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#Post#: 379441--------------------------------------------------
Re: Arranged Marriage
By: guest1268 Date: December 16, 2014, 5:35 pm
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Essie watched in reserved awe as his eyes transitioned into
various colors. His eyes were ever changing like that of the
weather. The words he spoke only made her frown. He was as
stubborn as an old mule! She could force herself to live with
his jokes and his insults, but what she could not live with was
his unwillingness to talk things out. She could not help but
feel misunderstood.
"But that's not what I-... " she started.
He was gone before she could try to explain herself. A small and
not at all princess-like, curse emitted her lips when he scaled
the wall then vanished from view. She stomped her foot and bit
her knuckles to muffle a scream.
"Excuse me, no one is supposed to be out after midnight,
princess."
Essie composed herself and looked at the soldier walking toward
her.
"I apologize, must have been sleep walking, " she lied.
He nodded, waiting for her to comply. She did, but not before
retrieving Jasper's shirt. The fabric left streaks of mud along
her hands as she held it. Essie went to her room and almost
immediately, fell asleep after collapsing on the bed.
#Post#: 379517--------------------------------------------------
Re: Arranged Marriage
By: Renegade Date: December 16, 2014, 9:48 pm
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Jasper wouldn't be fortunate enough to be able to escape in the
morning. When he awoke, there were already attendants in his
room, picking out an appropriate outfit for his meeting with the
Princess, since no one knew he had met with her the night
before. What a pain in the ass... Once he was properly bathed
and dressed, he was ushered to the Dining room, where his
parents were already seated. His mother already had that
"disappointed" look on her face, but it was the King that went
straight into scolding mode. "Where were you yesterday with
Essie arrived?"
"I-"
"You had a responsibility to be here! None of your excuses!"
As usual, Jasper got no opportunity to explain himself. Not that
he would have had a solid excuse anyway but it would be nice to
at least get the chance sometimes. "It won't happen again
father...." Not until the coast was clear, at least.
"Be sure that it doesn't. We'll be having brunch with the
Princess together, since you can't be trusted to handle your
responsibilities alone." The Prince took a seat and waited
patiently and silently, for his assigned fiancee, as well as his
morning meal; Two things in his life that were guaranteed, much
like everything else...
#Post#: 379518--------------------------------------------------
Re: Arranged Marriage
By: guest1268 Date: December 16, 2014, 9:58 pm
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A maid had nudged the princess awake. Essie was still very tired
but was left with no choice but to get up and join the family
for brunch. Without her father there to scold her for wearing
suggestive gowns, she was free to wear a long purple one with no
extra material beneath the skirt to keep it from clinging to her
curves.
Silently, she made her way into the dining area where sat the
king, queen and the jack of as- prince. A servant held the chair
beside the prince out for her to sit in which she did with
reservation. They were close enough to brush elbows if not
careful.
Her eyes scanned the king and queen's faces before she bowed her
head accordingly.
"Thank you, for allowing me to dine with you," she said softly.
"It is an honor to be your guest, as always."
The way the golden tapestries that hung in oversized ruffles
over the windows, reminded her of her aunt who always wore large
dresses that people had to be careful not to trip over in a five
foot radius at balls. Due to the intricate and tightly sown
weavings of the threads, they did not lack majesty and almost
shimmered against the sunlight. Surely, as queen, she would be
in charge of decorating a castle and picking out delicacies for
menus. Jasper would not want her in the way of other, more
important things. Forever, she was doomed to be a pretty face
who stood quietly at her husband's side and produced heirs to
his throne.
She swallowed and blinked, snapping out of her thoughts.
"I'm very hungry, I wonder where the food is," she murmured
beneath her breath even though she was anything but hungry.
#Post#: 379557--------------------------------------------------
Re: Arranged Marriage
By: Renegade Date: December 17, 2014, 2:46 pm
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The King and Queen's expressions both turned to smiles when
Essie walked through the door. Once she was seated, she thanked
them for allowing her to dine with them. "Not at all! Yo're
family!" The Queen insisted. "Besides," The King chimed in.
"It's the least we could do after Jasper acted so irresponsibly
yesterday. Isn't that right, son?" On the inside, Jasper
scoffed, but his expression was apologetic. Dark green and
orange clashed in his irises as he spoke to the Princess with
the greatest of eloquence. "My humblest apologies for being
inconsiderate of your time. I hope that you can find it within
your heart to forgive me."
With his face toward Essie, and facing away from his parents, he
shot the Princess a challenging glare. She couldn't shoot him
down like she would if they were alone, but her pride wouldn't
let her give him the satisfaction of winning either. Even in the
face of his parents, he had won. It was then thatthe help
brought out a large breakfast feast of (whatever midieval people
ate for breakfast.)Jasper would then turn, and begin his meal
with perfect etiqquete. Despite Essie's beliefs, he had learned
plenty in their classes as a kid. He simply knew how to turn it
on and off.
#Post#: 379558--------------------------------------------------
Re: Arranged Marriage
By: guest1268 Date: December 17, 2014, 3:09 pm
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"Of course," she replied, nodding her head to Jasper.
His glare didn't phase her but she didn't return it with a snide
comment or a sarcastic grin either. He could continue in his
childlike behavior, but she wasn't in the mood today.
"I'm sure he had a good reason for his absence. I know that my
arrival was somewhat shocking to us both," she said.
When she realized that she was only helping his case, she smiled
and reached over with her hand. She laid it on his shoulder as
she beamed at him.
"Besides, we will have plenty of time together before and after
the wedding. Right, Jasper?" she asked directly so that he would
have to acknowledge her.
As they ate, she fell silent as she picked at the food on her
plate. She forced herself to eat so to not offend the king and
queen but the more she ate, the more upset her stomach became.
Finally, she abandoned the plate and sipped on her wine as the
others ate.
"I have a riding lesson soon," she said to his parents as she
reached over and laid her hand upon Japser's in order to feign
affectation. "Could Jasper join me? "
#Post#: 379569--------------------------------------------------
Re: Arranged Marriage
By: Renegade Date: December 17, 2014, 4:40 pm
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Dammit... Her reaction was flawless... Not even a moment's
hesitation. She was more formidable than Jasper had given her
credit for. Either that, or she had actually grown up a bit...
She even went as far as to defend him!
The King and Queen, who had watched Jasper and Essie grow up
together, constantly bickering and fighting, couldn't help but
feel a little confused about the sudden air of positivity
between the two. However, they decided to take it as a plus.
Meanwhile, Jasper played his role as necessary. In her own way,
Essie had forced him into the very truce that he had refused her
the night before, even if it only lasted momentarily. "I look
forward to it." He said in response to her question about the
time they would spend together. It wasn't a lie. He did look
forward to it, though not in the way that his parents may have
expected. His eyes took on an interesting purple color as he
spoke, but he was looking down into his plate, making it nearly
invisible.
"When her hand fell on his, his fingers spread, causing hers to
fall into the gaps between them. This was odd, but their
performances were convincing. "I wouldn't miss it." He said,
before his parents had the opportunity to answer. Their schedule
wasn't terribly hectic that day, but starting the next day,
preparation for the ball would begin. They would be expected to
rehearse and perfect a dance together to showcase to all those
who attended once the announcement was made. They would be
fitted for clothes, and prepped for what to say... The upcoming
days would be a pain.. Especially if they had to keep playing
nice for the crowd...
#Post#: 379573--------------------------------------------------
Re: Arranged Marriage
By: guest1268 Date: December 17, 2014, 5:01 pm
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He knew exactly how to change it up to play along. With every
thought that exited his lips, she found herself taken back and
reeling for a reply. Did he want to play a game with his parents
or did he want to make his hatred for her publicly known? So
damn confusing...
But he did play along, giving her the ability to keep going on
with the charade. Perhaps, he was giving her the answer then.
After dropping his hand, she stood up, bowed, and smiled at the
royals before her.
"If you will excuse us, wouldn't want to be late, " she said.
"I will go change and meet you by the stables, Jasper, " she
said before leaving to go to her room.
Without taking too long, she changed and quickly made her way
down to the stables. She wore a hood with a long cape that
concealed her face. Essie was also dressed in a brown corset
with a long sleeved, white blouse with black plants that clearly
belonged to a man.
Once outside, she kept the hood up so to not be identified by
the servants. She waited to see Jasper before going to fetch a
horse.
#Post#: 379576--------------------------------------------------
Re: Arranged Marriage
By: Renegade Date: December 17, 2014, 5:27 pm
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Jasper rose from the table with Essie, and bowed his head
respectfully to his parents before retreating to his room and
donning simple black and white riding attire. Essie was up to
something, though he didn't know what. His theory was confirmed
when he saw her, attempting to hide her identity with her
attire. He wouldn't admit to anyone why it was so easy for him
to identify her, but let's just say he knew.
"What are you up to?" He asked, as he entered the stables,
walking immediately to the stall containing his favorite black
hose. His official name was Francis, but Jasper called him
"Shadow." (xD) He prepared the saddle and stirrups, and waited
for Essie. Whatever the deal was, he was intrigued enough to
play along.
#Post#: 379577--------------------------------------------------
Re: Arranged Marriage
By: guest1268 Date: December 17, 2014, 5:39 pm
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The horse she had always been fond of found its way to the
princess as she neared it. It was white with a grey patch on its
nose and just above each of its hooves. She had nick named it
Elsa, though she knew it had another name but the horse never
complained. Saddling the horse, she sighed at his earlier
question.
"I need to get out of this place," she explained. "I did not
think you of all people would complain."
She climbed up onto the horse and held the reigns tightly. Then,
once he was ready, she snapped the reigns and caused the horse
to jolt forward. It was his choice to follow but it became clear
that she was heading towards the mountains. The horse carried
her into the treeline that surrounded the castle and after only
about fifteen minutes of riding, they would come up on a tavern
with a wooden sign that hung above the door.
It read 'Raven's Keep '.
Those who were entering or exiting the establishment, were rough
looking and were far from good company for members of the royal
family.
She smirked, wondering if he would follow her into it.
#Post#: 379586--------------------------------------------------
Re: Arranged Marriage
By: Renegade Date: December 17, 2014, 6:43 pm
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That was it? She just wanted to get away? And she used an
imaginary riding lesson as an excuse? It was a classic Jasper
move. He couldn't help but smile when she spoke the words,
swirls of light yellow filling his irises. "Sounds good to me."
He said, taking off behind her. This would be a perfect time to
run, to take off in his own direction but something compelled
the Prince to follow her. He wanted to see where she was going.
After a swift and fast paced ride, Essie stopped at the most
ironic of places; The Raven's Keep. It was a place Jasper
actually frequented. He figured her Highness would be afraid of
a place like this, but since she chose it, he figured she was
feeling adventurous. He tied Shadow to the wall, confident that
he wouldn't let anyone else touch him. He held the door open for
the woman, and walked in behind her, heading straight for the
bar. "Well if it isn't The Renegade himself! Said the burly man
behind the counter. He was the only one who knew Jasper's true
identity. "And you brought a date with you? That's rare" He
looked to examine the woman for only a second before his eyes
widened. "Is that Adelaide?!" It was clear that he recognized
the woman, though he called her an odd name that amused Jasper.
"Oh, so you and -Adelaide- know each other?" He asked, taking a
seat at the bar." This was interesting. She had come here on
purpose! Multicolored eyes settled on the woman in amusement.
She had been caught! It was common knowledge that Jasper did
things like this on the regular, but the sweet and innocent
Princess? This was a valuable bit of information. "The regular,
Chuck" He said, with a soft beat on the bar. "And whatever the
lady wants."
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