uneasy lies the head that wears a crown

VERINA ANTHEMOESSA | TWENTY NINE (145) | MERMAID in the ocean, life is different. time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. we live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the waves. — Fish out of Water™ Cool Crown™ Royal Brat™ Princesses Prefer Pink™ Blatant Lies™

[verinessa]

aubrey-jenkins:

There was something beautiful in that laugh. Like Verina was a tightly wound golden thread, shining but all tied up around herself, unable to release a full breath. That left sounded free, her shoulders had loosened a little, the prim nature that was the mermaid hadn’t dissipated but it was like she had room to let herself to stretch a little. Aubrey liked that, she liked thinking she’d helped that happen. Normally she made people tense these days. And then the witch released she was being told personal details, things a sober Verina may not have let loose. The mermaid was normally careful when she spoke about herself, and Aubrey had always been respectful and made sure never to challenge those boundaries. As she listened to talk of war and liquor age and what life had been like for her under the water, Aubrey made a fierce but silent promise in the pit of her heart to make sure that Verina never ever regretted opening up to her … drunk or sober.

“In some parts of the world the ages are younger, but in the U.S it’s 21. Which is dumb. At 18 a veritable child can go to one of the many wars we humans like to fight in … but they can’t have a beer in a bar for three more years. It doesn’t stop most of them though, pretty much everyone has had liquor by the time they’re 18. High school is 80 percent kids exploring all the things their parents told them not to do. I know I sure did. Liquor, some drugs, boys, girls, anybody and everybody.”

Since she missed her first shot, a crisp dollar bill was placed behind the napkin of ammo, the start of the bartender’s tip pool. When he started to move back their way, Aubrey grinned and gestured to Verina. “Alright, beautiful, you’re turn! Get a pocket any pocket!”

Nodding slowly, Verina could recall hearing about that, the different ages for legalities all around the world. Given that she spoke a great many languages, her accent teetering more towards the European side of the North Atlantic rather than the cusp of Northern America, she wasn’t about to say she was uncultured. While she hadn’t perhaps spent any time on land before last year, that didn’t mean she hadn’t had years of training to learn about it. Europe was very different, she deducted. Though she couldn’t speak from experience there either.

“That’s incredible,” Verina sighed, though that wasn’t really the word she was looking for. It wasn’t so much something to marvel at, as it was something to be again, confused by. The world was so different in every corner she looked. “Though, children were not always treated as such in the kingdom from where I come. Not that I knew many when I was growing up,” She admitted solemnly, a grand regret she had living as a royal, though nothing she could have changed at the time. Perking up however as Aubrey gestured that it was her turn, Verina plucked an M&M out of the stash and made her mark. Straightening her shoulders, slimming her lashes down, she took only a breath before she tossed it and missed by a long shot. Letting out a laugh, she gave a sort of pity bow. “Alas — it has been some time since I’ve played any games like this, clearly I need to warm up.”

[verinessa]

lindyabbott:

“It’s silly, I know.” Lindy said, rubbing the back of her neck and avoiding eye contact with the woman. She gave off such a regal air. Something about her that seemed to call her towards her. And here Lindy was, with her bleached hair and oversized sweater, talking about roller skating. “I was really into it when I was a teenager, spent hours at the rink just going around in circles. My friends and I watched a lot of roller derby, too. I guess they just remind me of classic roller derby.” She pointed out the retro skates that she was talking about. Of course, at the time there was nothing classic or retro about them.

“I didn’t think so when I was younger, but as I’ve grown I’ve come to appreciate it.” The abrupt separation from her family probably wasn’t helping matters. If she hadn’t run away her family would have passed mementos and heirlooms down to her, but that wasn’t possible so now she was scrounging around second hand stores to try and piece everything together. “Maybe. I’ll have to see if there’s anything else I want to get. There’s only so much space in my apartment and who knows what I’ll find. Like you said, there’s a lot in here.”

Her chin dimpled as her brows drew inwards, confused at how any of this seemed absurd or unreasonable. If anyone knew he simply pleasures of wanting something simply for the sake of buyer’s satisfaction, it was Verina, and she wasn’t about to stand here and judge somebody else for it. She hardly needed a new jewelry box — alas, here she was, intending to buy one anyway.

Listening to the woman’s description, Verina slowly began to nod her head, coining onto the phrase going in circles around a rink and remembering the Winter Olympics she’d seen on TV and that new Hollywood movie with the blond ice skater... Quickly, Verina assumed this is what the girl was talking about, though Roller Derby was lost on her completely. “It’s not silly, I think it looks fun. Given, I have never taken part in it myself, but someday I think I should like to,” Verina told her happily, giving the woman a radiant smile as if to assure her that she meant what she’d said, she didn’t think it was silly. Particularly if it was something attached to her childhood. “Lately, I’ve been learning a lot of new skills, skating might as well join the list.” She chuckled, looking down at the jewelry box again, though her laugh was somewhat bitter. Having spent an entire lifetime under the ocean, human commodities hadn’t always been the easiest things to learn.

“You should! You never know what you might find, and there absolutely is. All sorts of treasures, so to speak. Besides,” Verina grinned, desperate to leech off of the social situation given that it was her first of the week and the week was already almost over. “I always like to browse with a second set of eyes.”

[verinessa]

marinyuan:

“I’m going to momentarily ignore the fact you’ve been hanging around demons – or people who do at the very least,” Marin lightly remarked, trying not to think too long or hard about the unsettling revelation. “Instead, I’m going to applaud you for bringing me the kind of information we need. We can discuss your choice of companions at another time.”

It wouldn’t take much effort to get the list. If Frankie and Augustus didn’t have it themselves, Marin need only pull a few strings to get it from someone else. “Once I get the list, I’ll do some digging into the brats and see what I come up with,” he added. “Meanwhile, you should avoid demons at all costs. Not that they make for bad company, but it won’t look good if the future Queen of the North Atlantic is seen associating with literal spawns of satan.”

Giving a short sigh of impatience, Verina tried to disguise the roll of her eyes with a glance towards the window. Of course he would linger on that part of the conversation, the one which eluded in any fact she might have been having some kind of social life. “If I was to avoid any person of supernatural standard, I would never be able to talk to a living soul in this town.” She huffed, mostly to herself though she didn’t try to hide the comment from Marin either.

Nodding a little, she showed her understanding because as much as it disappointed her to yet again, keep herself hidden, it did prove wise not to make friends with the devil or his associates. “Agreed,” She breathed, still nodding a little. “So far, Athena proves my only trusted connection to the demonic world. I shall keep myself at arm's length, but if we have questions, maybe she’ll be able to answer them for us.”

[verinessa]

fallenisrael:

THE THING ABOUT ISRAEL playing pool, or sparring, or any other physical activity he found important, was the quality of his attention. When he’s serious about a game, he drops the swagger. He becomes focused, intent, unselfconscious; his hands moving the cue like they were made for it, the balls seeming to line up to throw themselves into the pockets for him. He stalked the table like it’s his prey, his shoulders and legs in perfect alignment. There was something almost feline about his movements, a surety and grace that draws the eye as much as the quiet, steady snick of wood on resin. He did notice that someone was looking straight at him, but that didn’t make him lose his concentration. It was as if he had everything else on mute. And he’s not playing for money. He never needs it. Still, he finds it fun to hustle people for their hard earned cash. They’re playing to 100, and Israel is leading easily. Israel wins and Old Dude settles down in a booth nearby to drink it off. The demon racked the balls, noticing the brunette. She had approached him with questions regarding the rules of the game. For a moment he thought that this was the worst pick up line in history, but upon further inspection of her facial features he realized that she was indeed - confused. “It’s easy” He reaches for one of the balls, tossing it in the air once before catching it. “You pick your balls. Stripes or solids. The object here is to pocket them all first by using this big stick.”

Verina tilted her chin upwards, eyes trained on the man and taking in the details he presented her. It sounded like a very simple game, and while for a time simple had still produced fun, she was a little surprised that today’s minds were still as easy to entertain. They’d had similar games where she came from after all, so like everything, she tried to relate it back to the place which she’d come from.

“I see,” She noted finally, not losing her gaze to the table or how it was now empty after his game was over and he seemed to be setting up anew. “And you find it easy to win?” She assumed, glancing towards his old rival who seemed sated by his drinks rather than his company. “You must be very happy with yourself.”

[verinessa]

aubrey-jenkins:

“Now that is a go getter attitude, I like it. I approve. Sometimes you get more fun and experience out of losing than winning. And you get more drinks either way.” Verina’s formal nature had been endearing to Aubrey from the getgo, but with the buzz of liquor behind it the whole thing was quite frankly adorable. “And yes, I have a bag of some kind of candy on my always. I suffer from an incorrigible sweet tooth. It’s a companion vice along with my loves for booze and mischief.”

She was still getting to know Verina, skirting around the edges of surface introductions and 20 questions, but it was obvious that the woman had lived a somewhat sheltered life and that she was hungry for experience. Aubrey wanted to give it to her, she wanted to see those eyes light up with exploration and wonder and that special warmth that came with pride at oneself for taking a forward step into a new experience. The napkin was pushed evenly between them, loaded with ammo. “I technically started this game when I was underage. I had an older friend who would bring me into bars with her, but my fake id did not fly. So I used to annoy the hell out of the bartenders with this stunt until they finally gave me a drink with a tiny spritz of something in it.”

With an excited flail she leaned into the mermaid as the bartender started a sweep past them. “Oh oh here he comes, bombs away!!! You can throw up to three at a time!” With a gusty laugh she grabbed two m&m’s and sent them flying towards her moving target, well aware that she wouldn’t get one in on the first try. Her aim was poor without liquor.

She threw her head back with ample laughter, not sure she felt the same way about losing in The Real Game Of Life but if Aubrey thought this game would be fun without a win, then Verina was at least willing to try it. She was desperate for new experiences and adding to her skill set, perhaps cohesion with local drinking games would expand on that, her drunk and woozy mind at least considered that. Twisting on her stool a little to better face the woman, and glancing over at their assumed target, Verina smiled at the story. “Of course, the age of drinking is different for you people isn’t it?” She considered, picking up and M&M and surveying it. “You see, it’s a little difficult to police in my realm... After all, no matter what I look to any human, I still am almost one hundred and fifty years old. Not to mention... customs change, the world was very different when I was young.” She reminisced, not having understood much about the world above the water but still catching things from her parent's political debate. “A lot more war...” She mused quietly, squinting into the distance before shaking it and looking back at Aubrey with a bright smile. “In the later years, my kingdom held legislations much like Europe, a casual acceptance of liquor and a rather young legal age. It wasn’t often abused from my understandings...” Verina said without even thinking, without even considering how much she may or may have not told Aubrey about her real life. Now, buzzed and happy, her guard was uncharacteristically down.

Watching as the bartender wafted by and Aubrey planned her attack, Verina immediately grinned at the display. Giving a small little clap, even as her friend missed, she felt excited by the prospect of at least, perhaps, possibly winning the jackpot. “I see,” She implied, showing that she understood what to do now, readying to toss her own M&M.

[verinessa]

fallenisrael:

Pubs like these had their benefits. For instance, These were usually the sort of places most people avoided. Nobody with anything good planned visit these place unless they wanted to get completely wasted, get into a fight, or have a drunk hook up. It was the type of place where people got lost or, better yet, hurt. Israel found that out soon enough, mainly because he was the one doing a lot of the hurting. The place was something between a pub and a dance club. The air was hot, humid, and musky with the odious fragrance of stagnant sweat; drunkards abound in every chair, girls decorating laps. Not exactly the place for the faint hearted. He ran his finger absentmindedly across the assortment of rings on his left hand as he watched humans parade past him. The music was pounding, deafening his eardrums with that infernal beat. It filled him with its sound, hammering out his bones. It’s the most fulfilled he has felt in a while. He waited, watching the dance floor from the bar. He saw many of his own blending with a collection of men and women. Mortals, he thought with disgust, scoffing at their attempts of lost identities and stolen memories. What a worthless bunch.

After a few hours of doing nothing but drinking, Israel decided to start a game of pool. Straight pool was old-fashioned, not flashy enough for TV. There was no luck in it, though; it’s a game of pure skill, and he excelled at it. He’d found someone to play with; a straight-backed, white-haired man who looked old enough to have learned pool back when straight was the only game in town, when THE HUSTLER was the only pool movie and everyone wanted to be Paul Newman.

She was taking chances. Or at least, that’s what Verina had been chalking her decisions up to lately. Living like a girl in a bubble specifically crafted by Marin the Mermaid Keeper, like a rebel child, Verina was beginning to learn the ins and outs of a life of captivity and how to escape it for minimal segments at a time. Tonight, Marin was chasing another important lead that needed to be dealt with so as long as she was home before he was, she shouldn't have had any problem with creating a night of chance for herself. Still no professional at life on land, Verina counted herself as far more educated now than she had been some months ago. Like now, she had a favorite drink at the bar, and now, she could understood what it meant when people asked for her number.

Planted at her lonely island table with a glass full of more ice than liquor, Verina gazed around the pickings before her eyes landed on the pool table just off to the left. She'd seen people play but still didn't understand the rules, nor did she ever feel the need to ask for a lesson though she'd seen the way some men liked to teach women in places like this. It was all hands on hips and ear whispering, and Verina couldn't say it didn't appeal though she knew better. Feeling the Marin sized weight on her shoulder, hissing in her ear for her to go home now before she made a mockery of herself, she knew better.

And yet, she watched the raven-haired man make a shot and felt herself smiling over her straw when the ball sunk. Calculated from other's reactions, Verina assumed this meant something good, and so she felt a sliver of pride for him. Perhaps she had been staring, however, as the next thing she knew, she’d caught his gaze in passing. She knew she looked interested, and that was purely for their game being the most interesting thing nearby that wasn’t simply people pawing at each other. So Verina excused herself, “Forgive me. I’ve been attempting to learn the rules from a distance now, it’s proving a little more difficult than I’d imagined.”

[verinessa]

lindyabbott:

Lindy watched as the woman opened the box, eyes widening as she saw the inside of the box. It really was a gorgeous piece. Not the sort of thing that she would have expected to find in town. She didn’t know the woman but she knew that it was a perfect fit for her. She seemed like someone with a fine taste, and this box was luxurious indeed.

“Well I saw the roller skates in the window and they caught my interest.” Lindy said, ducking her head a bit as she admitted it. It was a bit embarrassing for her to tell this stranger after she had seen the jewelry box the woman was looking at. “But actually that lamp over there reminds me of my mother’s favorite lamp.” She pointed towards it, having just noticed it out of the corner of her eye.

Turning her vain attention from the jewelry box back to the woman, for the first time since she’d seen the antique, she actually focussed on what else was around her. Like the strange color of the woman’s hair, the style of her clothing, the way she smelled familiar like sea salt. “Roller skates?” Verina questioned with a delicate frown, not knowing what those were. Another debacle of not being raised on land, she assumed, and it was once again a nice detail that if she wanted to play foreign, she could do so easily. 

Twisting to look at the lamp, Verina admired it and nodding slowly. “Your mother must have good taste then,” She beamed, turning back to look at the woman. “Will you get it? There’s so much in here, I’ve never had the time to take a look but today, I just knew it was the day.”

[roy-kentt]

Shaycation Greece.

[verinessa]

marinyuan:

Augustus was as closed off as they came – usually, at least – and Marin doubted he’d be much of the gossiping type, but there was still a sinking feeling that this Charlie fiasco would turn out to be more of a nuisance than intended. Of course, he’d be able to handle it just fine on his own; Augustus was his friend, and he didn’t want Verina thinking that he needed to be ostracized from their blossoming group due to some infatuation that would (hopefully) pass. 

Choosing to focus more on her following revelation, Marin was genuinely interested in this little group of human children. “Is that so?” He muttered, lips pursing in thought. “I didn’t know they had a name, but I’ve heard of them here and there. They’re building quite the reputation around town and I have no doubts in my mind that they’d try putting a stop to our plans. We won’t need to worry unless we’ve gotten on their radar though, so be mindful if you cross their path. The less they know about us, the better.”

Verina gave a sigh, throwing her head back so that her locks rolled off her shoulders. Blinking long lashes, she glanced around the dining room, wondering if now was the time to give it a new look, what with the changing weather finally. On the other hand, she was considering Mystery Inc. “If there’s anything I’ve learned about humans so far is that they do enjoy their titles,” She muttered to his first comment, before bringing bubbles to her lips once more.

“Trust me, I am many steps ahead of you, I haven’t met a single one so far but I do know who has their names.” She offered, having heard the rumors of the demons having a list. Verina herself hadn’t pursued it though, knowing that keeping herself far from the troubles of a conspiracy gang was to be her priority. “There’s a list. Floating around the demon sector of town. If you could acquire it, we would learn just who to avoid and perhaps... just who to manipulate as well.”

[verinessa]

🍸 + "Why are you so upset?"

"Because!” The word came out in a tangle of drunk exasperation and self-pity, causing her to huff. “Sometimes, I just feel like I’m useless, I feel like I’ve got no purpose other than to be some tool in waiting. I know it’s a ridiculous assumption, Marin’s only ever provided for me but I can’t help feeling as if sometimes he only sees me for my title and not as a person with feelings and desires of her own. It’s... insane, I know.” She sighed, feeling silly for even letting the thoughts out of her. Normally, she would bottle it. She was getting so very good at that. “It’s frustrating, is all. I spend most days just idly sitting by as he tells me what to do and at first, it was a means to survival, then it became an adjustment, now... now I just feel like it’s going to flatten me. If I have to spend one more day lying to people and staring at my bedroom walls, I might very well just go mental.”

[verinessa]

🍸 + "What the hell do you get up to when I'm not around?"

“I organize and re-organize. Mostly.” She slurred, “Or I cycle through outfits. I do my hair. I learn how to perfect make up tutorials… I dress myself up just to take it all off and start again. Or I watch a lot of Netflix. Sometimes I read. It’s a repetitive daily cycle but it’s the only thing that makes me feel good about myself with your constant berating so… we all must have hobbies, right?” She claimed simply, though clearly insinuating something.

[verinessa]

aubrey-jenkins:

“I’m pretty sure you’d enjoy anything right now. You’re a giggly sociable drunk,” Aubrey pointed out, well aware that she’d reached the point of inebriation where her words slurred just a bit at the edges. She leaned in, letting her head rest on Verina’s shoulder for just a moment before she perked straight up in her seat, eyes lit with an idea. “I’m going to show you my favorite drinking game,” she announced , pulling her purse up and rummaging inside. The bartender had seen enough of Aubrey to know what was coming when the little baggy of m&m’s made its way onto the bartop. She needed action before her eyes lingered too long on Verina’s lips. Friendship was …new for her, and she didn’t want to make the freshly burgeoning relationship awkward by making a drunken move.

“Okay so, this tests depth perception and aiming skills, both which are probably sorely sorely affected by our shots. Every time the bartender walks by we try to shoot an m&m into the pocket of his apron. If we get one in we get a free shot. If we miss we add a dollar to his tip pile.” Aubrey paused to rip the package open with her teeth, popping one green candy into her mouth before spilling the rest onto a fresh napkin. “You game, Ves?”

The mermaid watched eagerly as Aubrey began to root around in her purse, wondering what on Earth she was planning here. She wouldn’t have been able to guess, even if she was the most tricky person alive, she was sure. It was the nice thing about spending time with Aubrey. Although Verina wanted a crown, it was nice to not have to think about any of that for a little while.

“Do you carry those with you always?” She chuckled, pointing to the candy in curiosity, wondering where this was going. Verina felt so warm right now, swirling around in her own head like a fish caught in an uncontrollable current. It was unnerving, or it had been until it had become fun to watch the room spin a little.

“Oh, I see! A test of aptitude! I was always very good at these when I was growing up,” She chuckled, remembering the way her father had taught her to hunt, even if it had been in mostly metaphorical situations. Or the way her mother had tested her on memory games. “If that means am I ready to lose a lot of money because of all these drinks you keep buying me, then yes... of course. It would be an honor to lose by your side, and believe me, that is not a phrase I have ever thought of myself saying before.”

[verinessa]

alexnielscn:

It appeared his assumption of interest on her part had been mistaken, as at his question she seemed to falter. That didn’t bother him, he knew that it wasn’t a reflection on him but more on her and whether or not she had the explorative nature and curiosity in her to take a leap. He himself was pretty content whatever the outcome, he could wait a little longer to charm her into bed if that’s what it would take. 

 He let out a laugh at her question a knowing smirk reaching his eyes. “What better way to get to know one another, no?” Alex questioned her, unwilling to waver. It was clear what he wanted and it was up to her to decide, which if the door closing was anything to go by, she had. With a devil like glint in his brown eyes, he patted the space next to him like he was beckoning a pet. “Come, sit, let’s get to know each other.”

She watched him carefully as he patted the bed beside him, and although Verina was oblivious to some gestures, that was one she could translate easily. Feeling a churning of excitement and also fear in her gut, she paused in her steps towards him and instead, came to sit at the end of the bed where she suspected his feet were under the blankets just beside her. Spine straight and hands resting on her lap, she crossed one leg over, entire stature poised yet effortlessly so.

"I've come to learn from a friend of mine who is the owner of this house and while I may not know him very well, I do have to wonder what you are doing using his bedchamber as your own," She smirked, peering around the room then, noticing how well-lived in it looked. There were clothes on the floor, a watch on the beside side table, shoes lined against the closet floor. "Do you live here, then?" Verina asked then, peering back at the man.

[verinessa]

royofchaos:

“Mmm,” Roy hummed, not thoroughly convinced. It didn’t matter to him in the least what she’d done to her kingdom, but the fact she was here and not there and her scales had changed color said enough for him. “The color of your trail before said otherwise,” Roy countered with a grin and got up. “… Brilliant,” he said, exhaling at the successful venture and putting his hands into the pocket of his jacket.

“I’ll be keen on your payment no later than the end of this week. Not delivering would result in some rather nasty consequences.” He said, showing a look of obviously false concern. “Don’t think because of the friendship bracelets exchanged between our people that I’ll give you any space for being dodgy.”

Her eyes slimmed for the umpteenth time when he embellished the word in front of her, clearly giving Verina the idea that this man was not to be crossed, even if she hadn’t even dreamt of it yet. Despite her wicked intentions, Verina was loyal to those who served her, and perhaps he may have only done her a common service, but that registered as worthy in her mind for the time being. She would give him ample payment and a little more, should he decide to keep their appointment between just the two of them. She wasn’t a liar when she claimed she could afford him.

Watching as he laid down his thoughts on the alignment of mermaids and fairies in West Hollow, Verina committed that piece of information to mind for later. Forcing a beneficial smile, she spoke. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Besides,” She informed him calmly. “They aren’t my people. If that changes though, I’ll be sure to inform you of where we stand.” Although she was smiling, there was something cold in it, something calculating behind her eyes. After a few seconds though, it was gone and Verina deemed herself finished here. She’d gotten what she wanted. After all, eventually, she always usually did.

[whollowgossip]

West Hollow as other TV Shows/Movies: The Little Mermaid (Poor Unfortunate Souls)

“Life’s full of tough choices, innit.”

[verinessa]

alexnielscn:

When she had realized his presence Alex expected her to fall into that predictable apologetic response and make excuses as she rushed out the door, so when she stood there and soaked him up in all his glory, he had to say he was impressed. It seems the flustered girl in the mirror who cared about spilled drinks had more balls than he had planned for, and the smirk that lit up his features reflected that surprise.

He sat up in the bed, tensing and bulging his muscles in all the right places completely for her benefit, to make himself more enticing, then he locked eyes with her as if competing in some unspoken game of wits with her. “I am now. Why don’t you come join me and I could enjoy it a whole lot more?” He shot back at her, curious if she would take the bait. He might have just finished up with some eager to please girls not too long ago, but this girl was something special and Alex was much too easily turned on. He might have been a thousand and more years old, but his libido was and always had been insatiable.

The moment the man began to sit up, Verina felt the immense urge to take a step back, every little voice in her head that warned her she shouldn't be going down the dark path she was so desperately teetering closer to going off like sirens. She could hear Marin now, shouting at how ridiculous she was being, or that she was putting herself in a compromising position to be taken advantage of. _Well..._ she thought, looking at the man's physique as it slowly became more revealed to her. If this was what her path to better confidence looked like then she was _more_ than interested.

Folding her arms and attempting to control her smirk, Verina's jaw offset itself and her eyes gazed around the room as if she were considering the proposal. She didn't want to seem eager, after all, she wasn't actually even sure what she wanted out of her mission tonight. She was sick of feeling stupid, that was a major key element to this journey of exploration she was taking. After sharing a simple kiss with her witchy friend Aubrey, and asking that vampire how she might be able to put herself out there more, Verina realized just how dependent she was on others giving her guidance. Now that she had choices of her own... she wasn't sure which to make.

Turning her head towards the doorway, she thought about her exit option, teeth still chewing on the inside of her lip. Her eyes darted back to the man in the bed then, though she didn't face him yet, still considering her options. Clearly at war with herself, but also tempted more than she should have been, she turned back to him and rose her chin up in some arrogance. "Don't you think we should get to know each other a little first?" She pitched finally, though reached over to shut the door she'd come bursting through originally to clearly display which choice she preferred when it came to staying or leaving.

[verinessa]

marinyuan:

Marin physically bit his tongue at Verina’s sharp remarks, nearly drawing blood in an attempt to keep his thoughts to himself. While she was raised in the upper echelons of merfolk society, he was forced to fend for himself in the harsh waters on the kingdom’s edge. Quite frankly, he didn’t give a damn about her complaints of a loveless family or strict upbringing. At least she grew up comfortable, given the best their home had to offer, while Marin was punished simply for being born into the wrong family. Even now, he felt she still acted every bit the spoiled brat she’d been bred to become, which was perhaps the root of his constant annoyance with the fallen royal. 

Settling one hand in his lap, Marin clenched his fist in frustration, but chose to do so discreetly rather than lash out. After all, he needed to ensure their partnership remained intact if he hoped to ride her coattails right to the throne. “I apologize,” he bit out, swallowing his pride for a change. “It slips my mind that you come from an…unconventional upbringing far different than my own. I suppose that’ll come in handy once you’re queen again; no one wants a vulgar mermaid on the throne, do they?” He paused to take a generous sip from his glass, nearly downing every last drop in one fell swoop. “As for Augustus, I’ll have a talk with him when the time is right to ensure Charlie won’t be a problem for our little ragtag group of troublemakers.” 

Whether she believed it or not was irrelevant Verina decided as she watched him apologize. Shifting a little in her seat, looking no more pleased than she had a moment ago, there was still a raise to her chin that at least showed that she appreciated the apology. While she depended on his loyalty and guidance for her own reinstatement as queen, she had to remind herself that at what cost would she allow him to belittle her. After all, she was the one with blue blood in this room, not him. Without her, he would be scraping that beach of garbage for the rest of his days and she knew that fate wouldn’t sit well with Marin. And the truth was, she had no qualms about having him help her run a kingdom most days... until he made her feel unworthy of it.

“Well — as long as this Augustus refrains from being a gossip, I think everything should continue on as normal. After all, he isn’t exactly much of a sharer, is he...” She thought about the way she’d seen him and Charlie pushing their faces together, her brows drawing in. “Though perhaps you’re right, I suppose we must be wary of everyone we come across in this town. Augustus told me about a group of human children, they call themselves Mystery Inc. From what he said, they seem to have a talent for mixing themselves up in supernatural business but I don’t feel as if they’re much of a threat... given that we take so much extra precaution so that no one knows who we are. Do you think we should be worried?”