|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 25, 2021 22:19:02 GMT -8
King Stefan - tempplay by Hollywood Heidi - King Stefan turned back toward his daughter and eyed her over the unexpected sound of her voice after he'd dismissed her. Apparently she was not as weak and complacent as he thought. This was only a very minor offense, though he couldn't be sure if it was a one-time spark or if it meant there was some fire of defiance in her. It could mean potential difficulty up ahead in his transaction with King George. King Stefan eyed her and allowed a bit of silence to make her uncomfortable enough to think twice about revisiting that spark. He finally gave a curt nod. "As long as a guard accompanies you," he finally allowed. He wouldn't let his prized bargaining chip outside the castle walls alone, where there was the potential of slipping away. With a small curtsy, she finally turned and started for the door. King Stefan silently raised his chin to a guard, then gave a nod toward the princess for him to shadow her. ***Rose exits the throne room*** Once the two were out of the room, he addressed Francis. "She needs to be groomed and prepared for what's expected of her." King Stefan started to pace, letting that paranoia show and he started up again on the same line of speech as before. "We cannot afford any fuss or complications when she is introduced to King George. He was already scorned once when she was not returned to us as expected to fulfill her betrothal to his son. The prince may be off the table now, but now the king is without a queen," he said, shaking his finger along with this line of thought. "This is our last chance to unite our kingdom with King George's."
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on May 9, 2021 16:25:29 GMT -8
Francis had been glad when finally the doors got pushed open, even though he wasn't looking forward to seeing the princess once again getting snubbed since he knew that would happen. He surely was no Prince Charming himself, but it was incomprehensible to him how one, her own father at that, could treat her like a commodity. For a moment, Francis paused in his thoughts. Hadn't he seen nothing less than that himself in her only a while ago? Suddenly, a feeling of guilt was coming over him. Before Francis could have given this more thought, though, King Stefan's voice was jolting him out of it.
"This will do,"
And there it was again. Words that sounded like talking of a commodity. Francis wondered if he had done the same thing. Even if he had, how could he now, though? Although addressed by the King, Francis' eyes diverted towards the princess, towards Rose - as he remembered the name she had been wanting him to use for her while he had inwardly refused to do so - for a moment. He could see how uncomfortable she felt, and that only because of this very man in front of him. Anger rose inside of him, yet he tried to swallow it before meeting eyes with King Stefan again.
"You may go,""You are free to roam the castle."
The swallowing of his anger became a more difficult challenge with each word that the tyrant was directing towards his daughter, as if she was but an uninvited guest in her own home. Even less. A prisoner with some restricted rights. Francis had never wanted this man more to get thrown off the throne.
"May I also roam the grounds?"
Instead of turning his attention towards the questioner, Francis' gaze remained glued at the man in front of him, studying his face in silence. The king was seeing potential danger in his daughter. That was somewhat giving Francis satisfaction, yet only for the little time it took that man to open his mouth again.
"As long as a guard accompanies you,"
Then he turned his attention back towards Francis, who was quickly back to playing his role, looking as if he was right there with him while, in truth, he couldn't have been farther from that.
"She needs to be groomed and prepared for what's expected of her.""We cannot afford any fuss or complications when she is introduced to King George. He was already scorned once when she was not returned to us as expected to fulfill her betrothal to his son. The prince may be off the table now, but now the king is without a queen,""This is our last chance to unite our kingdom with King George's."
With the growing attachment towards Princess Aurora, one that was finally more than only seeing her deceased mother in her, Francis felt more and more like wanting to reconsider his own plan. This was not anymore only about himself. But to reconsider, he had to learn more about the plan the king had with her. He carefully started to ask a question, knowing, though, that only he was allowed to ask more questions than anyone else around these walls. After all, he'd been the one who brought back his daughter. "It's good to take a last chance, but I hope you allow me the question if there is a second last chance." Seeing the confusion on King Stefan's face, Francis allowed himself also to go on with explanations without any delay. "What I mean is, we need a backup plan. Just in case. Have you given that a thought yet?" He tried to sound as matter-of-factly as usual, yet, for the first time, he felt like this wasn't sounding like him at all. Not when it came to this issue.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 15, 2021 11:32:04 GMT -8
King Stefan - tempplay by Hollywood Heidi - Stefan continued to pace. "Of course I have been," he said with some frustration which silently added that he hadn't been able to think of one yet. "An alliance with King George is my highest preference, but there's a chance he may have issue with the age difference," Stefan said with a flippant wave as if that did not matter in the scheme of things. "I'd given up hope that she'd ever resurface and so I have not kept up with viable unions; which kings have need of a new wife or which have sons not yet spoken for," he said, hands gesturing from left, then right. "Of course we'd only be interested in a union with a strong kingdom, one with a formidable army and who does not rule their kingdom with a weak hand." In his mind, kindness and giving a voice to their people was weak. He was blinded to the fact that those very kingdoms were strongest because they had the backing of their entire population. Stefan held such rulers as King Frederic of Corona or King Hubert of his neighboring kingdom in the lowest regards and therefore, lowest on the list, if even worthy of being on his list at all. "Do you know how long it would take to gather all that information?" he asked rhetorically, for of course Francis knew. "The strength of the kingdom has been waning over the years and I know that that creature," he derogatorily referred to the fairy that he had gained the trust of, then left mutilated while gesturing toward the general direction of the castle where a glass case held enormous black wings, "is biding her time, waiting to attack." There was no actual proof of fact Maleficent was scheming against him, but his paranoid mind made him believe that she and many others were after him or his throne. "I want to make the strongest union possible and I do not want to waste any more time. I want to know all my options and I want a deal to be made as quick as possible. How can we make that happen?" he spared Francis a glance as he continued to furiously pace like the paranoid madman he was, desperately grasping for ideas.
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Jun 12, 2021 12:21:17 GMT -8
Francis intently listened to what King Stefan said, although he was having a hard time keeping his face of approval, more than ever before. Maybe even for the first time ever. He'd never been in accordance with this man's mind - honestly, sure nobody in this whole land was -, but it seemed that his time with Rose had changed Francis fundamentally. The man he wanted to be, same as the man he pretended to be. For the first time, though, he hated to pretend something at all. Francis did no longer want to wear a mask, as much as he even had enjoyed that mask at times, wondering if, at some point, it would have become his face even. However, he still had to play this role to, eventually, find a way out. For the princess' sake, and also for himself. But for that, especially the latter, it would be a long way to go.
"The strength of the kingdom has been waning over the years and I know that that creature,""is biding her time, waiting to attack."
In all the years, Francis had never really thought about that mentioned creature much, yet, at this very moment, he started to question even that. He wondered who actually had been the creature and who the person? It seemed that with the latest breaking of his own pride and self-centeredness, Francis' whole perspective got to change bit by bit.
"I want to make the strongest union possible and I do not want to waste any more time. I want to know all my options and I want a deal to be made as quickly as possible. How can we make that happen?"
Francis glanced back at the King, a man that had to get replaced at all cost, with whoever was able to reign over a kingdom. For the first time, he wasn't even referring to only himself. Any man or woman would be better than this person, this creature. However, Francis tried to shove these thoughts aside, for now, and to concentrate back on the forming plan on his mind. They needed an occasion, one that seemed like a good way to allow King Stefan's plans to play out while, at the same time, give them time and room to find a way out for Rose.
"As far as I know," he eventually started to raise a word, "the best occasion to approach with an important issue such as this alliance had always been a festivity." Francis was not too surprised to see the usual puzzled and impatient expression on the King's features whenever he wasn't serving with an answer that sounded satisfying to this man, so he allowed himself to go on before being forced to do so. "One who acts as a host will always find a sympathetic ear, Your Highness."
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jun 13, 2021 15:37:43 GMT -8
King Stefan - tempplay by Hollywood Heidi - Stefan came to a dead stop to face Sir Francis. Puzzled and impatient was indeed the look that Stefan shot him, almost as if he thought Francis and his idea daft. The last time they'd had a festivity was for the birth of the princess. Did he not remember how that had gone? Yet Stefan did not immediately dismiss the idea. It was starting to actually grow on him. They'd been unprepared the last time. He would never make that mistake again, as was evidenced by the high number of guards always on duty every day, at all hours, for the entirety of the year ever since that event. Always growing, always expanding their defenses. But he was running out of worthy candidates for the job and the means to pay the wages for such a vast army. "One who acts as a host will always find a sympathetic ear, Your Highness."That was all the push he needed to make the decision. "Yes," he said, nodding and looking more confident in the idea with every passing second. "A festivity..." he grasped for a good reason for one, "welcoming the return of the Princess." He tossed out with a passive gesture, having a good reason being the only thing important about the event. He started to pace again, this time slower and in scheming thought. "We will make it a ball. Invite all nobility, no matter how lowly and unworthy their title. It will provide the opportunity to show her off to the masses. Her beauty will pay off greatly. The men will all vie for her attentions," he said with a confident nod, "and if King George is not swayed to make an alliance based solely on obtaining something many others want, we will at least have many other offers, several of which I am sure will make a worthy alliance." Hands behind his back, Stefan came to a stop before Sir Francis once again. "We will have it in a fortnight. That should be sufficient enough time to get word out, prepare, travel time of the guests," he made an etcetera gesture with his hand. "Get invitations drawn up and distributed immediately. People seem to generally enjoy music and dancing and if that is not enough to entice them, I'm confidence all will accept simply out of curiosity over the whole missing princess found aspect."
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Jul 10, 2021 10:35:41 GMT -8
For a moment, Francis wondered if he really never had realized just how disgusting the man in front of him was. Had he been blinded by his own schemes that were absurd as well, although surely not as much as King Stefan's? This man was her father, at least by blood. However, Francis was professional enough to keep a straight face and act as if he'd be appreciative of whatever his king desired.
"We will make it a ball. Invite all nobility, no matter how lowly and unworthy their title. It will provide the opportunity to show her off to the masses. Her beauty will pay off greatly. The men will all vie for her attentions,""and if King George is not swayed to make an alliance based solely on obtaining something many others want, we will at least have many other offers, several of which I am sure will make a worthy alliance."
Speaking of Rose as if she was but a ware to praise and sell, King Stefan went on scheming aloud while Francis' mind went elsewhere. He had to find a way for Rose to escape this horrifying fate. She deserved better; Deserved what already her mother had but never lived to see. Francis and Leah had always been secretly in love with each other, yet was she even too pure to allow herself this love to grow, still feeling respect and loyalty for a man who wasn't even able to love. For a monster. The same that now was about to engulf her daughter's life in misery. Francis wouldn't allow that to happen. Not twice.
"We will have it in a fortnight. That should be sufficient enough time to get word out, prepare, travel time of the guests,""Get invitations drawn up and distributed immediately. People seem to generally enjoy music and dancing and if that is not enough to entice them, I'm confidence all will accept simply out of curiosity over the whole missing princess found aspect."
"Of course, your Highness," Francis replied in a mechanical way and without any protest, serving the king with the approval he was seeking for, like all of this would have been his idea in the first place. Anyways, two weeks was enough time to come up with a plan himself. "With your permission, I will adjourn to my chambers to start getting things underway." As soon as he saw a nod of approval on King Stefan's features, Francis replied with one of his own before finally turning around.
He couldn't remember when a conversation ever had him left so exasperated. On the other hand, he could. Last time had been with the same conversational partner, yet while Queen Leah was still alive. And now, again, somebody was involved who he cared for. Something he had thought never be able to feel again. A different kind of affection. Still, one that made a better person out of him, changing him into the man he really wanted to be. The hint of a smile appeared on Francis' lips while he walked through the doors, his back turned towards the man who thought to have his loyalty. A loyalty that always had belonged to the Queen only. And now to his new queen-to-be; Her daughter Rose.
*** Francis exits ***
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jul 31, 2021 19:22:15 GMT -8
***The next day, mid-morning*** After venturing into the gardens behind the castle the previous day, Rose found it much more preferable to the cold, uninviting interior of the castle. The grounds were sadly lacking in greenery and there were no flowers lending their bursts of various colors to the landscape. It looked as if there had been expansive areas of grass and lines of flowerbeds at some point long ago, but everything was dried up and forgotten, the white granite benches, now grayed with years of caked on dirt, gathered up and moved to a corner in the outer perimeter as most of the grounds behind the castle had been converted to training grounds. As if the castle needed more of that. There looked to have already been plenty of training grounds, but with alarmingly high number of guards and soldiers, far greater than the average any castle possessed, it was no wonder more space was needed. Rose had also noticed the castle lacked several common positions usually found in a castle's employ, one being a staff of gardeners and landscapers. Quite evidently for a good while now. Perhaps her father would allow her to keep a small garden. The place she sat now would be ideal. Only her second time out here, and she already privately considered it to be her spot. It was tucked away in the corner of the lot where the benches had been moved to, as far as she could be from the training grounds, with the forest she was not allowed to enter right beside her. Since she was not allowed to wander in, the next best thing would be here beside it, with the hopes that the forest would venture out to visit her. Another rule set forth by her father was that she must always be accompanied when outside the castle and so Mina sat on a portion of a bench they'd wiped clean whist Rose sat on the ground beside it, a blanket having been laid out so as to not soil the dress that was much finer than Rose was accustomed to and most definitely not made for sitting on the ground. Rose pulled a neatly tied cloth from the basket of food and untied it to find a sliced apple within. She handed it up to Mina. "Would you like an apple?" "Oh no, Lady Rose. I couldn't."The way Rose saw Mina eye the apple bespoke that it was propriety that made her turn it down rather than simply not wanting or liking the apple. Rose smiled sweetly at her. "I insist. It wouldn't be very lady-like of me to be the only one eating whilst others watched on," she said with a friendly and clever point that would make it even more against propriety to refuse. Oh a chuckle, Mina took the bundled apple slices and said, "Well, if you insist My Lady."Rose nodded in mock seriousness. "Oh, I do." Blue came flitting around and landed on her knee, tweeting up at her expectantly. Rose smiled lovingly at the little blue bird. "Hello, Blue. Of course I have something for you as well." Reaching into the basket again, she retrieved the seeds and poured some into the palm of her hand. Blue hopped up to her wrist and began pecking away at the seeds. Mina watched in fascination as a bird had flitted right to her mistress and now sat upon her wrist. She had never seen an animal so at ease with a person, especially one not normally kept as pets. These types of creatures were usually very fearful of humans. "Is he... yours?" she wondered aloud. "Animals do not belong to anyone," Rose said with some amusement. "Blue is a friend of mine and has been a wonderful traveling companion. Blue, this is Mina," she said, carefully lifting her hand so that Blue would be closer to Mina's eye level. Blue looked up to Rose, then Mina, gave a tweet, then put his concentration back to the seeds. Rose slowly lowered her hand back down. Rose chuckled. "I'm afraid he's not very sociable in the presence of food." Rose's attention on her little feathered friend, Mina simply continued to watch with fascination as she snacked on the apple slices. Once the last seed was pecked up by the bird, it hopped toward Rose's fingers and Rose turned her hand to the side, Blue taking perch facing Rose. He let out a series of notes, then watched Rose expectantly. "Ah, he wants to show off with our favorite game. He must like you." Rose sent Mina a grin, then turned back to Blue to sing the notes he'd just sung to her. Mina shook her head in amused amazement as they carried on for a few rounds. There was something about Rose's voice that filled her with a calming warmth and Mina found herself relaxing and warming even more to the sweet girl who'd already won her over with her genuine care and kindness she held for all people, and apparently, all living creatures. She caught sight of movement toward the line of the forest trees and an apple slice paused halfway to her mouth in disbelief as a couple of rabbits and a squirrel sat there, observing the young lady singing to her bird friend. Taking notice as well, Rose stopped their game and gave a warm smile toward her potential new friends. "Well, hello," she said softly. "We have new friends, Blue," she explained as she placed her fingers near the basket's edge. Blue took the signal and hopped from her fingers to the basket, watching Rose reach in for something. "Are you hungry?" she asked, placing her hand down on the ground face up with some carrot slices resting in her palm. Blue sent some encouraging tweets toward their visitors. Mina continued to gape as one of the rabbits slowly and cautiously took a zig zag hopping and pausing pattern closer and closer to her mistress until finally, it quickly snatched a carrot slice and sat back on it's feet, watching cautiously as it nibbled away. Rose kept very still and continued speaking with quiet encouragement and Mina could see the little creature relaxing and growing comfortable and once it finished it's slice, it hopped to beside her hand, taking another, even allowing Rose to gently and lovingly run the back of her fingers over it's soft fir. "How.... are you doing that?" Mina whispered barely audibly, afraid to scare it off. Rose glanced over. "It just takes patience along with gentle mannerisms and voice. It also helps to be as close to their level as possible," she said, nodding to the blanket in explanation to why she chose to sit on the ground. "Oh, and food helps," she said with a 'doesn't it always' amused implication. Catching the approach of Sir Francis, Mina got to her feet and carefully scooted around the bench to stand beside him, assuming he would be dismissing her and taking over the watch. "She thinks it perfectly simple and normal to get animals to commune with you," she said, still in awe with a touch of jealousy as she continued to observe Rose and the other animals currently working their cautious way over to her. She tilted her head when a very old memory surfaced. "The fairies' gifts." She was too young to have attended the celebration of the birth of the princess, but her mother had told her about it. "One had been the gift of voice, or song, was it not?"
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Aug 8, 2021 11:44:03 GMT -8
Francis had been watching the scene out of the distance for a while. Not for long, yet long enough for a warm chuckle to steal its way onto his usual harsh features. Actually, during the last 24 years, totaled up, he might not have smiled as much as he had in the last 24 hours. Genuine smiles, not those he had affected from what he thought was left the only joy he would ever feel again: a malicious one, emerged from the bitterness that had covered up his heart. There had been only one person before who he had allowed to let these walls fall. Rose was a lot like her. But she was not her. He couldn't be so selfish to claim her company for himself. She deserved her own happiness and her own life. A way out of here.
Putting back on his professional face, especially with Mina also being around, Francis started to approach the two women by the bench, them actually sitting on the ground next to it. When Mina caught his appearance, she quickly got to her feet. "Mina," he greeted her in his usual formal yet also different way, as if his whole demeanor was starting to change ever so slightly, not obvious to himself. "My Princess," Francis also greeted Rose, addressing her in the usual formal way, at least as long as somebody else was still around.
"She thinks it perfectly simple and normal to get animals to commune with you,""The fairies' gifts.""One had been the gift of voice, or song, was it not?"
While his reaction to her words had started with a smile, it ended with something painful in his eyes. But he didn't allow anyone to notice. Instead of saying something, Francis gave her no more than a slight nod to that, confirming but back to formal, at least enough to give her to understand that he was not here for a chat for three. "Would you give us a moment, Mina?" he then asked politely, knowing that she, of course, would never object. Courtesy, however, had always been part of his manners, no matter his intentions.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Sept 5, 2021 11:05:41 GMT -8
"My Princess,"
Rose momentarily looked up from her new friend to give Francis a smile. "Good morning, Sir Francis."
Mina had noticed that Francis' demeanor, as well as everyone else's, had soften after being in the company of Rose. It was more than the magic that was laced through her voice and her being. It was her genuine kindness and her innocence. It was the way she held such care and concern for all living things, even despite how they may treat her in return. The only person unchanged for the better was the king. In fact, he seemed to have gotten worse, those positive traits in Rose increasing his greed and fueling his paranoid need to increase his power and secure his throne. It was a shame that Rose was stuck with such a father. She deserved much better than he and whatever plans he had in store for her.
"Would you give us a moment, Mina?"
"Of course. Send for me when you need me." With one more sad smile toward Rose, Mina bobbed a curtesy then headed inside to tackle her duties.
Rose had been too absorbed in the animals to take notice of Francis and Mina's exchange. She continued speaking to them in encouraging, comforting tones, offering their favorite treats as she did so. By the time Mina was walking away, the second rabbit had worked its way to the edge of the blanket while the squirrel approached at a more cautious pace, hovering halfway between the forests and the blanket.
She reached into the basket again with careful, graceful movements so as to not startle the small creatures. Retrieving more carrot slices, the first bunny placed its front paws on her legs, its nose twitching expectantly and Rose let out a soft chuckle. "Some for your friends first," she said, reaching out to place a couple slices at the edge of the blanket, then brought her palm back with the remaining couple to the one expectantly waiting. "You wish them to join us, don't you?"
As the bunny took the last slice from her hand, Rose reached into the basket again, this time with treats in mind for the squirrel. She glanced up to see Mina's form disappearing and only Francis in her company now. Having been fully absorbed in the animals, she hadn't noticed Mina leave, but goodbyes weren't really necessary when seeing each other so often due to living under the same roof.
Rose looked toward Francis, giving him a welcoming smile as she placed the handful of a variety of nuts as far as she could reach for the more timid squirrel. She was perfectly content in this moment, feeling more at ease and more at her level of comfort here, near the forest in the company of its creatures than she had been since entering the castle doors. "I'm glad you could join us, Sir Francis," she said sincerely. His duties had kept him away the rest of yesterday, but she understood that the lofty title of a Knight came with many responsibilities, she assumed particularly so when that knight was in service to her father.
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Sept 19, 2021 10:17:58 GMT -8
Another warm smile was spreading across Francis' face as he watched the princess taking care of the animals while it looked like them were actually able to commune with her, in a way that wasn't explainable without magic. And once again, he wasn't aware of that smile himself, of the change within him. Yet still, the reason for which he came here spoke volumes, encouraging him to do the most selfless thing he'd ever done.
When Princess Aurora suddenly looked up at him with a welcoming smile, the one on Francis' features grew even wider, became a little bit more formal again, though. She was still his princess, and he was just a knight. However, the way she seemed to feel more at ease now sent a warm feeling through his chest while, at the same time, a lump up his throat. The news Francis had for her will certainly cause her to feel much more upset and stressed again, yet he had come up with a plan as well. Either way, he wasn't looking forward to bring this up in the first place.
"I'm glad you could join us, Sir Francis,"
"My prin... Rose," he corrected himself, for the first time calling her by her self-chosen name. "There is something I would like to discuss with you unless I come at an inappropriate time." The last was more of a polite phrase rather than a question. This was somewhat urgent, and the, even though hidden as much as he could, haggard look upon his face, would give that away.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Oct 2, 2021 15:50:42 GMT -8
Rose's attention was back on the animals as the timid one began to work his way closer, snatching a nut and scrambling back a few little steps, munching away at it as he kept a watchful eye on the two humans. She smiled to herself when she heard Francis call her 'Rose' for the first time. He did not know it, but whatever lingering questions or doubts she might have had toward him melted away. He fully solidified her trust in him with that simple gesture and in that moment, he became a true friend.
"There is something I would like to discuss with you unless I come at an inappropriate time."
Sir Francis was almost always the serious and confident sort in her short time with him, straightforward in what he had to say, so hearing him questioning his timing pulled at her attention. It had her looking up at him with questioning worry and she saw a hint of disquiet on his face that she thought she'd imagined in his tone, but knew now that she hadn't.
"No, please, sit," she said, adjusting herself to face the bench and give him her entire attention. She did not like seeing anyone distressed to any degree, especially not someone she considered a friend. Her father was not an easy man, so she imagined anyone working for him needed someone to talk to in order to make it through some days. Francis had done that for her on several occasions already and so strong and confident was he that she didn't think she'd ever get an opportunity to return the favor. "Timing does not matter when a friend is in need. Tell me, what troubles you?"
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Nov 2, 2021 9:55:05 GMT -8
"No, please, sit,"
A little bit nervous now, Francis followed her line of sight before taking a seat at the bench next to her.
"Timing does not matter when a friend is in need. Tell me, what troubles you?"
This was not about himself but her. Actually, for the first time, it was not about himself. Francis couldn't remember ever feeling this bad for anything but his own business. It seemed that everyone could change for good; In his case, thanks to Rose here, Leah's daughter. "Rose," Francis started, once again using her self-chosen name, still with this lump up his throat as he spoke. "Your.. the king," he hesitated to even call that man a father; The father of such a wonderful being, at that. "He is going to host a ball to... to dispose of you in marriage." Bad news first; then they could work out something to thwart the king's plan. Francis had already pondered about ways but wanted to discuss this with her first. He would not be just somebody else making decisions over her head.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Nov 25, 2021 10:38:38 GMT -8
Rose was thrown for a loop. She was momentarily speechless, trying to process, but could not see past the contradiction between this new revelation and what had led her here in the first place.
Her brows creased, a little bit of hurt in her eyes at feeling unwanted, even by the kind of person nobody should want to be wanted by. But what child did not want to be wanted by a parent, no matter the type of person they were? It was hard to vocalize, but Rose finally managed to get it out. "If my father wishes to be rid of me, then why did he seek me out with such insistence? And it is not necessary to go to such extremes to just..." Rose tried to think of a nicer way to say it, but there simply wasn't, "pawn me off on another. I could simply," she gestured an invisible trial, "go my own way."
Now a flicker of hope and happiness started to come back to her face and her voice. "I do not wish to be a burden. I ask nothing of him," she reassured. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I could leave." Enthusiasm over that thought had her getting to her feet, the sudden motion causing the forest creatures to hop back a couple steps as they momentarily forgot their food to watch her curiously. "I could leave right now."
Since arriving, Rose had been putting on a smile for appearance, trying her best to pretend to be happy to fool herself and appease those around her. But happiness and relief over the thought of leaving this place, this life of royalty that so many wished they had, had her genuine joyous smile finding its way back to her face. Making her own way was what she'd wanted in the first place and she wanted nothing more than to return to that tavern and wait for Phillip. She would wait, even if she had to wait for years. Something had kept him from keeping their set time and date, but she knew that whatever it was, it, nor anything else, could keep him from getting to her as soon as he could. And if he'd happened to turn up after she'd been whisked away, she knew he would wait in return, knowing that somehow, she'd find a way back to him.
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Dec 5, 2021 6:25:58 GMT -8
It was not to put into words how sorry Francis felt for her. No child should ever feel the way she certainly did right now. Unwanted. He really wished he'd be able to tell her that this was not the case, but that would be a lie. All King Stefan cared for was himself, and that would never change.
"If my father wishes to be rid of me, then why did he seek me out with such insistence? And it is not necessary to go to such extremes to just...""pawn me off on another. I could simply,""go my own way."
"Rose..." Francis tried to comfort her somehow but, for now, she would just go on, as swamped as she was. Understandable.
"I do not wish to be a burden. I ask nothing of him,""I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I could leave.""I could leave right now."
"Rose. Please calm, and listen to me first," he silenced her, after all. Not so much in a decisive but rather in a caring way. Carefully Francis reached out for her hands to give her security. "We have to think this through before we take any action. Running away like this, with no plan for your safety afterward, would only lead to failure." The fact that he was talking in the plural form and didn't just say 'you' should be hint enough to give her to understand that she would have his backing no matter what.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Dec 5, 2021 11:10:29 GMT -8
"Rose. Please calm, and listen to me first,"
Rose had allowed the hope for her future to carry her to distraction. She looked to Francis once again. The expression on his face and the way he took her hands told her that she was missing something in all of this. Something she knew in the back of her mind that did not fit. The contradiction of why her father would have sought her out only to pawn her off resurfaced.
With his hands holding hers, she allowed him to gently lead her back into a sitting position upon the bench beside him as she listened intently, trying to open her mind to think how her father would. It was a way of thinking that was far removed from her own.
"We have to think this through before we take any action. Running away like this, with no plan for your safety afterward, would only lead to failure."
'We.' There was such relief that came with that simple word. She was not alone in this. Rose was gazing at the blanket below in thought, trying to think like her father would, trying to recall stories Maleficent had told her. Stories she'd heard regarding royalty; stories she'd read. Why, if her father wanted rid of her, would leaving lead to failure? That meant her father did not want her to leave. He wanted to marry her off. With a reminder of Maleficent's words describing her father as paranoid, greedy, and power hungry, it finally clicked into place. Of course. A marriage to unite kingdoms. Rose had unknowingly chosen the correct word to describe the situation more than she'd realized. He was pawning her off.
Finally pulling her eyes back to Francis, she looked forlorn once again but there was understanding now in her eyes. "I am to be used as a pawn in my father's quest to strengthen his kingdom. But... you don't understand." Of course he didn't for she hadn't told him. Knowing now that he was fully on her side, ready to defy the king with her best interests at heart, and knowing that revealing this would not put a target on her reason for why she could not be a part of her father's plan, Rose confessed. "I couldn't possibly marry anyone at that ball." She squeezed his hands to stress the importance, but the look in her eyes voiced why just as loudly as she did now. "My heart already belongs to another." Another that she assumed was a commoner.
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Jan 3, 2022 10:26:39 GMT -8
It was almost heartbreaking to see coming such a realization to a face that had been reflecting nothing but good-naturedness, probably towards anyone, even towards people who didn't deserve it. It was only a while ago that Francis would have classed himself among mentioned people, at least through his present self's eyes. But, in a way, was it also relieving; To know that she was getting the seriousness of her situation and kind of let up on the hope to change her father's heart. There were people in the world that were not to change, as sad as that may sound.
"I am to be used as a pawn in my father's quest to strengthen his kingdom. But... you don't understand."
At that, a questioning look appeared on Francis' features, but he was patiently waiting for her to explain instead of going into questions. He was a knight, after all.
"I couldn't possibly marry anyone at that ball.""My heart already belongs to another."
A slight smile was forming around his lips as he gave her hands a little squeeze. "That is wonderful, Rose," Francis said without hesitation and also meant it. A while ago, there would have been hesitation for sure, but he had changed, felt even embarrassed for the man he'd been. Once again, he passed on questions but instead was all ears for the information she was willing to give, unbiased.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jan 15, 2022 19:49:41 GMT -8
He did not meet her news with a single worry. In fact, he smiled and that greatly encouraged her in the thought that all was not lost.
"That is wonderful, Rose,"
Phillip strong in my mind again, Rose found her happiness. "Oh, he is wonderful," she gushed. "Gallant, kind, thoughtful, handsome." She glanced off and sighed at the memory of his beautiful blue eyes gazing into hers. Rose shook herself from her daydream. "We met a year ago, at the tavern. It was love at first sight. Our days together were a dream and we never wanted to part." She turned solemn now. "But we each had something big looming over us that we needed to resolve." Sir Francis knew what her something was so Rose did not waste her breath on it. "We parted ways with the goal of attempting to rectify whatever constraints may come between us and promised to meet back at the tavern in exactly one year's time."
Rose's shoulders sagged now. "I was unable to find a way to rectify my situation, but I returned nonetheless, in the hopes that he'd had better luck than I. At the time, I did not wish to ask him to sacrifice everything to live a life in hiding but after a long, agonizing year without him in my life, I could not bear the thought of being without him a moment longer. So I was going to tell him everything and leave the choice up to him."
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Jan 16, 2022 9:36:31 GMT -8
"Oh, he is wonderful,""Gallant, kind, thoughtful, handsome."
Francis had to smile even more as soon as he saw her beaming with joy over the memories she and the young man she spoke of shared. He kind of felt remembered of the days when he had been happy with Leah, her mother. It had been dangerous love between them for sure, but also worth every stone in their way, although, nowadays, Francis would have made other choices. He wouldn't have been so focused on becoming the King's right-hand man for self-serving reasons but instead would have talked Leah into leaving this place for good; To live a happy life with her, maybe not in wealth but joy. So now Francis had a chance to change things, not for Leah and himself, but for her daughter and the man her heart belonged to.
"We met a year ago, at the tavern. It was love at first sight. Our days together were a dream and we never wanted to part.""But we each had something big looming over us that we needed to resolve."
True love isn't always easy, Francis commented only in thoughts while remaining quiet and attentive on the outside, waiting for her to go on with their story.
"We parted ways with the goal of attempting to rectify whatever constraints may come between us and promised to meet back at the tavern in exactly one year's time."
There was a slight change in her voice that told him this story wasn't one with a happy end, at least not until they would go on writing it for them in the present time. Francis gave her hands another squeeze when her shoulders sagged, her eyes saddening just some more. Patiently, he listened to her every word, giving as much support as he could.
"I was unable to find a way to rectify my situation, but I returned nonetheless, in the hopes that he'd had better luck than I. At the time, I did not wish to ask him to sacrifice everything to live a life in hiding but after a long, agonizing year without him in my life, I could not bear the thought of being without him a moment longer. So I was going to tell him everything and leave the choice up to him."
At the last, Francis was wondering so much, completely absorbed in her storytelling, that he even forgot about his gallant manners, going for a question now instead of waiting for her to go on. There also was something on his features that hadn't been there before, something less professional but more vulnerable. "But he hadn't shown up?" he asked rather hesitating, though, silently hoping that she would answer in the negative. Because if she didn't, the task of writing her that happy end might become a lot more difficult.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 5, 2022 10:07:03 GMT -8
Rose looked a little sad, but not disappointed. "We were due to meet the day before--" Rose tried to put it as kindly as possible, trying to avoid any guilt on Francis' part, "--the day before I left. Something must have delayed him, but I know nothing in the world would have kept either of us from finding our way back to one another as soon as we could."
Rose gazed off in the distance, imagining Phillip having shown up since to find that she was not there. Ida would have eased his mind by informing him that she had been. Rose's dreamy smile started to melt into worry. He would learn the truth of who she was. Rose would rather he have heard it from her. Then Ida would explain why Rose was no longer there. That worried her further. If the circumstances were reversed, Rose might have attempted something foolish to get to him, and so she knew that he might do the same.
"I think this ball might be my best opportunity to sneak away," she began, finally looking back to Francis. "It won't be easy as I'm to be the main attraction," she said in a sad, matter-of-fact manner rather than the cold bitterness most others would have delivered it in, "but it'll be the only time that the castle will have any form of distractions and more guests than guards. But before we set to planning," she quickly interjected, "is there some way we could get a note past the guards to the tavern? I worry over the possibility of our plans unraveling before we have the chance to put them into effect."
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Feb 11, 2022 6:35:23 GMT -8
Francis looked a little sad too, out of sympathy yet especially because it hurt him to see Rose that way. He placed one of his hands on hers, giving her some comfort while the memories kept coming over her.
"...""I think this ball might be my best opportunity to sneak away,""It won't be easy as I'm to be the main attraction,""but it'll be the only time that the castle will have any form of distractions and more guests than guards. But before we set to planning,""is there some way we could get a note past the guards to the tavern? I worry over the possibility of our plans unraveling before we have the chance to put them into effect."
"Please, do not worry about that, Rose," Francis answered softly and reassuringly. "There's a good side about being the king's first knight. I have my ways, and nobody would dare to question them. Is it the friendly barkeeper maid you're worrying about?" he added a question after a short pause, just out of curiosity, for he had felt a special connection between them. And above all, a loyalty that had nothing to do with her princess state as it seemed.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Mar 12, 2022 10:24:12 GMT -8
Rose appreciated and drew comfort from the hand he placed over hers while she listened to his reassurance that he did have the capability of getting communications out.
"Ida? No. She is a wonderful person and while I know she would do a great many things for me, as I would for her, there are limitations to what one could accomplish and one usually knows what they are." She said with a matter-of-fact nod. But since meeting Phillip, Rose had found that her heart many times overruled her head. "I fear, though, that love might blur those limitations, for when I consider the thought of our situations being reversed, I would very seriously consider the foolish notion of breeching whatever castle, or...or fort, or walls..." love fueling the passion with which she spoke of the obstacles she would conquer had carried her away and Rose reigned herself in. Her shoulders slumped and she looked worried again. "I would do anything to free him from whatever kept us apart," she concluded in a way that implied that she knew Phillip do the same.
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Mar 26, 2022 2:25:52 GMT -8
"Ida? No. She is a wonderful person and while I know she would do a great many things for me, as I would for her, there are limitations to what one could accomplish and one usually knows what they are."
Francis gave an understanding nod to that, waiting for her to go on with the information about whom that message would be for instead.
"I fear, though, that love might blur those limitations, for when I consider the thought of our situations being reversed, I would very seriously consider the foolish notion of breeching whatever castle, or...or fort, or walls...""I would do anything to free him from whatever kept us apart,"
Once again, he nodded. "What message is it that you want me to leave there? Do you fear he might not appear at the ball either?" Francis asked carefully. He didn't mean to give her the feeling that might be an option, but he had to understand her worries before going into action. "Or do you worry about his safety in the first place?" He guessed it was that for he knew the princess well enough by now. On the other hand, it's understandable with a father like that.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Mar 27, 2022 9:27:47 GMT -8
Rose's eyes went wide. Sir Francis had made an exact reference to what she feared, only in reverse. "His safety is all I care about," she said with such adamancy that it silently suggested, even if that meant following through with her father's plans and never setting eyes on Phillip again, should their plan fail. "I worry he will appear at the ball with the same plan in mind of using the distraction to attempt freeing me from this place and my obligations. I've gathered that my father does not like people outside of his court within his walls. He's made an exception for this ball only because it will be a means to a goal he wishes to obtain. What would my father do to an uninvited guest who has infiltrated his castle, particularly one with designs that would unravel his plans and lose him an alliance he so fervently desires?"
It sounded like a rhetorical question, but Rose watched Sir Francis closely, wanting to know but also, fearing the answer. "I wish to tell him to not attempt a rescue; that we already have a plan in motion and that I will meet with him as soon as I am free of this place."
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Apr 1, 2022 2:42:50 GMT -8
Francis did not answer her question, for he felt it was rhetorical indeed, and if not, then answering it would equal an act of cruelty. He was well aware of the things her father could and would do to one who interfered with his plans regarding his long-lost daughter, but there was no need to verbalize that, especially not towards the mentioned daughter herself. So Francis remained silent, waiting for her to go on, for he felt there was more to say.
"I wish to tell him to not attempt a rescue; that we already have a plan in motion and that I will meet with him as soon as I am free of this place."
"I think that is indeed a good idea," he nodded in agreement before reaching out to her hand, once more. "Rose. The same that you care about his safety, I do about yours. Your safety and your happiness. So, let me assure you that - no matter what might happen - you're not alone in this." It's just important for him that, even in case this Phillip won't end up waiting for her - for whatever reason - it wouldn't mean the end of everything. "I will free you from this place and the fate your father wants for you, that I promise. It is my fault that you're here, after all... so, this is the least I can do."
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 2, 2022 18:39:18 GMT -8
Sir Francis had placed a comforting hand on hers and now, she placed her free hand over his in order to provide comfort in return. "Please do not put any of the fault upon yourself. You are a good knight and only did what your king commanded of you. And now, you are prepared to look past your title and overstep the responsibility it carries in order to save someone you hardly know from an unhappy fate. That makes you something better than a good knight. It makes you a great man."
Rose's expression turned rather serious now. "Should our plan not work, I want you to promise me, that you will feign complete surprise and take no responsibility in it, even if it is to go so far as to act as if you'd just caught me and were bringing me back. No harm will come to me," she quickly interjected before Sir Francis could voice any objections he may have to that. "My father needs me at my best for his plans and I will not become any less useful of a pawn, should we fail. But I cannot bear the thought of what would become of anyone who'd helped me in this endeavor. It would forever weigh on my conscience and I will not proceed unless you give me your word."
It wasn't often that Rose adamantly put her foot down but when she did, it was a reason borne from her heart which meant there was little to no chance in swaying it.
|
|
|
Post by DarkSideCookie on Apr 6, 2022 8:16:24 GMT -8
"Please do not put any of the fault upon yourself. You are a good knight and only did what your king commanded of you."
Unfortunately, that was only half the truth, for he had done things in keeping with his own plans in the first place. Plans that had changed that was, so Francis didn't see any need to let her in on that. Not because he was ashamed of them, maybe a little, but because she believed in the good of people, and it would hurt him if that changed because of him; Because of things he'd never had put into action anyway. Maybe it would be different if he wasn't expecting to never see her again.
"And now, you are prepared to look past your title and overstep the responsibility it carries in order to save someone you hardly know from an unhappy fate. That makes you something better than a good knight. It makes you a great man."
Francis wanted to see it as his look past selfish desires, a title he actually never had had but had always wanted for himself, so her words truly touched him. He'd become, indeed, a better man. "Thank you. You're most gracious, my princess. Rose," he added less formally, softly smiling at her.
"Should our plan not work, I want you to promise me, that you will feign complete surprise and take no responsibility in it, even if it is to go so far as to act as if you'd just caught me and were bringing me back. No harm will come to me,""My father needs me at my best for his plans and I will not become any less useful of a pawn, should we fail. But I cannot bear the thought of what would become of anyone who'd helped me in this endeavor. It would forever weigh on my conscience and I will not proceed unless you give me your word."
"I promise," Francis replied wholeheartedly before he added some more words. "But our plan will work." If not in exactly the way they will concoct, then in a different. But he won't allow that she would have to consent to the same fate her mother once had; As the King's pawn.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 24, 2022 10:06:02 GMT -8
Two weeks pass by.
It is now the night of the ball.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 24, 2022 13:06:21 GMT -8
Rose had never felt so elegant in her life. Her hair was partially swept up with her long blonde locks falling in loose curls around her shoulders. The small, silver crown, encrusted with diamonds and the simple ornate diamond necklace Rose wore had been her mother's. The royal blue ball gown had been newly made for her in the current style and was, by far, the finest garment Rose had ever worn. The off-shoulder cuff sleeves rested against her arms with white silk gloves coming to a stop just above her elbows. The bodice was adorned with beautiful swirls of sparkling diamonds--she was unsure if they were actual, real diamonds--and more of them were sparsely sewn into the skirts. The sparkle of them against the color of the fabric reminded her of stars winking in the night sky and Rose absolutely adored it.
She stood beside her father at the top of the short platform that his throne sat upon, Francis protectively nearby at the bottom of the steps, his presence giving her comfort in this overwhelming situation of meeting more people than she had in her entire life in one evening. Rose would have much preferred meeting the people on level ground, but King Stefan preferred his domineering stance of looking down at people. The guests were formally introduced by a footman at the entrance of the ballroom as they streamed in, then gathered into an informal line to personally greet the king but more, to await their chance to meet and finally get a good look at the long-lost princess.
King George had been one of the early guests and upon his arrival, King Stefan had invited him to stand with them on the platform on the other side of Aurora. The better to see everyone's reaction to his prized possession. Rose had greeted him warmly, having no idea of her father's ultimate goal of marrying her off to him. As each group stepped up for their turn, King Stefan welcomed them then introduced her as his daughter, Princess Aurora. It was a long process of bows and curtseys and warm greetings. The eligible and bolder of the gentleman had taken one step up in order to take Rose's hand as they bowed their greeting to her, already requesting a dance, which Rose nodded her agreement to with a warm smile.
Most of the guests having arrived and now mingling throughout the ballroom, King Stefan held out his arm for Rose to take. He led her to the bottom of the steps in order to allow the guests to engage in conversation with Aurora, King George following suit. Some took to the dance floor as the music had started up while others waded back over to get to know the princess better before she would be swept away for her first dance.
|
|
Ariel
Lost RPG
Cashy-money: $88,900
Posts: 6,757
Harry Potter RPG:
- Cami Laroux
- Draco Malfoy
- Morgana Parkinson
- Odin Markell/Ashworth Jones
- Scorpius Malfoy
- Shane Hudson
_________________________
Marvel RPG:
- Nebula
_________________________
Ready Player One RPG:
- Emmett Rodgers
_________________________
X-Men RPG:
- Peter Maximoff/Quicksilver
- Vye Davidson/Ripple
_________________________
Lost RPG:
- Bennett "Rom" Friendly
- Harley-Rae Stone
- Jack Shephard
- Linda Pace
_________________________
Once Upon a Time RPG:
- Dracula/Vladimir Lee
_________________________
The Walking Dead RPG:
- Enid Snow
- Hazel Valentino
- Ingrid Snow
_________________________
|
Post by Ariel on May 5, 2022 12:06:45 GMT -8
Rumors of a royal affair had swept the lands of the Kingdom faster than wildfire. Dracula was usually one to stand out of a crowd, though he had been merely passing through one of the nearest villages, blending in with it's civilians. He had no interest in it's baked goods or delicacies until he heard a duo of young women sitting outside of a tea shop marveling over the outfits that they had tailored to wear to the King's Ball that evening. A grand event hosted by royalty was something difficult for Dracula to overhear or even pass up, so with his charm did he ease his way into their conversation to casually pry for more of the details. Their casual conversation turned into an event of laughter and gossip that led into one of the young women leading him back to her extravagant home as he poked her with stark curiosity of her lavish life. The house tour, of course, ended with her passed out on her bedroom floor as Dracula had planned to use her as a source of bloody sustenance all along. The poor girl would miss out on her dream of going to the ball, although she would not remember that day or their encounter by the time she would wake...yet, her loss had been Dracula's gain as he discovered a sophisticated new suit prepared for her husband to wear that night. It had fit perfectly, as if it had been meant to be Dracula's all along.
Fixing his tie, Dracula sauntered up the final steps that led him into the castle, handing the doorman the invitation he had swiped off of the woman's vanity set. The beginning bustle of the event came into view and standing in the midst of the Kingdom's elite, Dracula took a moment to take it all in. The most beautiful of songs emulated from the string quartet as men in suits wore ladies in elaborate dresses on their arms, chatting and dancing amongst one another. It had been a long time since Dracula had attended such royal festivities, and for the first time in a while he felt as if he was home. His eyes darted in the direction of a man wearing a crown and elaborate robes walking with a woman adorning a silver crown on her head. The Princess. Dracula was captivated by her beauty as she radiated with elegance in her beautiful, blue dress. Once again, Dracula could not help himself and walked over to the royals hosting the main event. After all, in his practices, it was rude to pass up introductions to the hosts of such a huge event before indulging himself.
"Your royal Highness. Your Grace," Dracula bowed in the presence of the King and Princess before straightening himself upright, "The efforts put into this evening's ball is absolutely remarkable. Simply one of the best I have attended thus far." Dracula complimented the efforts of the ball, marveling in their royal presence, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Count Dracula. My Kingdom is much far from here, so please know that the likes of your rule are deeply appreciated by those inspired from afar." Dracula chimed greatly at the King in adoration before turning his gaze to the Princess, "If it is alright, that I may ask the Princess her hand in this dance?" Dracula smiled sweetly at the Princess while waiting for the King's approval.
|
|
|
Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 14, 2022 12:55:36 GMT -8
Rose happily greeted each person who approached, warmly conversing with them that even those who had approached with airs had lowered their nose from up in the air as their features had softened, charmed and feeling more comfortable and grounded than they had in most of their lives, outside the privacy of their personal quarters. Always living in a place of stature where everyone watched your every move, people seemed to forget how to be themselves, and Rose, more open and friendly and down to earth than they'd been around in far too long and so comfortable in her own skin, reminded them of who they once were when they were younger and not quite as in the attentions of people.
There were several younger ladies that had given her the feeling of a potentially blossoming friendship and made promises of exchanging correspondence, feeling a pang of guilt for happily agreeing when it was her plan to leave this very evening to go into hiding with the man that she loved, which would take away her ability to correspond with any of them.
There were also several more young men who'd asked for a dance, which she happily agreed to fulfill once her obligations here were complete. She hoped it would be soon. The amount of dances she'd promised would take up a lot of her evening, and she still had to find the opportunity to slip out, which would not be easy until she removed a good amount of attention from herself. She was under the misassumption that fulfilling a good amount of these promised dances would help to remove some of the attention.
She was laughing over the comment of yet another potential new friend as they both curtsied at the end of their conversation when a young man stepped in to sweep the young lady off for a dance.
Rose's eyes shifted to the next approaching figure and she smiled warmly at the handsome older gentleman, curtseying in return to his greeting, quietly observing. She could feel her father proudly preening over the man's compliments.
"Welcome, Count. We are pleased you could make the journey," her father responded with a regal nod.
"If it is alright, that I may ask the Princess her hand in this dance?"
The rest of the gentlemen, leery of her father, had asked that she save a dance for them, waiting for her father to release her from her obligations, but this man had boldly asked for the current dance. Rose looked to her father in an attempt to read his reaction. He was finally looking less stringent and more at ease. This Count was better in his way of speaking than she realized. Her father gave a single, regal nod, and Rose turned back to the Count with a beaming smile. "I'd love to."
Rose took the Count's offered arm and let him lead her to the dance floor. She was unaware that another factor in the Count's favor was that her father liked the idea that an older, distinguished gentleman would be the first to have a dance.
King Stefan gave a side-glance assessment toward King George. Though King George was far older than this Count, which Stefan mistakenly assumed, there was still a significant age gap between his daughter and the Count, yet his daughter had made no qualms about it. In fact, she'd happily and even enthusiastically agreed to dance with the man.
|
|