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Post by DarkSideCookie on Oct 4, 2019 15:42:03 GMT -8
"Home?", the princess suddenly shot back at him with anger. Anger that Francis admittedly hadn't expected yet wasn't too surprising for someone who just recently had come to know where she truly belonged. She couldn't be serious about rather living in the woods than in a kingdom that was to become hers. "Home is a small cottage in a quiet village far from here where I spent my whole life protectively tucked away. Despite it being a caring and loving environment, I still felt as if I were locked up.""I did not get away only to be put into another prison."She was serious; but only because she didn't know better yet. This was just for her own good.
"No one intends to put you into any prison, my princess.", Francis assured with a tone that left no room for dishonesty. The knight actually had no idea of Stefan's plan on how to treat his only daughter once she will be back, but as for himself, he never was badly intentioned towards her. Quite the contrary. "So, please don't make me force your decision to come with me." Because, even though his intentions weren't bad, he was never hesitating to take actions that had to be taken.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Oct 6, 2019 14:49:39 GMT -8
Lightly veiled threat aside that he'd force her to go along, Rose's tension eased and her guard slightly lowered with the bit of comfort she found in his previous statement and the way he'd said it. He was a knight, following the orders of his king, yet at the same time, she thought she sensed a protectiveness and felt as if he genuinely had her best interest at heart. Unfortunately, he had the same outlook as a majority of people; that life in a castle with a royal title couldn't be anything but the grandest of dreams come true. Perhaps there was a way for this to work out for everyone's benefit.
The look of flight gone from her eyes, Rose gently pulled her arm from his grasp and tested to see if what she'd sensed was really there. "There are worse fates than feeling as if a prisoner in one's own home. I've not heard a single positive remark made in regards to my father." That was putting it kindly, as was her way. A power hungry man who would do anything to amass more. She'd been able to gather very little information on her mother. Only that she'd been kind and beautiful and had passed on far too young. How could she not have correlated that with the stories she'd heard of her father? "The king has his guards. But who protected the queen and kept her best interests at heart? What will become of me, should my father's intentions not be in my best interest? Who will protect the princess and her best interests, Sir Francis?"
She looked at him with those sweet, innocent eyes that pleaded with him to understand why she didn't jump for joy at the notion of claiming her royal title; why she was filled with trepidation and why she'd fought against cooperating. Her question had been rhetorical for in her mind, she knew the answer. Despite what she thought she'd sensed from Francis, she assumed no one would overstep the king. The women didn't matter. Perhaps more so in a royal family, where they served as pawns to be used in a king's strategy to gain power and alliances.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Oct 26, 2019 8:16:49 GMT -8
"There are worse fates than feeling as if a prisoner in one's own home. I've not heard a single positive remark made in regards to my father."
Francis actually couldn't deny this statement for it was a matter of fact. King Stefan's first knight might be loyal, but loyal to the kingdom and not stringently to its present representative. Never would he dare to publicly announce such a thing though. Francis was no fool, and so he knew when the time was right and when it was not. And it was not yet.
His face remained rigid, yet seemed to relax a little as well when he sensed the young woman's tension easing.
"The king has his guards. But who protected the queen and kept her best interests at heart? What will become of me, should my father's intentions not be in my best interest? Who will protect the princess and her best interests, Sir Francis?"
Now, that was like a call directly to him. Having these innocent and absolutely pure eyes, those of her deceased mother's likewise, pleading on him, how could he not give a knightly promise to his princess right here right now? It could be said that this was his Achilles' heel.
"My princess.", Francis spoke softly as he took one of her hands into his. "Call me old-fashioned, but you have my word that my protection will be provided to you in the first instance." Probably no one in this land would call him old-fashioned for such a statement but every now and then it happened that bygone times he had spent elsewhere, were filtering through. Although, there always had inhered kind of a noble attitude in him. "So, will you allow me to escort you to your palace, my princess?" Of course, this was not really a question, even though he made it sound like one. But still, there was this spark of another ambition, rather self-interested, seen in his eyes.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Nov 9, 2019 21:49:58 GMT -8
Rose had allowed Sir Francis to take her hand and watched him carefully as he declared his promise to protect her. Not the kingdom, not her father, but her. She saw no sign of deception in his eyes or his features accompanying his statement. Though Rose's read of a person could not be depended upon as accurate. Maleficent had done her best to remove the rose-colored lens from Rose's eyes but she'd only managed to instill a bit of caution. Rose's kind heart and kind ways always made her see and believe that kindness existed in the world and people around her. And so she relaxed, wholeheartedly believing him.
"So, will you allow me to escort you to your palace, my princess?"
Already having crossed the bridge of caution into trust, Rose saw the spark of self-interest driven ambition in his eyes as happy relief that she would accompany him. Looking beyond herself to see things from his perspective, skewed by the kindness of her heart, she suddenly realized that he was simply doing his job and actually felt a twinge of guilt over the trouble this knight who'd pledged to protect her would have ended up in if he'd returned empty handed. She couldn't avoid her father forever. She'd been lucky to have gone this long without having been caught. She was also lucky that of all the men her father had sent over the span of all this time, the one who'd managed to successfully complete the task was one who had her best interest at heart.
Rose fully relaxed and a smile touched her lips, showing that she'd given in. To prove it further, she gently pulled her hand free from his and turned to wave off Jane and her father. She then placed her hands over her heart and extended her arms toward them, indicating she sent them her love before finishing with a goodbye wave. They waved back, slightly confused yet looking greatly relieved.
Rose turned back and folded her hands before her, fingers fidgeting and twisting around each other anxiously. "I suppose I'm long overdue to meet my father," she said, trying to sound optimistic. Taking hold of some courage, she began the journey by putting one foot in front of the other.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Nov 19, 2019 9:59:02 GMT -8
As professional as the knight liked to be, he couldn't help reflecting the smile on her face. Francis was sure that, by now, he had gained her full trust. Although this might sound like it was his intention to deceive it in some way; that was not exactly the case. He would surely keep some information to himself, yet truly wanted just the best for Leah's first and only daughter. Deep down, he even might not be able to choose from her or his plan to conquer the kingdom. So, he was a lucky man that he didn't have to. He wanted both and he would get both.
Once the princess' attention was turned back at him, that rigid look that had been laying upon his features for the split of a second, Francis returned her friendly smile once again.
"I suppose I'm long overdue to meet my father,"
He truly almost felt sorry for her, for it also wasn't his intention to send her back to King Stefan, a horrible man for sure, but to her kingdom - the place where she belonged.
"If I may say so, my princess, your song sounds as angelic as your mother's had.", Francis started a little bit more than just small talk, as they walked side by side towards the kingdom. His words also might reveal that he not only was the King's first knight but also someone who had been close enough with the Queen to hear her sing.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Dec 8, 2019 16:14:40 GMT -8
Normally Rose thanked people with the same warmth that a compliment on her voice filled her with but this time, the compliment was overshadowed by the information of her mother that accompanied it. Everyone had plenty to say about her father but her mother seemed to have been a ghost even when living. The few who could come up with anything at all about her could only provide some variation of her being kind and beautiful. Nothing more than that. Despite knowing nothing else about her, the fact it seemed her mother had also been kept tucked away had given her an odd sense of kinship and a partial understanding of how her mother must have felt at times.
"My mother loved to sing as well?" she asked with happy enthusiasm, hungry for more information about her mother.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Dec 14, 2019 15:17:43 GMT -8
Francis noticed that his words seemed to have some kind of effect on her, and he had a feeling why that was. Everyone was always talking about King Staffan and his great kingdom but never did anyone mention, maybe not even remember, his lovely and kind-hearted wife Queen Leah. But then again, nobody anyway had known her as good as Francis had. She had deserved so much more than the life she'd lived, underestimated in the shadows of a horrid man. She had deserved someone who truly loved her and who would have laid the world at her feet...
"My mother loved to sing as well?", suddenly Rose roused him from his reminiscences of already gone times, looking at him with the same curious eyes than once her mother had.
Francis gave her a warm smile. "How about I tell you more about her once we're on the road?" They still had a long way to go, although he probably had enough stories to tell to occupy their whole journey with it. Not only was he hoping to create a bond with the princess, but he also felt like it was on time that those stories should get told, especially to Leah's only daughter.
***Francis and Rose exit to King Stefan's Kingdom - Forest - 1 Year BDC***
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Post by Lady Lee-o on Jun 3, 2020 10:11:36 GMT -8
"I met this girl, she is perfect in every way. Sweet, kind, compassionate, smart, everything that would make her the perfect future queen." He spent three days trying to convince his father, King Hubert thought he had gone mad. "Father, I have no interest in anyone else." "What have you done with my son?" "What do you mean?" "My son the party boy, he would sleepeth with the bar wenches and young maidens? You have made such a quick turn, all because of this girl?" This past year, Prince Phillip had dove into his study, focusing on the kingdom and showing his father he was ready to be king. King Hubert was impressed, "I will meet this girl, then I will make my choice." With that news, Phillip took off on his horse towards the Taven and hoped Rose would still be there.
~ ~ ~ ~
Late, Phillip was late and he feared she would already be gone. Would she think he forgot about her, did his tardiness break her heart and leave her wondering? Phillip went alone, not wanting his guard along for the ride. He wanted to tell Rose himself, just the two of them. This meant he needed to sneak away before the guard noticed.
Coming to a stop at the back of the tavern, he dismounted and headed towards the kitchen door. Opening it slowly, all he could see was Ida- she was fussing over something. "Ida..."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jun 21, 2020 12:42:37 GMT -8
IDA
Ida kept herself busy and distracted, automatically fussing about the kitchen while her mind remained fully preoccupied with that poor, sweet girl. Any ideas that came to mind were swiftly eliminated by social status. Peasants and royalty were a world apart in ever aspect. They had no right to interfere in the lives of the upper class and besides, a group of peasants didn't stand a chance going up against a king and his army.
"Ida..."
She paused upon hearing her name and turned her worried, crestfallen face toward the familiar voice. Her shoulders drooped and her expression turned even more forlorn. Her mind so full with worry over Rose, she hadn't thought about the reason the girl had returned. "Oh, Phillip. My dear boy." Her voice hitched with emotion as she rushed forward and took his hands in hers, squeezing them gently. "He took her. He took her and there is nothing we can do about it for it was his right to do so."
With so much to tell him and overwhelmed with the additional heartbreaking realization that the two could never be together on top of the worry that had already consumed her mind, Ida didn't comprehend how uncomprehensive she was being. Her tone spoke of a problem but the lack of urgency in it said that she'd come to the regrettable conclusion that they were powerless to do anything about it.
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Post by Lady Lee-o on Jun 30, 2020 19:06:08 GMT -8
"Oh, Phillip. My dear boy." The look on her face spoke a thousand words. Something was wrong and he knew it had something to do with Rose. He squeezed her hands back and listened to what she had to say, "He took her. He took her and there is nothing we can do about it for it was his right to do so." Who was this man and why did he have a right to take her?
"Maybe there is nothing you can do but I certainly can. Who took her, Ida?" Philip had every intention of telling Ida there was hope because he would get her back. He would storm whatever fortress held her, gather an army and get his love back from whatever evil took her.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jul 28, 2020 20:35:52 GMT -8
IDA
His fierce determination had her hesitating in revealing what she knew. She feared he would recklessly jump atop his noble steed and gallop straight to her in a foolish rescue attempt. Not wishing for the life of another she held dear to be negatively impacted, or even fatally in his case, Ida finally reigned in her own anger and worry filled impulses.
"Now Phillip," she began with a sad smile, speaking calmly in an attempt to sooth the passion ignited by his heart. "I know your intentions are noble, but you have to understand. No matter how unfair it may seem, there are some things far beyond our control in a world apart from ours," she said in her assumption that he was of the same class as she. "Even our fair and noble King Hubert would not meddle in this," she proclaimed with certainty, having no idea that the young man before her knew King Hubert's mind far better than she or any of the other subjects of the kingdom could.
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Post by Lady Lee-o on Aug 5, 2020 20:53:49 GMT -8
"Now Phillip, I know your intentions are noble, but you have to understand. No matter how unfair it may seem, there are some things far beyond our control in a world apart from ours. Even our fair and noble King Hubert would not meddle in this," Philip knew it was no longer fair to keep this from her, Ida had taken him in and asked no questions. She provided him a place to stay and introduced him to Rose; he took her hands.
"King Hubert will listen to his only son," He waited to see if Ida understood what he was saying. "You have been very kind to me, you and your husband are safe here. This place is under protection, and my men will see to that. I will find Rose, and I will bring her home," Philip leaned in and placed a kiss to the woman's cheek.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Aug 15, 2020 17:42:50 GMT -8
IDA
"King Hubert will listen to his only son,"
"How-" The question of how he knew and had the ear of King Hubert's son died on her lips when she took in his expression. He knew and had the ear of King Hubert's son because he was King Hubert's son. She lifted one of her hands from his to cover her mouth in surprise. "Goodness me. Forgive me, I'd bow but it seems a bit silly doing so at this point."
"You have been very kind to me, you and your husband are safe here. This place is under protection, and my men will see to that. I will find Rose, and I will bring her home,"
She placed her hand back into his and squeezed both his hands. Blushing slightly when the handsome young man kissed her cheek. She smiled at him, knowing now that when King Hubert retired, their kingdom would be transferring into equally good hands. "We are grateful for your protection and I have every confidence you will find Rose." A sudden realization had happiness bubbling up in the form of a gentle laugh. She lifted both hands to her mouth at the enormity of it. "Here I was, so worried that the two of you could never be simply due to circumstances of birth." It didn't need to be said that a royal did not marry a peasant and from what she'd heard about King Stefan, the underworld would freeze over before he'd allow a match that didn't benefit his kingdom.
But both of these lovely people had been living amongst her kind as one of them, both completely unaware of the other's circumstances. "What are the odds," she said more to herself, looking momentarily to the side. Ida looked back at him, smiling. "You, dear Prince," she said, affectionately putting a hand to his cheek, "and our sweet Rose may actually have a chance. If your father can stomach the idea of aligning with King Stefan." She slightly cringed at that.
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Post by Lady Lee-o on Aug 29, 2020 20:32:03 GMT -8
"What are the odds, You, dear Prince, and our sweet Rose may actually have a chance. If your father can stomach the idea of aligning with King Stefan." Philip didn't know if his father would agree to help but he would not give up hope. He would do all he could to have Rose in his arms again, to reunite and when they did- he would never let her go.
"I must go, I need to reach my father before it's too late." Philip didn't know what King Stefan's plan was for his daughter but he feared the worst. Stefan was not a stable man by any means, "If any trouble comes to this place, send word and I will do all I can."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Sept 12, 2020 19:48:42 GMT -8
IDA
Ida nodded her promise, quickly and dismissively. Her concern was not for themselves but for Phillip and Rose.
"Please send word once Rose is safe. We have been worried sick for her. And please.." Worry was etched on her face. Everyone knew King Stefan was not right in his mind. Ida took Phillip's hands, gently squeezing them, "be careful."
*~*~*~*~*
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