Illegitimate Son ;;

Sebastian de Poitiers, bastard son of King Henry II and his mistress', Diane de Poitiers. Duke of Burgundy. A lover of wine and flattery.

[xkennafleming]

light a little spark ; Bash

[thekingsbashtard]

xkennafleming‌:

Maybe it was the extravagance of everything, or maybe the music, or anything else really, but parties like these would always have a grip around her and she used them to stop thinking about the past but to instead look forward if only for a short period of time. But being here, with him, moving together to the music. It made it hard not to think about the past, about them and how she never seemed to get over him. But her soft smile stayed as she pushed away from the thoughts of the past if only slightly. It had been a long year filled with ups and downs, hopefully, the coming year would bring something they all were worth by now.

Her smile grew at his words, tipping her head slightly to the side. “That’s good.” he had a tough year and she hadn’t done it better for him, again. Her gaze narrowing slightly as he mentioned her brother, something that soon had her eyes roll. “Let’s say I hope he will go on another trip soon enough.” she replied with a slightly arched eyebrow, a little smirk growing along her lips. “He’s probably staring at us right now.” a playful smirk growing along her lips. “Unpleased that I’m enjoying the last dance of the year with anyone but his suitors.” but most likely even more unpleased that it wasn’t with just anyone but with Bash.

In all honesty, he could never understand why her brother would not consider him as a possible suitor now. Yes, he was once a mere bastard son of the King of France, but he had been a Duke for a long time now and the brother of not one, but two Kings of France. He had been married to Queen and a beloved King consort of Hungary. And even though he had no intimate relationship with his wife, the two had come to an understanding and had formed a beautiful friendship, cared for each other as a person and there was love, but it was just not romantic for they both had interest of that short elsewhere. So known was it that the two were close that none suspected him of possibly having any involvement in his wife’s death. But he pushed these thoughts from his mind now, smiled at her warmly. “Bet you will get an earful for that later...” he teased her, eyes glanced at her brother if only for a mere second. “Is this how you wanted to spend your last dance of the year thought?” He questioned, for by now he was not used to them being close anymore. Their relationship had been through storms and tornadoes. Through thick more than through thin. And yet, there was always love, at least from his part; he never ceased loving her, caring about her. And now, he did not know if the question was idle or if he wanted to satisfy the curiosity that raged in the back of his mind.

[xkennafleming]

light a little spark ; Bash

[thekingsbashtard]

xkennafleming‌:

A warm smile spread across her lips as his words reached her ears. “Thank you… and so do you.” she replied, her words as honest as they could be. But he has always been in her eyes and despite the circle of broken hearts they always seemed to get caught up in it hadn’t changed over the years. In between she had moved on, she even had so now. But not entirely as one would wish, especially her brother. She always seemed to mend her heart in some way but there was always a missing piece that she had to convince herself didn’t exist. Deep inside she knew who held that missing piece and now while moving with him to the rhythm of the music those feelings was harder to hold back. How she missed him.

“I’ve been good… or great, actually.” she replied, giving it an extra thought. “I guess the holiday spirit has kept its grip around me.” she said jokingly with a slight laugh. “It’s a shame that everything soon is over.” she added with a soft smile. “And you, how have you been?” she asked curiously, wanting to know how he had been. “Anything new going on?” she genuinely wanted to know whatever there was to know what had happened in his life recently. But deep inside that question was a hidden question: ‘was there someone new in his life?’

It was both a pleasant notice to hear that she has been great, but also a stab to the ribs too. Maybe he wanted her to be a little sad about them, even though he knew that it was entirely selfish on his part to even think of that. A genuine smile graced his lips despite that. He wished that he could say the same thing about himself; that the holiday spirit had some effect on him too, that it made him all happy and giddy. Perhaps he was too caught up on the brooding mood to let go of all the sad things that had happened to him during this year. To be frank, you could say that holidays had the exact opposite effect on his heart; made him reminisce of the year that was coming past and not in a good way. Francis passing away, him having lost Kenna yet again, the scandal with Charles and Mary...loses, grief and no smiles. Part of him was eager to leave this year behind and hopeful for a brighter, happier one coming. Hence, her question caught him a bit unprepared. Should he be honest and blunt with her, or should he put on his facade, as he did per usual for social proprieties? 

“Better than I hoped.” He compromised, kind of more soft than flat out lying to her. A laugh fell from his lips, heartedly, but leaving a bitter taste on his tongue. “Other than helping out Charles as much as I can, I don’t think I’ve got much going on...” He wished right now that he could lie and say that he had lots of things going, but it was Kenna he was talking to. “You on the other had, seem like you’ve got a handful in your hands...” He teased, a smirk formed on his lips as he subtly pointed towards where her brother was standing, watching them. “How is that going?”

[xkennafleming]

light a little spark ; Bash

[thekingsbashtard]

xkennafleming‌:

Her smirk grew even more as she caught his attention, just that was a small victory and having him shift his attention from his company to her probably gave a bit of a too good feeling. She was pleased with his answer and even more pleased with his actions thereafter. Still not paying much attention to his company as her eyes could not seem to actually let go of the man now standing just centimeters away from her. “It would be my honour.” She answered softly, trying not to let the joy shine through to much though her gaze might not be as forgiving. She placed her hand on his and just this small little touch made her heart skip a few beats. “I thought you would never ask.” She said in a lower tone with a slight smirk so only he could hear her words as they moved over to the dance floor.

It was hard trying to hide the very much pleased feeling she got of standing so close to him, how she had longed for this. For him, for his touch. Had it not been for that other, more unpleasant, feeling of how her brother now probably stared at her for being with Bash and not with the other suitors he had picked out himself she would probably have gotten to easily lost in the moment. She found herself a bit lost of words, which wasn’t something that happened very often. But one could still see that she enjoyed every second of this, maybe even a bit too much.

Every last working brain cell screaming at him to not do this; this was a bad, awful decision and he knew, deep down, how it would end. But his desire to hold and dance with the woman that has been holding his heart for the past few years, unwavering, not learning from the continues loop they both find themselves in, is greater than anything else in the entire world in this moment. His eyes firmly fixated on hers, her glowing appearance. His heart hammering against his chest, leaving him praying that she cannot hear it. And when she accepts, taking his offered arm, he beams at her in the most genuine way. So he led them to the dance floors, the other pairs parting to make room for them in the center of it all, and it felt all as if in a fairytale; even thought it was all too much real. “You look magnificent...” The Duke found himself telling her, not so much intentionally but he sincerely had no control over his tongue and body tonight. Not at this moment. The stare of his friends and his brother at the back of his head burnt, and he very well knew why they were all so displeased with him, and yet he was the happiest his had been in a long, long time. 

“How have you been?” A simple question, yet one which withheld his overflowing interest for her; to hear of her news and to hear her telling him that she has been well, that she has been happy. Even though he was aware that her brother was at court, his eye catching him for a split second as they spun around, but that was the only moment he took his eyes off her.

[xkennafleming]

light a little spark ; Bash

[thekingsbashtard]

xkennafleming‌:

You could almost touch the feeling of the festivities filling the castle these last couple of days. First with christmas and now tonight they would say goodbye to this year and welcome the next. Though it had been a few days between the two big parties one could almost think the first one had never came to an end. In one way, maybe it hadn’t, as the guests who arrived before christmas still filled the otherwise empty rooms in the castle. Even Kenna who loved these grand  parties started to feel that the castle was a bit crowded. But as the last day of the year started to come to an end and the music once again filled the grand room were the christmas tree still stod and reminded everyone of the festivities the overcrowded feeling faded and instead got replaced with a large dose of joy. For tonight she wore an emerald green dress with gold details that matched the mask that was covering her face. Her long brown hair was put together in a beautiful hairdo with a few small braids. This was trully her, the green reminding her of the never ending green hills of Scotland. Her father who sent it trully knew how to please the more materialistic side of his daughter. She placed the now empty wine glas in her hand on a table that she passed as she moved towards the large group of dancing people. It wasn’t long until they would all move outside to watch the fireworks light up the night skye but until then, she wanted to have one last dance of the year. Despite already having had a quite handful of different dances the alcohol she consumed so far made sure she didn’t feel the slight ache in her feet. Following the edge of the circle where the people danced she let her gaze look over the people, or actually just the men, to try and find who would best suit as her last dance partner of the year. Soon her gaze stopped on a man she knew very well, a man who still made her heart jump and left a tingle in her stomach whenever she saw him. Still after all these months. Her feet moved her closer to him, not caring much of the people he was talking to and soon she stopped by them. “ What man would leave a Lady without a dance partner on a night like this? ” she said, her gaze only locked on Bash who she directed the question to and a small smirk slowly grew along her lips.

The atmosphere has been greatly improved since the last time he remembers a gathering or festivity at the French court. Even he could admit that he was feeling more upbeat and merry than he had in, what seemed like, years. Perhaps it is the Christmas spirit and the anticipation to leave behind the awful year that is, eventually, coming to an end. Or more likely, it is the alcohol that has become a more frequent inhabitant of his system than it ever has in all the years before. Regardless, Sebastian had already decided and promised to himself three things that he wouldn't do tonight; one, to not get excessively drunk and have a perfect recollection of events. Two, to not overthink. Anything. Not about his personal relationships, not about his family, all the people who have passed away and cannot be here with them tonight. And lastly, he promised himself to not let himself get distracted by Lady Kenna's presence, and even more so that of her older brother's. He was no fool, after all, he knew exactly what her brother was at court for, other than to be near the Scottish Queen and provide advice and consolation; he had come to marry Kenna of, to a good, wealthy gentleman who could provide for her and, hopefully, raise her standing or the family's prestige.

Standing there, laughing and joking with all the familiar Lords and nobles that surrounded him, his eyes often drift off to the dance floor. Watching her. Watching her move gracefully across the floor, mingling and laughing as she twirls and turns about, according to the dance demands. A sigh fell from his lips, barely audible, when his attention was demanded back from his discussants.

And then the lovely, soft sound of her voice broke through the static that reined in his head; Kenna. His eyes immediately found hers, and her smirk was mirrored by him; somewhat more subconsciously than it was a conscious decision. "That would deem one not a proper gentleman..." he found himself responding, the words simply rolling off his tongue. She was a sight to behold; magnificent. Dressed in a fine emerland dressed, the gold thread bringing out the tan of her skin, the color of her eyes. She was beautiful. Breath taking, even. "Excuse me, gentlemen..." He laughed, placing the goblet which he had been holding on the table beside him. The men parted and he found himself standing right before her; why he had come to him, specifically, tonight, he knew not, but what he did know is that he has been dying to have a moment with her; just to be able to see her, stand so close to her, touch her.

"Will you honor me with this last dance for the year?" He questioned, offered her his extended hand. Heart beating hard against his chest.

[thekingsbashtard]

maidendufay:

“True as that might be, Nicholas would recognise me, as would his lady wife.” And your brother, she thought but didn’t say. It was important enough that she kept her feelings for Charles a secret when he was the dauphin. Now that he was the king, it was even more so. “And I don’t know if you’ve ever been scolded by the commander of the royal armies before, but there are certainly more fun ways to spend one’s time.” She couldn’t help but smile, though. She would always be fond of him. “If you can promise me I won’t lose my position, then it would be an honour to spend an evening as your noblewoman friend.”

Sebastian took a moment to think of what she told him; he would like for her to get a taste of being a noble, a royal, even for just a night, but he would never want to get her in trouble. Especially so not with the new employees, and he respected that Emone was concerned about that, otherwise it would have skipped his damn mind. “I promise!” He exclaimed with a firm nod of his head, a smile forming on his lips. A genuine, true smile. “And if the Commander or Madame la Marquise get mad, I swear I will take the blame and talk to them about it.” Though he was definitely going to make sure that she would not get to this point with Nicholas and Amphelice. “So, what do you say? When do you wanna do this?” He could already think of a couple of parties he could take her to.

[thekingsbashtard]

thedarlingprincesss:

Amanda offered a sad smile, unsure of what else to say. She wasn’t sure of what she could say. So instead she took another sip of her drink, hoping to find out what to say, as she didn’t want to cause offense or be insensitive. “Yes, we should. We just need to find out what to do.— I need to figure it out. The best way to do so.”

A gentle smile formed on his lips at her words. Comforting, even. “You will find it in your heart.” He told her in a way to give her some sort of hope, maybe, something to think of and hang on to. He knew many rumors that circulated the foreign Princess’ person, and he could tell he did not have a pleasant encounter with her before this conversation, but he was starting to think that maybe there was more to her than what she let on; maybe that is what Francis had seen in her and they became friends. “As a princess you must have a lot on your plate,” he clinked his goblet to hers, “and Francis would like you to have some fun.”

[thekingsbashtard]

heavyishercrown:

“And you were a good brother to my son-” she spoke, cutting him off before he could say more. The rage within her subsided to a gentle irony, an aura that held no threat but was heavily discomforting.

“Aside from you nearly stealing his wife.”

A slight chuckle peppered her words, her stiff body relaxing as she eased insto the snake she actually was, toying with her rat.

“But all is forgiven, Bash.”

His eyes did not leave her person, not for a second. He knows Catherine well, her little mind games and the sharpness of her tongue; most often masked with gentle politeness and kindness, even when her words are filled with poison. “That never happened, Catherine…” He reminded her, for it had all been a misunderstanding. In fact, he never tried to steal Mary from Francis, never loved her as anything more other than a sister, a very good and dear friend. If Catherine knew anything, she probably knew that he has always loved Kenna. Even when Henry forced him to marry that Hungarian princess, making him the King of Hungary soon after. “But I guess you are right; all is forgiven…” and it was his turn to mask his words in the same way she always does; with mock politeness and pleasantry.

[thekingsbashtard]

heavyishercrown:

He was trying her patience. Forcing her to crack under the pressure of the heaviness around them. Discomfort ebbed and flowed within her, begging to be released in a declaration of scorn, of agression. But the Queen Mother stood still.

“Sebastian,” Cathrine laughed, her usual threatening tone teasing at him from the tip of her tongue. Lips quirked into a broken smile, she met his eyes hesitantly.

“I love all my children. Even the ones who aren’t actually mine-”

There was the contempt she was known for, however it was submerged in to something deeper. Pity, remorse, a connection of fondness born out of mutual misery perhaps.

“That’s my job as Queen Mother.”

Part of him wished to let go and simply yield, not argue with her. But a stronger part of him wanted to dismiss this conversation; he and Catherine had never gotten along and though he understood now the reasons behind her hatred towards him, he could not excuse it. She could hate his mother for having stole Henry from her, and she could hate his father for having put her aside in favor of his mistress, but he was the innocent victim of her fury. He found himself hated and put aside, mistreated, for a sin that was not his to commit.

Meeting her eyes, Sebastian looked unattached by the sentiment that her words carried; her words, not her tone. Lips tight. “It is not your job to care about me, Catherine.” He simply stated, voice holding no ill feelings, no hatred. Frankly, he was also tired of all this. “Let us pretend not to like each other.” His belief was that she wanted to honor her late son, his beloved brother, Francis, and hence she tried to be good, to lighten whatever guilt she may felt. “You have been a good mother to your children, that is something no one can ever doubt.

[thekingsbashtard]

maidendufay:

“Tempting…” she said thoughtfully. Despite her better judgement, she was seriously considering his idea. And even if she was unable to find a suitor by the end of the night, it would be interesting to compare life attending a ball as a guest rather than as a servant. “What would we do if we were discovered? I’m sure there are people who might recognise me at court.” She hoped so, at least. It would be sad if she’d spent so many years of her life there only for everyone to forget her once she’d gone.

Sebastian smiled, took a moment to think. He was, indeed, quite excited at the prospect of getting to take Emone to a noble, or even a royal, ball. “Hardly…Royals and nobles very seldom notice the servants.” It was a sad truth; many servants had been known to blackmail lords with secrets they had come to listen to, since the royals and nobles never paid the servants much mind, or attention. “I think it will not only be fun and exciting, it will be a rather once in a lifetime experience, too.” He laughed, fondly. “And if people begin to catch up on us, we will bid them all goodnight and leave before our secret is revealed.” He proposed, a mischievous smile adorning his lips.

[thekingsbashtard]

maidendufay:

Emone smiled back at him. “You shall have to keep an eye open for me, when you return to court,” she joked. “Perhaps let a few rumours circulate that you know a young woman in need of a husband.” She’d not considered it before, but now she thought about it, she knew that she would willingly accept a loveless marriage to a far older man if it meant financial security for herself and her family. “I might leave out that this young woman is a mere handmaiden, though. Just until you have somebody interested.”

A fond laughter fell from his lips at her words. “That is actually not a bad idea at all! Maybe I could help masquerade you into a wealthy young woman to the next event that will take place at court or at a noble’s estate…” He suggested, and though his tone was playful, he was really considering the idea. “Maybe you will have someone interested and it will be too late when they find out that you are not a noble woman; you would have already charmed them.” He was only half joking with her, for should she also wish it he would help with that.

[thekingsbashtard]

heavyishercrown:

Tight lipped and stiff shouldered, Catherine studied him hard, deciding on what to say to him. Disdain usually rolled right off her tongue when they conversed, the look of his mother plaguing her until she raged internally with jealousy. But that’s not what Francis would have wanted. Damn Henry to hell, she would never take care of his son in his name- but for Francis, she would do anything.

“What’s troubling you?”

The words came out as an exasperated sigh, almost as if she were holding in the words to strip them of their contempt, and finally released them once they were clean.

“You don’t look well, Sebastian.”

Their encounter seemed so forced, the atmosphere around them thickening like smoke. Suffocating. Composed and appearing somewhat calmer now, the Duke met the Queen Mother’s eyes. There was no doubt in his mind that there was nothing genuine about this interaction, not a thing, and yet he could not bring himself to be rude to Catherine, not directly. Offering a tight lipped smile, knowing that this must be as hard for her as is for him, he responded with a “I am fine, Catherine. Thank you for the concern.” The last sentence came out with just a hint of sarcasm, unable to hold it from dripping off his tongue. “What is the sudden interest for?” It was not only curiosity why he asked, but maybe he also wished to vex her a little, push her buttons for the Catherine he had known through the years to come out. Make this encounter less awkward.

[thekingsbashtard]

thedarlingprincesss:

Amanda had the same thoughts the first few days right after his death, but she had slowly come to the conclusion— or still was, that there was nothing more that they could have done. “Don’t think like that. There was nothing more you could do, that anyone could. He wouldn’t want us to think like that. It’s not healthy.— I thought the exact same.” She said, before emptying her goblet of wine, though it might seem very unladylike to do so in the she did, but she needed it. 

It partly surprised him that she had thought about the same thing as he did; it showed him that she had cared about his brother, deeply, and she probably still did judging by her overall approach of the matter. “You are right...” The Duke agreed with a nod of his head. “Francis wouldn’t want that.” He concluded with a sad smile, toying with the rim of his goblet for a long moment. “We should do what we can to honor his memory...” 

[thekingsbashtard]

heavyishercrown:

Cathrine stopped in her tracks, her heart jumping as she nearly ran into Sebastian. She considered leaving him silently, pretending she didn’t see him. But at the last moment, the woman had a change of heart.

“Sebastian,” Catherine greeted, keeping the usual distance between herself and Henry’s son.

The voice addressing him would normally cause him disdain, for he would try to avoid Catherine the best he could. But right now, he was unwilling to argue with her; too tired and sick of it all. “Catherine.” He greeted right back once he had regained his composure, standing at his full height now, appearing more in control than he did a moment ago. “Is there something I can do for you?” He then questioned, though knowing fully well the reason she had addressed him in the first place, but looking to swift the conversation’s topic elsewhere.

[thekingsbashtard]

maidendufay:

“That’s very true, Your Grace. Bash. Sorry, I promise I will get the hang of this eventually.” The only other noble she was on first name terms with was Nicholas, and she only ever really used that power to be annoying. Emone took her unofficial role as the commander’s irritating little sister very seriously. “I learnt that lesson the hard way. In fact, if we were being very proper, I shouldn’t even be talking to you.” She giggled into her hand, joking with him. She trusted Bash’s honour, and knew he would never knowingly do anything to harm her. “It must be nice having the ability to buy another’s silence, though. Perhaps I should marry somebody rich and see what it is like.”

After the loss of his brother and his good friend, Jonathan, Sebastian had seldom found himself in a good company, other than Lady Kenna’s that is. People who could speak of something other than politics and how his younger half-brother will handle the brewing hatred between the Huguenots and the Catholics. “Oh, that is very much true!” He agreed with a nod of his head, laughing right after. She was right, of course, for it would be considered improper if they were to care about such things. Her following words made him laugh again. Though she seemed to him like a woman who did not mean it, it was still funny to consider. “Wouldn’t be that hard to find an older gentleman looking for a wife and willing to bent the laws for a younger, beautiful wife…” Tone of voice serious, as if he was honestly offering her advice on this. A shrug of his shoulder. But the smile that formed on his lips betrayed the true nature of his words.

[thekingsbashtard]

xkennafleming:

As their gaze locked her smile grew and gave him a slight nod at his words. ”Of course.” She added as she moved towards him to take the seat he made for her. ”You know you can always come to me if you need something.” Not that she could offer him everything, but she would always try. If there was something sure about her it was that she would do a lot for the people she care about. Despite her more egoistic side that seemed to get more attention from people rather than her caring side.

Things between him and Kenna had always been a little weird every since the last time she chose someone else over him, and yet he could not ever help the way he felt about her; how her very presence was enough to soothe his pain, make him feel the tiniest bit of happiness even when he generally felt like death itself. Her being here with him now was important to him; he truly needed that. Without them having to say anything, but for him to just feel her presence by his side. “How have you been, Kenna?” He questioned, wishing to speak of something other than Francis and his death. And since it had been a while from the last time he saw her, the question was deemed proper.

[thekingsbashtard]

maidendufay:

“Oh, you nobles and your traditions,” she teased, although she was unable to keep her mind from flickering back to an old conversation with his youngest brother. She pushed the thought away and continued. “I’m sure it is indeed traditional for a gentleman to court a lady, but it’s often the woman who makes the first move in practice. And besides, there are fewer eyes watching people like me. I can be as improper as I please.” She didn’t mean it, and hoped this was apparent in her tone. Though not as scared of being fired as she’d been when she first accepted her new position with the Richerds, she was still much more hesitant to misbehave than she had been prior to it all. “I fear I’ve adopted my dear friend Leith’s curse. If I fall for a man, it’s bound to be one I cannot ever have. Tis safer to pretend I have no interest in any of you.” She wrinkled her nose playfully.

He couldn’t help the heartfelt laugh that fell from his lips with ease. The topic of conversation light and a good choice to tease and mess with her for a while, in a good nature of course, for he has always held respect for Emone, and care, even when they haven’t really been close. “Well, cannot argue with that, but...” He begun, wanting to give his point of view. “...It is more like a woman is giving her permission to be courted by a gentleman.” Though it was more accustomed for women not to have a saying in the matter at all, for it was their guardian that would grant permission to a man to court a woman and eventually become betrothed to her and marry her. “But hey, no!” He laughed, shaking his head with her, fondly. “People judge everything, let’s be real.” He told her in a matter of fact tone, having forgotten how much gossip would often go around no matter whether what one person would do to cause people to talk. “It is even crucial for women like you; who cannot buy people’s silence and cannot afford a bad reputation if they want a good man to marry to.” And it was a fact, he did not simply said that to disagree with her.

[thekingsbashtard]

thedarlingprincesss:

Amanda had never spoken much with him, if they had spoken at all, but despite it she knew he and Francis were close. And so she found it a little both strange but also a welcomed feeling that she was able to talk about it with someone else. She wasn’t very well liked at court, at least she didn’t have many close friends. So for there to be someone, she wouldn’t let go of the chance to. She watched as he poured them both a goblet of wine, and once he was finished, she picked took the one he offered. “To francis memory” She repeated, holding up the goblet as well and returning the sad smile once he had spoken, before also taking a sip of the drink.

Sebastian was unaware of how close his brother and the Sicilian Princess had been, but it did appear to him that she had cared deeply for his brother, maybe even still did. It was evident, regardless, that his memory was still with her and he felt grateful that she shared a drink with him over the beloved memory of his brother. “Sometimes I think that maybe there was something that could have been done to prevent this…” He said in a low, sad voice, meaning his death; Francis death. “What if there was something that the physicians missed? What if what he had was curable after all?” He shook his head, took another sip of the wine. “A mad man’s thoughts. Even if it were possible to save him, now it is too late.”