid came back to clean up the tray from lunch. She went off to just hang out in her room for a little while just sitting and enjoying the cool breeze coming in from the open doors on the balcony actually dozing off a bit as she sat their. Awoken by the sound of the door gently closing behind her.

[shadowedtalks]

Demons Keep what they are given. part 6

As he looks at her. He's eating what's left of their prepared breakfast watching her an hoping to think of something to make her feel better, an culture that little flame that is her spirit. Things will get better here the sooner he could make her happier. pondering what to do, an idea surfaced, not the best idea, but an idea that would perhaps spark several new opportunity's between them to interact more. so he voiced his idea however in a way made it sound like he wouldn't take any other answer but her compliance. For the moment he would use the way she was raised in order to get what he wanted, the way she seemed to bend to the will of those around her. Once he had all those pieces in place he would abolish that ridiculous notion she had to bend to anyone's will apart from her own. even if their time here together ran out, he might make a few personal visits to the capital city in order to allow for his plans to continue for what he wanted to do. he was a demon known to never abandon his ideas. 

"if you wish to be equal you will sit by me when I make it to meals" he goes on to tell her. Looking forward at nothing in particular to give off an air of temporary indifference. however after a moment he looks to her, she is a lovely girl also made him curious as to what she might look like in the royal colors as well as his own crest colors. 

"I am grateful to have gotten to meet you princess." He's almost done eating at this point getting ready to return to work before an strange feeling over come his mind. His inner beast was making request of action for the first time since he was a pup an learned to put it in its place. She was slightly taken back by his demand then his gentle spoken words after an she nods. getting a gentle an warm feeling smile spread about her face. 

"Alright then. I am honored to of met you as well. You, your land, and people have fascinated me for a long time. I was quite excited to hear you were apart of the kingdom when I learned off all the land and its neighbors... I am simply happy, I got to meet you personally before I took the throne with whom ever ends up as my husband." she didn't know why she had said that, it was of no importance but for what ever reason she had said that. With a fluster she shifted and looked down immediately to her cup taking a long sip. 

"You haven't met your future husband yet?" 

"No... I don't have a betrothed actually. Father keeps saying I do... But un known to him I looked into it numerous times... I have no betrothed recorded or planned in discussions of the past to anywhere in the recent past. Nor has my father received any requests from the neighboring kingdoms for my hand for any of the numerous princes." 

"Well aren't you a clever girl." 

"It is my life I have to worry over." 

"Well it's satisfying to know you have no soon to be husband." 

"Yes. Its rather relaxing for the moment but I know I will at some time... I've been prepared for it my whole life." She let off a small sight and takes a slow drink. 

"It's a pity... Makes me almost envious of common Folk... Married for love what a fairy tale." 

"A fairy tale?" he asked seeming baffled. 

"Yes. To me that is nothing more then some crazy dream, to marry for love." she sighed taking one last drink, then putting her cup down on the table. 

"One day I will be married off to expand lands, strengthen ties with others, Or to prevent war from braking out among two lands. I will marry a stranger when it comes time for me to be wed.... I just hope I can grow to love them and not just have to bare a child of someone I care not for." she gave another deep sigh looking at him and offering a small smile. 

"Enough about me and my pitiful fate. Tell me about you... Do you have a significant other? Someone your courting I believe is what it is called.... I heard a while ago that you did but that could of been just rumors." 

"The most recent, talk of me courting someone was a rumor. A very lovely fox had come by my estate one day not that many years ago, asking to set up an inn on the outer edge of my city. Because she was a fox most assumed I laid with her. And kept her here to claim as they are rare. But no. She got her answer and left in the evening time... I am not actively courting anyone anymore." he explained and she nodded listening to all he had to say it did fascinate her how they did things. She was totally envious of him. From his view from any room of the garden, how his people revered him, to even his choice of partner in life he had so much freedom, compared to her. All of this just fascinated her to no ends, She leaned a little bit closer to him in her shown interest her smile soft but her eyes sparkling with her eagerness to learn. 

"Anymore? That means at one point you had actively courted someone? An what does courting entails, what's needed of the pair evolved?" she asked rapid fire, this time her eagerness voiced. an he couldn't help but to chuckle at how adorable she was acting. 

"Easy princess. Yes I have courted someone before but for various reasons it hadn't worked out." he took a moment taking a sip of his drink then leaned over close to her closing even more of the distance between them, showing just how close she leaned to him across the table keeping them separated. 

"However I must say, since you are not one of my kind, knowing the details of courting or what is required of a pair is... not in your best interest." he spoke gently to her keeping his eyes locked with hers willing her to not look away. 

"Unless... you are interested in courting someone of my kind, if that is the case I will be more then glad to walk you threw the motions an steps required of the submissive half of the courting requirements, ill take on the dominate role myself." he spoke low, his tone smooth an warm. Waiting to see if what he was insinuating would go over her head or not. an to his delight it sunk in for her, her eyes widening as panic, shock, then embarrassment settled over her features an she moved back from him sitting as far back into her seat as she could get without moving it away. 

"I- um" she took a moment clearing her throat, 

"I suppose their are just some things some are not privileged to know, as I said before that's not my fate." she looked away as it was noted a small red tint seemed to of taken hold of her face. 

In a moment of impulse, He lift his hand cupping her cheek making her look at him. He let his gaze linger on her eyes then slowly let it move to her light pink lips and soft neck stopping when his eyes reached the right side junction of her throat. Speaking low as he moved his eyes back up to hers 

"You may think you know how your life will go now, but one day you will look back and laugh over how wrong you are young princess.”

[shadowedtalks]

Demons Keep what they are given. Part 4

The Lord gathered his kitchen staff in one of the corners of the Garden in the Twilight of the fallowing morning. Ordering a chef to prepare an outdoor breakfast, an The serving staff to set everything up. He then turns to the head of his staff Marland "Go and fetch the princess, make sure she is ready, Then bring her to the garden for breakfast." he then takes a seat pulling out the book he had brought with. He planned going an doing do some more studying while he waits, for Marland, an his chef to bring both the food an the princess to the table before him. Figuring this was the best way to make it up to said Princess, to wait on her this time, an have breakfast together in the early morning. 

Feeling a constant bother an shake to her shoulder Marcona was awoken from her sleep as someone called to her. 

"Yes?" she asked just barely opening her eyes, her tone heavy an groggy. 

"I've come to get you ready for the day and for breakfast." Marland spoke gently to her as they locked eyes, seeming to finally get her wits, an blinking rapidly several times. 

"Ah right. Let me get up then." she said getting out of the bed, with Marland’s help in choice of dress she was ready for the day. 

"The lord feels sorry for making you wait so long yesterday so he has had prepared for a breakfast for you both in the garden this morning." 

"Really?" she asked a soft hope in her voice.

"Yes time slips away from us easily, so we hope to make it better this way. But he is waiting so we must hurry." Marcona nodded with a soft smile. He was waiting on her this time so once finished, she hurried down with the other lady towards the gardens, but once they got there but her hope broke, an her smile faded from her face at seeing him waiting with a book. Of course, He didn't feel sorry. This was him taking pity on her. She couldn't blame him to much... She did appear un expectedly for everyone so of course things were strange. She fixed her smile as best she could and walked over taking a seat with a soft 'thank you' before looking at him. 

"Im sorry to keep you waiting, Im sure you are a very busy person Lord Oakwood, so thank you for having breakfast with me this morning." she said with a formal greeting and a slight head bow. Past that she otherwise sat in silence as breakfast was started letting him take first bite. Before she began to eat. He was the one to break the silence 

"I have yet to hear back from your father." 

"I see... Im sorry he isn't responding perhaps something happened." she replied keeping her eyes down on the plate of food before her. 

"Perhaps... I heard you waited several hour's for me last night. Why did you not just start eating after a handful of minuets?" he further questioned as she took a sip of the tea she had been given with her meal. 

"Because its improper and rude to eat before the host does... After such a long wait i assumed it was okay to eat as i guessed you had decided to not join me." 

"You are a strange one princess... Most only wait at best an hour." 

"Well i am happy to be strange then." silence fallowed for several minuets only the gentle clanking of silverware meeting the plates an a occasionally gentle clank of a cup being returned to the table before them filling the awkward air between the two an yet again he was the one to break it. 

"I am sorry for not joining you." 

"Its not an issue. I was a sudden, and i am sure, a rather unwelcomed guest in your estate Lord Oakwood. I however do appreciate you taking pity on me and bring me into your home having healers and others looking after me even having breakfast here with me.... Perhaps if you don't hear back from my father by this evening i should set out for home tomorrow regardless... I can make sure no harm or issues befall you or your people because of this strange event happening." she offered as a means to end this weird occurrence as well as to voice a few things she had saw an felt threw their interactions. 

"I won't allow that princess. I won't return you home till I have heard from your father and he has sent a carriage and guards to retrieve you to take you home safely. For now you are to stay here." he bit back rather quickly in tone an keeping his voice steady an not so bitter as normal. She nodded slowly. 

"I feel bad just waiting and doing nothing." 

"If your that worried ask my head of staff for something to do." She nods slowly again. just letting silence be her answer as she finished her meal before laying her fork diagonal on her plate to show she was done. he broke that silence as well. 

"Your very well tempered for a pampered princess." his voice was mocking at best, but light in terms of his normal temper. 

"Princess yes. Pampered no.... Im more of a disappointment to my land rather then a heir to the throne... My presence has caused many problems for many people and now you too by this event happening. an for that i am Truly sorry." she bit back her tone surprisingly bitter an hostile for what she was saying, She then paused for a moment, breathing out. 

"Excuse my slight of tongue I mean no disrespect to you... I often let my emotions get the best of me and speak before I think of my words. I do apologize, for my behavior." she gave a small head bow with her apology and fell quiet again continuing to drink her tea now in a silence that is Guilt heavy to her for speaking out in such a manner. Her option wasn't necessary on what he said she need not voice what she did. She let out a soundless sigh and kept her eyes focused downward to the table hoping he wouldn't become upset with her disrespect.

[shadowedtalks]

Demons Keep what they are given. Part 3

At the dining hall she smiled and thanked them as she took her seat taking a moment look around. Before looking to the one who got her. "Am i dining alone this evening?" she asked softly. 

"No... The lord should be down in just a moment he probably got held up in his study again. Allow me to fetch him." they then bowed and hurried off. 

Marcona got comfortable in her chair as she waited thanking the chef that brought her food out a little while after she had been waiting and she continued to wait. As slowly hours passed, she gave a small sigh looking at the food in front of her, now very cold. Eventually she gave in to her hunger and slowly began eating the food. She didn't take long to finish before she stood as the table was cleaned up and got out of the way of his staff. 

Waiting and waiting was nothing new. Not the only time she was told she wasn't eating alone only to wait several hours before she gave up on waiting. It was a normal occurrence at home mother rarely saw her, she knew her father cared about her but couldn't stand to see her either. Keeping her head lowered and hands held in front of her she slowly made her way back to her browed room. Getting ready to rest at the help of the maid who has helped her since she got up that early afternoon. Once done she wished her goodbye and good night as well as thanking her for all her help today and the door closed behind the maid with a soft click. The maid let out a deep breath and went of to find her lord still in his study. Entering after a nock and frowned at seeing him still buried in his work. 

"Milord. The princess has finished with dinner and is in bed." "Really? That was quick... Dinner only started a few minutes ago. She must not be feeling to well still." 

"Milord. Dinner started 3 hours ago. She stopped waiting on you to come down to the dining hall 15 minuets ago." That made him stop and look up. 

"Surely you jest." 

"I am not jesting with you Milord. You got wrapped up in your work and forgotten about your guest..... Again." 

"She's not exactly a welcomed guest." 

"She is the princess that showed up here needing help and you had a chance to speak with her get to know and understand what she knew of what was happening and why She showed up here. But instead you locked yourself away in your study and hurt the princess by keeping her waiting so long.... I have never seen a lady wait so long before breaking down. Most last an hour at best but 3... Milord something else is wrong with her." 

"Calm yourself Marland... Your my head of house and trusted adviser, but do watch your tongue around me." 

"Im sorry milord but it bothers me, she seems very bright and kind its worrisome to see someone like that sad." 

"I understand where you are coming from. Ill make it up to her tomorrow... Ill have breakfast or perhaps let her wander the garden, girls like that kind of thing.... If you don't mind i do have work to return to." 

"Very well... Do get some rest soon Milord." 

"Funny." he said with a smirk and flashing his K9's and Marland left. He wasn't a vampire. His kind just didn't need a lot of sleep. out of 21 days he maybe needed sleep 2 of those days, it doesn't mean they can't rest every night. He just found it more efficient to work till all work was done then rest. And right now he was sending yet another letter to her father trying to get ahold of someone because all messengers come back having delivered the message but shooed off without a return message. It was becoming increasingly irritating trying to get her delivered back home the proper way. Rather then rushing her off kicking in his gates in  and dropping her at the steps of her home like was done to him. But he wouldn't be rude to the royal family... For now as they have helped him as much as he helps them. But this is getting ridiculous he should of heard something by now at least the king should of put words out to all lords and nobles that his daughter was missing. He shook his head and just continued on with his work. As the night ticked on an his home fell to a soft lull of sleep that nice. Calm yet anxious too.