By Royal Decree of the good and noble hand of Guilia Escalus, Princess of Fair Verona it is hereby ordered that:
The Claim between Osborne Montague and Megan Capulet, who were claimed on January 6 of the year of 2018 of our Lord, is hereby permanently and irrevocably severed as of June 21, 2019.
Text: Hi Sir, quick question - do you do watercolor tattoos?
Text: Absolutely. If you want to come by the shop, I can show you some of my portfolio and you can see if it inspires you. Otherwise, my coworker, Desdemona does some amazing watercolour work. I can show you her book too.
Megan swallowed deeply at the word. She could hear the teasing tone in the domme’s voice and it did nothing to calm the storm brewing within her. “That’s good,” she choked out as she went to start. Her hands were shaking as they touched the woman’s neck, quickly lifting them off again as she tried to remind herself to breathe. “Sorry,” she mumbled, closing her eyes for a moment and telling herself to get a grip. Putting her hands back on and reminding herself this was just a client she asked, “Are you enjoying the fair Miss?”
Maria’s breath hitched at the submissive’s touch, causing her to automatically reach up to pull her hair out of the way, exposing more skin for the massage (especially with the open back shirt she was wearing). “Don’t be sorry, hermosa.” She murmured, a smirk pulling at her lips as Megan began massaging her again. “I don’t normally make a habit of celebrating the end of warm weather, but this little fall festival is pretty adorable. I love all of the different stalls. Though...I think I might have just found my favorite.”
Parties: Megan Capulet, Oz Montague, Tybalt Capulet and the Princess of Verona
Date: Tuesday April 14th
Location: The Palace
Summary: The Princess expresses her displeasure with recent turns of events.
@ozmontague, @megcapulet, @ty-capulet
Oz was not looking forward to this meeting. His last interaction with the Princess had not been a highlight and it was abundantly clear that the woman would gleefully replace him as the Head of the Montague family. Settling into a low chair in the parlour, he pulled out his phone and was checking his messages when a face appeared in the doorway. "Well fuck." He muttered to himself. The palace secretary shot him a filthy look and Oz swallowed, knowing his exclamation would likely be reported back to the Princess. "Good day Tybalt." he greeted with a nod.
Tybalt had managed to avoid any audience with the Princess during his tenure as Lord. He'd been in the fortunate position of taking over from Beatrice after the decree had been successful. To say he was not looking forward to this meeting was an understatement especially when he saw who waited for him in the parlour. Oz's first sentiment was certainly shared. "Oz," he said, taking his own chair with a curt nod in return.
Oz was about to respond when the door opened again. He rose to his feet when he saw who was standing there. They hadn't seen each other in months, not since the day he asked her to leave. He took a breath and nodded, "Megan." He waited until she was seated before he did so as well. Lord Capulet made sense. What the hell was Megan doing here?
Megan was at a loss as to why she had been summoned to the palace but she clearly couldn't refuse. Dressed in a respectful dark blue dress and making sure her make up and hair was perfect she was fully focused on remembering to breathe as she was shown to the parlour. However that concern went straight from her mind as she walked through the door and immediately saw Oz before her. "Oh!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide and her heart racing at the sight of him, panic hitting her even harder at being in the same space as him. Turning her head she saw Tybalt and muttering a quick "My Lord", her head swivelling between both heads of family she collapsed down into the chair closest to Tybalt though her gaze kept fleeting over to the other dominant.
Tybalt stood as well when he saw Megan enter the room, eyes narrowing at her reaction at seeing her Claim. He schooled his face as she turned to him, offering her a warm, reassuring smile. He waited until she sat, close enough that he could reach for her hand briefly and squeeze it. "Megan."
Oz couldn't help but feel the sting as Megan sat next to Tybalt. It made sense. It still stung, pressing on the open wound that was their claim. He hated to admit a weakness but as he was wholly mystified, he finally decided to admit to it, "Does either of you know the reason for our ... summons?" he queried quietly, not wanting to draw further attention to the emotional heat of the situation.
Megan gave Tybalt a brief smile at the gentle touch before she took her hand and placed it in her lap with the other. She couldn't help but want to move to the other side of the room and sit by Oz and the knowledge that she couldn't hurt more than she would ever admit. Her gaze settled on her Dominant at his question and she shook her head, "I have no idea Mas...my Lord. I don't understand why I am here at all."
Tybalt hated this situation with every fiber of his being but there was nothing to be done about it. "I have no more knowledge than either of you." Though he doubted it would be anything good. The families hadn't done anything overtly bad but having them both in the same room never boded well.
Oz opened his mouth to speak again, still trying to process Megan's near slip. Gods how he missed hearing her call him Master. Those bright eyes. That alabaster skin that only seemed emphasized by the rich darkness of her raven coloured hair. Gods, he was getting fanciful. He needed to get laid more. Before he could utter a word, the royal secretary stepped through announcing that since, at last, everyone was here, the princess would see them now.
Princess was livid. Absolutely livid. How dare these children play games with her father's Decree! That's what they were, no matter there actual age - a pack of ridiculous school children with no manners and not a milligram of sense between the lot of them. But the Princess was accustomed to hiding her anger behind a wall of cool disdain and she called upon that skill now as she straightened the lapel of her champagne coloured suit, worn a little sensually with only a matching silk camisole underneath. Her heels added to her height and she walked into the room as the three others finally had settled into place, forcing the trio to spring to their feet to bow respectfully. Well, they hadn't forgotten that much at least. Waving an imperious hand, she surveyed the others and finally nodded, "Please be seated. I do appreciate the time taken to come meet with me today. I acknowledge the notice was rather ... short."
Megan was surprised that her legs worked as they were invited through to the Princess' office. Somehow she ended up seated between the two dominants and as she sat she could smell Oz's cologne, could practically feel the heat from his body and her mind wandered to places she really didn't want it to. Thankfully the princess entered the room before she could work herself up any further on that matter and jumping up with a small curtsy, her head bowed respectfully until the domme spoke. Her chest felt tight and the formality of the Princess' tone did nothing to relieve that. Acutely aware that she was the lone submissive among the group of very powerful Dominants Megan sat up straight, her hands in her lap, her legs crossed at the ankles and the model of a dutiful and respectful submissive, here to listen but not speak unless spoken to.
Oz had to acknowledge her private office remained a stunning and intimidating place. He wondered what he could do to create a similar atmosphere in his office. As Megan settled between him and Tybalt, Oz had to refrain from sliding his arm around her protectively. He was wary of the Princess. As she entered the room, Oz bowed respectfully and seated himself again. "Good day, your highness." He greeted quietly and then swallowed at the look of disdain that flashed in her eyes. She fixed her gaze on the three of them, "Lord Capulet. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. I had hoped it would be under better circumstances.”
Tybalt had been raised with a very healthy respect for Verona's royalty. One thing his father did right. "It is lovely to meet you as well, Your Highness. I must confess I am concerned as to what thos circumstances are exactly.
Princess lifted a brow at Tybalt Capulet's words. "Oh? Have I been unclear?" She stated crisply, "Well then let me be abundantly clear. I am profoundly disappointed in both of your families. It is a personal embarrassment to me that the Romanos, a new family to this City, have behaved with far more grace than was shown by one of our most long-standing families." Her glare was directed at Tybalt. "I expected these kinds of frivolous games to be played by Lord Montague. His colours are well known." The disdain dripped and Oz's back straightened in response, but she ignored him. "And Megan Capulet ..." The Princess' gaze fixed on the beautiful submissive. "It appears you have been pulled into these machinations and for that I am not sure if I should free you from the bonds forced on you or oblige you to live ... so to speak ... in the mess you aided in constructing. Either way, I do believe I am owed reparations for the deceit."
Megan remained still as the princess began to speak. The more she said the more confused Megan was as to why she had been told to attend. Finally the domme reached the point about her and Megan's eyes widened and she looked quickly at Oz in panic before she met the firm gaze of the princess again. "Our claim failed, it was....it wasn't deceit your highness." She looked back at Oz with pleading eyes, not sure what she thought he could do but it seemed her faith that he could still take control and solve everything hadn't changed.
Oz was usually good at masking his thoughts but frankly this time he was unable to hide his shock. "Your Highness ... Megan has done nothing wrong, other than fail to put up with me." He tried politely to explain. "As you say ... I am a well known and difficult man.... and .... " For once he felt lost for words, "I assure you there was no deception." For how little those words were worth to the disdainful princess. Unable to help himself, he shifted forward, half using his shoulder to block Megan as if that could somehow protect Megan from the Princess' barbed words, as if he could take those blows for her.
Tybalt wanted to knock Oz out of his chair but for once they were on the same page. As much as he hated the man and the vast majority of his family, he was positive that Megan was no coerced into a Claim. "Your highness, I must concur. Megan entered into her Claim in good faith. That it was not sustainable was not deceit on her part. I can assure you that my sister would not have allowed the Claim if she felt it were some manipulation."
Princess scoffed, "Lady Capulet had many charms but she rarely pulled the leash taut, even when it may have been needed." The Princess picked up a delicate tea-cup and took a sip before continuing, "Well with the tragic and conveniently timed passing of Emmet Capulet as well as a few more departures from the City, it appears that within months of the conclusion of the Decree, a Decree that was pushed to the very wire, is already failing. The lack of good faith is shocking. While I expected this from the Montagues, to say I am disappointed in the Capulets would be an understatement. I am shamed. Absolutely shamed by the actions I have seen in my city. I grow weary of this embarrassment. It must be rectified."
Oz looked a little offended at the Princess' words about Lady Capulet. Even he had no objection to the Lady, even when they disagreed. His back straightened. Only the Princess could put him off his pace and make him uncomfortable like this. "Your Highness. I must protest. We have fulfilled the Decree and all measure were met in good faith. There was even one additional claim in the autumn. Surely that demonstrates that there has been quite enough done. There has been no further violence between the families. Emmet Capulet's passing was indeed tragic. My niece has grieved terribly. But that cannot be laid at our doorstep. It was an accident. An unfortunate loss for everyone who loved him." Reaching over, he placed a hand on Megan's shoulder, "But if there is any blame for the end of my claim, I shall bear it. She deserved better ... deserves better, your highness."
Tybalt felt his anger rise at the barbed comment about his sister. They hadn't always seen eye to eye but no one else had the right to disparage her. Yet, when Oz spoke, he schooled his face. "Our beloved Emmet is still grieved by our family. Certainly it does not fall on his own family to take any blame for his passing. As for the Lord Montague and Megan, I can only say that I truly believe it was not a Claim of convenience. Megan returned to us far too distraught for it to have been such." He bristled at Oz's hand comforting Megan but left his gaze on the Princess.
Megan was distinctly uncomfortable at the discussion over Lady Beatrice. She had nothing but respect for the domme and the discussion going on was not one that she felt she should be present for. Her breath hitches as Oz's hand touched her and it took everything in her not to lean into the touch though her shoulders did relax for a moment. Shaking her head as Oz took all the blame for the failure of their claim she knew she couldn't sit there and let him. While Tybalt's words backed up what they were saying she needed to add her voice. "Your Highness, our claim was certainly not one of convenience. It was possibly rushed to fulfil the earlier criteria for the decree and we faced many challenges while we were together including my diagnosis with a heart condition but....but I entered the claim because...because I fell in love." She couldn't look at any of them as she finished speaking. Megan knew her face was flushed and she let her eyes just focus on the floor.
Princess had to refrain from rolling her eyes. "The way I view matters is this. The families are two claims shy of the decree. Two. I require two more by the first of August or I will demand that both families strip their Heads of power and institute new ones. Perhaps an alternate branch of the family will find a way to hold things together in a way that is more respectful. One of those claims may be yours." She gestured with a regal wave of her hand at Megan and Oz, "But that means you must remain together for no less than one full year thereafter. Any separations must be met with new claims. And no the claim in the fall does not count as one of them." She sipped her tea again before continuing, "And frankly if it weren't for the fact that children were being born and others seemed to have acted in good faith that has stayed my hand. I will not make a public announcement of my decision. You are both tasked with the matter. You have four months. Figure it out gentlemen because I have lost patience with both of you. I am not persuaded by this maudlin display of pretence emotion and frankly if I were, I would be disgusted by any Dominant whose claim ended due to a heart condition. The fact that you could even claim to love such a man is disheartening." It was clear that Oz would meet with no favour in her eyes. To be honest she had liked Lady Capulet and was disappointed by the woman's resignation as Head of her family. Such weakness in her opinion did not merit her good opinion. But these two male children needed a lesson in real governance.
Megan again had the distinct feeling that she shouldn't be there. The discussion or rather decree, while not as drastic as the last would still have significant impact on both families and her mind immediately turned to who she knew was actually in a relationship. Only one thought came to mind, that of Posey and Anton but they both insisted they weren't really together so that wouldn't work. Her head jerked up as the princess spoke of her claim but since it was Oz who had told her to leave she didn't see that being an option. As the princess continued to speak she felt smaller and smaller. Lifting her head to protest that he had been nothing but amazing and supportive during all her medical issues she immediately lowered it again. It was clear by trying to explain and justify their claim earlier she had caused more displeasure to the princess and most likely embarrassment to Oz so it was far better to stay quiet. It took everything in her to hold back her tears and stay seated because hearing the princess mock her for loving Oz was more than she could bear, especially when she had such a fragile lid on her emotions as it was.
Oz was biting his tongue so hard that he felt as though it may bleed. His arm slid from her shoulders and down to her waist. She should not be here. This was stress she did not need. As she didn't need the stress and unhappiness that came with being his claim. Depressingly he felt as though he owed Tybalt an apology. A thought which would never have occurred to him previously but he had a sense the Princess had been gunning for him since last summer and perhaps even longer. Tybalt and by extension, Megan, were caught in the cross-fire of her antipathy. "We understand the terms you have laid out. Two claims by the first of August?" Damnit, were any of their people even seeing one another? He didn't know for certain. Anton played the field like it was a football match with panties. And Lucio and Tybalt? The mind shuddered at the thought of the reserved and elegant Lucio tying himself to someone like Tybalt. "We will of course. Find a way. We always do."
Tybalt felt as if he were being punished for something completely beyond his control. Not a feeling he relished. The fact that Megan had been pulled into this at all was infuriating. But it was clear that the Princess wasn't to be swayed. So what now? Did they actually need to start considering arranged claims? God forbid the family lose any more submissives to the Montagues. "Of course, your Highness. We will do what we must."
Princess nodded with satisfaction as the submissive practically shrunk under her gaze. Well that explained that particular failure. The girl had the backbone of a jellyfish, a poor match for a man like Oz Montague. She didn't like him but the man was fierce. It almost made her respect him but then she recalled he was a street rat criminal with no known origins to speak of and did not belong among the noble ranks but rather a 6 by 6 cell with no prospect of early release. "Good. I am pleased you have both acknowledged my command." It wasn't as if there was a choice in the matter but form must be met. "Do recall I want minimal publicity on this matter but that does not mean I will not hesitate on August 2nd to craft the decree that causes both of you to lose your position. Megan Capulet, if you have any sense you will stay well out of this mess. It is quite clear you have no capacity for it." Rising to her feet, the Princess ended the audience as she crisply pronounced, "Now I have other, more pressing matters to attend to, so I will bid you good day." As she nodded, her staff pulled wide the doors to her office and held them until her three guests had departed along with the secretary who would escort the trio back to the public areas of the palace.
Oz was fuming at the Princess' pronouncement and he rose to his feet as she did, bowing respectfully before turning to leave, keeping his hand on Megan's back as he did so. Once the doors closed, silence fell and all one could hear was their footsteps on the stone floor as they walked through the ancient palace's halls. For once he did not admire the art the graced its walls or the elegance of the residence itself. When they finally stepped outside, he turned to the pair, embarrassed but forced to painful honesty by the events, "I do believe my apologies are due. Her words were unmerited. Tybalt. Megan.... I am just so sorry. Tybalt, can we speak another time? To discuss her words and what we should do to address the matter with our families?"
Tybalt was forced by circumstance not to make a scene by pulling his cousin away from Oz. He had to admit his utter shock at the other man's apology. Even more shocked that he actually heard sincerity in the words. "For what it is worth, I know your Claim was real. I know Megan well enough to know that much. I only wish our words would have swayed her Highness. I appreciate your apology. We can certainly speak another time. I do not wish to remain here any longer than necessary." He paused and turned to Megan, placing his hand on her shoulder and squeezing gently. "I am truly sorry you were placed in the middle of this, Megan. If you need anything, you only need to ask." With that said, he dropped his hand and made his way to the exit, wondering where in the world they'd go from here.
Megan had always had respect for the royal family but within the course of that short meeting she lost what she had for the Princess. How dare the woman sit in her palace and tell her what she had the capacity to do, especially after mocking her feelings. The submissive was livid inside and it was only Oz's hand on her waist guiding her that got her moving. Her heels clicked along the corridor as she made her way out with the two heads of family, stewing in annoyance and not considering anything else until she heard Oz's apology. Giving Tybalt a small smile of acknowledgement at his words she watched him leave before she turned to Oz. "I'm sorry I made things worse. The last thing I wanted to do was embarrass or undermine you but I hadn't realised the Princess had such a low opinion of me. I'm sure you and Tybalt will be able to arrange something."
Oz nodded in appreciation for Lord Capulet's comments and his departure. "I think her low opinion was of me. This isn't ...." He shifted uncomfortably, "This isn't the first conference I had with her. I believe she has every intention of stripping me of my title and I'm afraid you have been caught up in her disdain. I do apologize Megan. For what it is worth and I am aware of how low your opinion must be of me .... I know that you were sincere. When this all began. I am so sorry for the pain I have caused you."
Megan was sure her shock at his admission showed on her face. Taking a moment she shook her head, "My opinion of you hasn't changed, my opinion of the Princess however has - and not for the better." She pushed her hair back from her face with a sigh, "Whatever her ultimate purpose today was she had no right to drag me into it and to try to use me as some kind of emotional...pawn. I should never have been there, it was for heads of family." Her hand reached out toward his face. Hesitating for a moment she cupped his cheek, her thumb brushing over the skin lightly, "I know you'll get this sorted. She doesn't appreciate the strength of who she is taking on." Her bright blue eyes locked with his steel ones for a moment and her breath hitched. She knew she had to pull herself away now before she couldn't. Letting her hand fall from his face she turned and walked away, praying silently that she could make it far enough away before she broke down.
Oz nodded, "I know. And it was not a role you sought or desired. You made that clear from the beginning. I am so sorry." He murmured softly as her hand traced over his cheek. "Thank you for your faith, that means a great deal to me." He assured quietly. His heart gave a hard squeeze at her words. He watched her walk away and knew that it might very well be the last time they spoke like this. He should say something. Something more. But there was nothing. So he just waited until she was well away before finally turning on his heel and heading for his vehicle.
Oz looked up as Megan appeared in the kitchen. “Good morning. Coffee is on and the quiche will be ready momentarily.” Breakfast was one of his few meals that he enjoyed preparing. Prior to Megan’s residence in the Tower, it wasn’t uncommon for him to eat it for all three meals. Megan generally prepared the evening meal, presuming she was not working or they were not dining separately. Dining separately had become increasingly common over the last month or so and Oz was trying to get back toward their earlier connection. “Did you enjoy the party?”
