Peace for a Price (1x1)

"Of course," Lance murmured quietly, his expression inscrutable. "Well, I suppose this is where I might say, 'all is well that ends well.' You were able to retrieve your feather and you were able to return home safely. There could have been far worse outcome to be certain. I am glad you are safe, though I am sorry that it did not turn out quite as well as you had hoped." He smiled at her. "Shall we return to the castle? We have been out for some time, and I would not wish to tire you."
 
Malisia listened to his words carefully. Her smile faltering a bit at the mention of how it ended, but her expression returned to something more neutral without much time,. It defintely didn't turn out how she hoped, but there wasn't much she could do about it, not right now at least, it was something to worry about in the future.

The princess thought of what to say to Lance, but she wasn't tired, not in the normal way at least. Her mind was exhausted, yet, her body almost begged her to continue making herself busy, it was the stress, at least that's what she thought of it. "Oh I am not tired, worry not... It was a long day, yes, however. my sleeping habits are already... All over the place-" She admits, gently brushing some strands of hair behind her ear.

"If you wish to continue our walk... I am more than willing to, I am also not opposed to simply remanin sitting somewhere in the castle. Although, Lord Eleazar would likely want to speak to you after today's... Events. Perhaps its best I let you two speak."
 
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"We can deal with that later," Lance said, guiding her along another well-lit street. "If you need to walk, I can walk with you, but if you are tired of walking or wish to do something else, I am more than happy to oblige. You have had a very long day, and I would not wish for you to tire yourself out.
 
"Alright then.." She continued to walk along with him, putting her hands behind her back as she looked around, appreciating her surroundings.

"I appreciate you taking your time to do this. You really are not obligated to give me company during these times... And yet you do. Thank you, for that-"

She was used to solitude for the most part, however, she quite enjoyed the presence of anyone willing to provide their time to her, be it in a silent maanner or in conversation, it was better than drowning in her own thoughts.
 
"Of course, Princess. I will always be at your disposal," he replied smoothly. So long as her desires did not conflict with whatever Eleazar wanted from him, but he did not think that needed to be said. "You are welcome, and you need only ask if ever you need anything."

He continued walking with her until he deemed it was an appropriate time to turn back to the castle. "It is growing late," he remarked as they drew closer to the castle. "We should go inside, I think, Princess, or risk catching night cold."
 
Malisia suddenly realized the weather was indeed, very cold. She wouldn't really notice if it hadn't been for her companion mentioning it.

Little did she know, she would end up, indeed catching a cold, she was not used to the climate yet, and the stress had lowered her body's inmune system across the day, it wasn't inmediate, but she did feel the slightest sensation that she may be feeling a headache, she didn't mind it too much however, nodding in agreement.

"You are right- Thank you, once again, spending time with you was quite pleasant sir Hearthrune."


She made her way back to the castle along with him, chatting iddly as they did so. She made sure to thank him again once they were within the halls, wishing him a good night with a polite bow, and walking back to her chambers. Malisia likely had to stop apologizing and saying thank you so much, but that was simply the way she had been taught by her handmaidens, in an attempt at guiding her away from her parents' lack of manners over the years.


She guess that she would not find Eleazar as she made it back to their room, greeting any servants that may be awake at this time. Once she arrived, she simply changed into her nigthclothes, feeling much less worried than the hours prior, taking her sweet time to get ready and writing down a couple new ideas she came up with for the garden she'd finally begin to work on once they settled down.

It was a peceful time despite it all. She wasn't particularly sleepy nor did she bother putting any sort of effort into an attempt at sleeping. She didn't think anyone would come by at this hour, so she didn't worry, she kept working, as much as her body and mind allowed her.
 
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Duke Perovskia walked down the dimly lit hallway grumbling quietly to himself as he went. The lights ahead of him suddenly flickered out. He stopped and frowned. He turned and saw the lights behind were already out. The hair on his arms prickled, and he raised his fists protectively. Whatever happened, he knew how to defend himself!

"You should travel with more guards."

He whipped around at the whispered words, but there was no one there. "To defend me from a coward hiding in the shadows?" he snarled, baring his fangs.

"For someone who has enemies to fear, yes, I believe that would be the wise choice," purred the voice, again behind the duke.

The Oni spun, swinging his fist. His arm his something solid. Something that didn't give. Perovskie stared at the dark shape and recognized Lance Hearthrune standing before him, one hand holding the arm that was easily as big around as his waist. His white skin stood out sharply against the green of Perovskia's arm, and there was no sign of even the slightest tremor as he held it steady.

"What enemies have I? You?" the duke demanded, forcing down the flutter of fear in his belly.

Lance smiled at him, but it was a cold humorless smile barely visible in the dark. "To begin with, yes," he murmured. "I stand here on behalf of the royal family."

Perovskia withdrew his arm and Lance let him. "The Princess? It was her own idea! I would not have sent her to the roc!" he spluttered.

"Yes. Interesting that you should even know about that considering I mentioned it to precisely one other person. Apparently, I chose my confidant poorly," Lance purred. "That is my own fault, my own punishment, but you, Duke Perovskia, you sent an unarmed and unprepared woman into the heart of danger with only three untried and untested soldiers to guard her?" He tutted softly. "If your attempt on her life had succeeded, it is possible you would have gotten away free, perhaps even saying you sent more and better soldiers than you had, but she lived due to some miracle and brought back word of your doings."

The duke bared his fangs at Lance. "I will not take the blame for the foolishness of some stupid human who thinks a giant bird is some sort of religious benefactor! What next? The snow cat? If she is killed trying to bow her head to one of those, will you blame me then, too?"

"Perovskia, you test me," Lance warned, his voice still unnaturally quiet. "You were less than subtle in your declarations that Cranovid needed no human princess, and your city is well-known as a place of danger for humans. Your stance is clear, and when you saw an opportunity to rid the kingdom of its newest blight, you seized it. Opportunistic, clever, yet so very stupid."

"Then are you here to kill me? Are words your chosen weapon?" Perovskia demanded.

Lance finally stepped forward into the light, and his smile took on a new edge as he stared up at Perovskia, who stood only a little taller than he. "No," he whispered, his eyes purest black from edge to edge, "I have not been given permission to wipe your stain from this land. You are valuable yet as Duke. I am here to warn you. Your value will only stretch so far, Oni. Tread carefully, or next time you will not leave this hallway."

Lance turned and stepped into the darkness, disappearing instantly. Duke Perovskia stood in a wide stance for several seconds after Lance had gone. Then he crumpled, breathing heavily as sweat trickled down his brow. Glancing side to side, he hurried through the hallway and all but ran toward his chambers.

"I still think you should have allowed me," Lance commented to another shadow as he stepped into an alcove.

"Perhaps," Eleazar agreed, watching the retreating back of the duke, "but he still holds a lot of sway in this part of the country. Maybe too much. Maybe I have been too lenient on him. But having him disappear right now would only bread more trouble, and I haven't the energy to deal with it right now."

Lance inclined his head. "It may be wise to keep an eye on the Princess, My Lord. If the ruler is so bold as to attempt something like this..."

"Then rabble-rousing extremists are not far behind and ready to do far worse," Eleazar finished for him. "Yes. You will have to stay close to her."

"I, My Lord?" Lance asked, raising a brow.

"She likes and trusts you," Eleazar pointed out.

"In the daylight sun, My Lord?" Lance said leadingly.

Eleazar glanced at him and realized what he was asking. "No, you can't, can you. I guess the guards. We are still stuck here because of the storm whether we like it or not."

"My Lord, I trust our guards implicetly, but if your intention is not to alarm her by telling her what nearly happened, then I would not think suddenly having guards following her around would accomplish that," Lance said in amusement. "The answer is clear here."

Eleazar looked puzzled for a moment. Until realization hit. He scowled at Lance and muttered a curse.

"Indeed, My Lord. I am afraid you will be spending a bit more time with your bride," Lance said happily.

Eleazar grumbled and rustled his wings before walking away. "So. It. Seems. Try not to enjoy yourself too much. At least attempt to hide it from me."

"I will do my best, My Lord," Lance promised as he watched Eleazar walk away.

Eleazar went to the shared rooms and made himself comfortable on the couch. This was going to be a long few days.
 
Malisia spent her night none the wiser, humming to herself as she wrote down her page after page until she was satisfied with her work, smiling to herself as she saw a neat, extensive guide on plants of different kinds, their seeds, bulbs, and their proper care under the harsh conditions. It was not perfect, and it was mostly theorical, but that was what the rest of the blank book was for, once she got her hands on some proper information, she would be ready to show what she'd done so far to Eleazar... Or someone that may explain him all of this in less complex botanic terms.

Before the sun began to rose, she slipped into bed, getting comfortable underneath her bedsheets for once. She let out a content sigh, and slowly drifted into sleep, even if it would only be a few hours before the servants came by with breakfast, or Eleazar called her to go with him into the Dinning Hall.

Oddly enough, she slept with a soft smile, her usual dreamless sleep was replaced with soothing, ethereal images that didn't have a real shape or meaning that she could understand, but it was peaceful, comforting, similar to being embraced, not that she was too familiar with how feeling embraced was supposed to be like.


And once morning came, she jumped out of bed, without prompting from anyone else, and begun changing into a rather fluffy dress, startling her handmaidens who came into her room to check on her while she slept, only to find her iddly looking at the collection of books spread across the bed, nearly looking like a crime scene with the many scattered research papers along the floor and table of the room.
 
The next morning, the servants entered with the usual trays of breakfast, hot and ready to be eaten. Eleazar followed a few steps behind and stood to the side as they set everything up.

"After everything that happened yesterday, I thought it might be wise if you took today a little... easier," he told Malisia, waiting until she was sitting down before taking a seat himself. "If you wish to go out more, that is fine, but I would like you to consider staying in these rooms today. It will be raining quite heavily today, in any case."
 
She was surprised that he decided to come himself this time, but it wasn't unwelcomed, she smiled at him and nodded to his suggestion.

Malisia had a bit of a sniffle to her breath, she didn't worry over it, surely just a matter of weather rather than any hint of sickness, she knew better of course, but she didn't want to admit defeat to a simple cold.

"That is quite alright- I think I had enough exploring already, so I was planning to stay in and read some." She looked up from the tray of food and looked at him, feeling oddly comfortable around him at the time, without any hint of fake happiness or anything similar in her voice, just honest and truthful contentment.

"Did you have any plans for today your highness?"
 
Eleazar heard the sniffle and looked at Malisia sharply. Was she getting ill? Now was not a good time to get ill. It was a good thing she was planning to stay in. Perhaps he should have the servants bring her more herbal teas to boost her immune system.

"I did not have much in mind for today," he replied to her question. "The rain cuts out a lot of possibilities, and I concluded any business I needed to do yesterday."
 
She nodded slowly, unsure of her next words, but then again, she couldn't lose much by asking anyway, so she gave it a shot.

"I see, well... If you aren't busy, would you like to give me some company while I read? I'm not sure if... Several hours of reading may be something you enjoy, but I promise to be silent if you decide to stay around without reading necesarily, just... Peace and quiet."


Her promise was not empty, she could stay silent if required, and didn't have much to say if her eyes were locked onto a book or scroll, she was happy to simply enjoy his company after all, just like that day at the castle where they had gotten married, silent in the gardens, without bothereing him much.

She would be alright if he chose not to stay however, she actually assumed his answer would be no either way, it was more than anything an attempt to keep him there, but giving him a choice on the matter so he wouldn't feel conrnered.
 
Eleazar murmured and hemmed and hawed for a moment, muttering about random things. "I suppose I could spend some time reading," he finally said, fighting to keep the grudging tone from his voice. "It has been a long time since I have... just read a book."

He turned his attention to his breakfast and finished it quickly to hide his discomfort. No one had ever accused him of having more than basic people skills.
 
Malisia did take some time with her food, enjoying it rather than devouring it as she usually did. She was happy that he accepted, even if he seemed hesitant to her anxious mind.

Once she was finished, she made sure arrange their dishes so they would be easier to take away for their servants. When she was done, she simply stood up and took a couple from her collection, which she thought may be more appealing to the king, it was a wide variety, historical, scientific studies, poetry and a couple dedicated to simple fictious stories that went from simple mistery to the ones she considered he would not be interested in at all, drama and romance. She offered them regardless.

"Here are some of my favorites... We could read together, or we can each pick a book that interests us and read separately- You can choose whichever you prefer your highness, I have probably read these a hunndred times each." She admitted with a soft smile.


The books were clean, and their leather covers, although a bit weathered, were tough and well taken care of, these were clearly property of someone who cared for each deeply and used them constantly, growing older along with their keeper. They have been cherished, for a long time. A safe haven of sorts from past years.

She waited for him to pick what they'd do, or what he'd read, patiently, trying her best not to seem impatient or pushy.

Despite her, ever increasing sickness, she didn't feel too bothered by it, her happiness wiping away what little discomfort she felt.


Malisia had not forgotten the events of the day prior, she was definetely not over Eleazar's words, but she listened to Lance's advice, carefully, she would make the best out of the situation even if it wasn't under her control.
 
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Eleazar picked one of the books at random and settled down to read it. Or at least pretend to read it. In truth, he was not a good reader. He read official documents and understood them, but it took him on average twice as long as other officials. He didn't like reading because he was such a slow reader, and because he did not read beyond what was necessary, his reading skills did not improve.

Noting the Princess' growing sniffles even if she was ignoring them, he'd signaled for the servants to keep her well supplied with herbal tea proven to help heal. It would be highly inconvenient if she got sick now.
 
Malisia, with her lack of sense of taste at the time, thanked the servants for the tea, and never suspected them being medicinal, unaware of Eleazar's kind act at the time.

She sat at the edge of her seat with a soft smile on her lips, turning pages every so often. She didn't take note of Eleazar's reading speed, but it was, pretty obvious that she was practically eating away at the pages with practiced ease. Her mind was able to take in words rather fast, she wasn't a genius, but she was a fast reader and learner. Had she known of the king's difficulty at reading, she would've offered to read him something rather than this, but she just kept making herself busy with the book in her hands: Kalan'sis, Horobphir and other Seafaring Tales. It was mostly about myths and creatures from stories all around the coasts, some said this was true, some said it wasn't, but without wider ways of mass communication, it was up to the reader to choose to believe or not.

The princess hadn't taken the time to see what Eleazar was reading, so she leaned forward slowly to catch a glimpse of it, she rose an eyebrow in surprise as she recognized it.

"Melted iron hearts?..." She said, clearing her throat as she tried her best not to sound jugmental. "It's... A very good book, I could probably recite the last half of it from memory..." The princess calculated the page he was in, unaware that he wasn't actually reading and just had the book open in a random spot.

" ' Hasira spoke words of truth with his heart beating like a drum of war, declaring passion and loyalty to his one true love before those who opposed them and shamed their union, for even their differences brought them closer together and fueled their flame. Forever in love even if their families despised them for they came from different worlds...'- More or less. "


She said with a weak laugh.... It was exactly the first line of the page.


"Apologies my Lord- I promised I'd be silent. Will be from now on" She said in an apologetic manner, smiling awkwardly, looking back into her book with her lips pursed.
 
Eleazar peered at the page in his book. He couldn't read as fast as she recited it, but it seemed to be correct. "I think you might need new books if you can recite it from memory. That, or it is a favorite of yours. Or perhaps your mind is just that sharp?" He turned the page, attempting to appear interested in the book. He was even less interested after her recital.
 
"It is indeed a favorite of mine my lord... No need for anything new really, I still quite enjoy reading them." She confirmed softly before falling silent once more.

Malisia's breath was begining to normalize, the tea had worked wonders on her, leaving her with a distant headache, though she wasn't paying much attention to it at all.

She spent a decent time all things considered, looking up from her book to watch Eleazar every so often... She suspected that he was not particularly enjoying himself. No, that couldn't be right, why would he force himself to read if he wasn't invested? Surely he was truly liking the book. Her lack of perception was truly her biggest flaw.

The princess finished her book before realizing the day was already nearing noon,


She chose not to mention it, staying silent as she simply watched the king as he, pretended, to read, unaware if she was making him uncomfortable by looking at him for so long. Malisia looked at him, with honest interest, perhaps a hint of longing. She didn't look at him as if he was an alien, but simply, watching over him, wondering what went through his mind, his concerns, his thoughts on her.

The princcess wanted to improve, she truly did. But of course, staring at him wouldn't do it, once she realized how long her sight had been set on him, she looked away to her cup, quickly taking the last few sip that remained of her tea at the bottom of the ceremic.
 
Malisia's staring made Eleazar very uncomfortable. He was fully aware of how much she was looking at him, but he actively worked to ignore it and pretend he didn't notice. Why did she keep staring? Surely she had better things to look at, like her own book. Supposedly, she loved him, whatever that meant to her, but so far he was feeling more like a novelty to be studied. Above all else, he was bored, but he stubbornly stayed where he was. He'd endured worse. He could deal with this.

Eleazar finally snapped the book closed having only read a few lines. "It is time for lunch," he stated. "The servants should be here soon with food. It would be a good idea to put these books where they will not be harmed."
 
The princess nodded in agreement, slowly standing up to pick up the books that had been placed on the table, and stacking them in the order of how many times she' read them, of course- Until she reached to take Eleazar's pick, gently picking up the heft book with her two hands, accidentally brushing against Eleazar's own hand as she did so. She apologized, though not verbally, simply with a look, and quickly put it along with the rest of the stack, and placing that book right on top.

With care, although a bit of unstability, she picked up the pile and with a slight hint of shaking coming from her left arm, and took them to a corner of the room, setting them down softly before returning to Eleazar.

"Thank you, for spending this with me your highness... Perhaps if it is repeated, we could, find something more of your liking?- I am sure you, enjoyed the current book, however there must be something else that catches your interest. yes?"


The "if" was very clearly important, she kept on giving him options to leave, expecting that eventually he would have to take it, then, something else bothered her... Lunch, in the room?

They had breakfast and supper in their rooms, a couple of times now, but lunch had been so far, always taken in the dinning room. Was he trying to be alone with her on purpose? Not going out of the castle, staying in the room with her and, to even her on surprise, READING with her and now lunch, along once more.

Of course, she didn't have a clue of what transpired the night prior between Lance and Duke Perovskia, but she still found it strange that the king would willingly subject himself to spending time with her, when no less than a day ago, he had been hiding away from her gods knew where.

She did not mention this however, she remained silent, too silent, with a smile that had written concern all over it. Malisia had been hopeful, all this time, bu truth be told, there was always a strange sensation in the back of her mind. Paranoia.

While she loved him, and honestly wanted to be with him, she was also worried. A bit over a week had been enough to bring back memories... Not pleasant ones.


Was this a test? Was he finally deciding what he would do with her? Perhaps now he would only see how far this could go before discarding her.

She tried to swallow saliva, but her mouth was dry, so she just sat there, attempting to shake off those awful thoughts and justifying reasons to trust him. At this point, she knew his true colors would've shown long, long ago, she assumed this was just the way he was, nothing to worry about.

The princess was, a bit relieved by the thought, reminding herself the king was indeed, a good person, she wouldn't be living with someone who'd harm her behind closed doors after all. She knew this, however it was easy to be worried about secrets, she didn't have a good history with them, but she wouldn't go around admitting this.

So she just, smiled, a bit of a fake smile, but a smile nontheless.
 
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