A Soul for a Secret (8)

Nella Fantasia · #41 5th March 2009, 03:06 AM

Irelin's smile widened and she nodded. "Yes," She answered. "That's exactly what I'm going to do." Her smile faded and she grew more serious, staring down at Ciara. "I thought about what you said, and I've come to realize that while I love Brynne, the only reason why I've held on so tightly is because it was Darius' home. Being with him was supposed to have been the beginning and the end of my life, so I've been too afraid to move on. Too afraid to change." She shook her head, her voice determined. "But not anymore. I'm not as young as I once was, surely, but I still have a decent amount of years ahead of me, and I need to use them to my full potential." And if anyone could understand? Ciara would. She'd gone through the same things when her husband passed away, and she made the choice to sell the winery before continuing on. That's more or less what Irelin was doing. It was hard, it was painful to think about, but in the end she knew this is what Darius would have wanted. He would have wanted her to be the best.

MissCellaFane · #42 5th March 2009, 03:40 AM

Ethan wasn't sure what he'd been expecting when the Governess asked to meet him in Ciara's office, along with his mother and Jamie. Something important, surely. But this? He couldn't believe what he was hearing, the implications swirling around in his head faster than he could think. The Governess was going to put in for candidacy for queen? And according to her, there was no reason why she couldn't. That would mean...moving to Floresco. Living here in the castle. Jamie would become prince, if indeed she decided to keep him as successor and not give him Brynne. What would become of Brynne? Who would lead it? What would Ethan's role be? Floresco already had commanders and generals in their army. They didn't need Ethan. Would he continue to be bodyguard? The Governess would need even more protection. Her life was constantly being threatened now. How much more was it going to be in danger if she became queen? Or even if she announces her eligability for queen? Some people weren't going to like another runner in the race. And his mother...she would be advisor to the queen. Would they even allow her to be? She wasn't of noble blood. Usually those positions went to nobles and politicians, people with experience in Rhytium's political world.

He was having trouble wrapping his mind around all this. As he glanced around at the others, however, he got the feeling that this wasn't news to them. Well, it was difficult to judge whether or not it was news for Jamie, for his expression hadn't changed too much. Just studying the scene, as always. And Ciara? Well, it was clear she had instigated this, or at least advised the Governess to do it, for the Governess had mentioned having thought about what Ciara said. And Ciara was definitely looking thrilled. Sounding it too. "Well, I think it's wonderful." She said, reaching out and patting the Governess' hand once. "You're making a fine decision. Rhytium couldn't ask for a better queen." She turned to Jamie and Ethan. "Don't you think so?"

Well, there was no denying that. The Governess would be a great queen. Ethan had confidence in that. But...this was all so sudden! She loved Brynne. He had known this from the very first time he met her, for it simply oozed out of her when she was there, among her people. She was comfortable and loved what she did. However, she sounded determined to do this. Already mentioning the fact that she loved Brynne but would be willing to let it go.

Ciara's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Ethan? What's wrong?" Ethan blinked, looking up at the Governess and then back down at his mother, realizing he'd been frowning.

He shook his head, relaxing his expression. "Nothing, it's just...." His eyes went back up to the Governess, his gaze questioning. "It's very sudden." It had to have been sudden, otherwise she would have mentioned something to him, right? Why, Ethan? She's Governess. You're her Colonel, not her advisor. She doesn't need your advice or approval for this. He then addressed the Governess, "It's just caught me by surprise, is all, my lady."

Nella Fantasia · #43 5th March 2009, 03:57 AM

Irelin could understand Ethan's hesitancy, for it looked as though Jamie was the same way. The boy sat there in his seat, simply watching them all quietly. But while he may not be speaking words directly, his face said about a million of them. He was unsure. Well, that's why Irelin had requested them all here because this decision impacted every single one of them. And she needed them all with her.

It was clear Ciara was thrilled about it and would be there no matter what, so Irelin turned her attention on Ethan first since he had spoken up. "I know," She said quietly and stepped towards him, resting her hand on his arm in what she hoped was a reassuring squeeze. "That's why I wanted you here, Ethan. I realize this choice of mine isn't only affecting me, but you all as well. And trust me, I've been thinking nonstop about what it might mean for you." She offered a small smile. "You will remain with me, won't you?" Oh, she hoped so! What would she do without him?

MissCellaFane · #44 5th March 2009, 04:19 AM

The Governess' hand on his arm, her closeness, those deep brown eyes staring up into his, all of it was making him momentarily forget about the situation at hand. A woman had never stirred him as greatly as the Governess did when she looked up at him this way, telling him she'd been thinking about him. It made him feel good, that she'd considered him when making this decision. It wasn't necessary for her to do so, but she had nonetheless. And nothing stirred him more than her gentle plead, "You will remain with me, won't you?"

Resisting the urge to take her hand in his, for he knew his mother and Jamie were both watching, Ethan simply nodded slowly. "Of course I will." he said emphatically, his voice low. "My service is yours, madam, no matter your title." Didn't she know that by now? That he wasn't going to leave her? He couldn't. This was as close as he was ever going to get to her. There was no way he was giving it up. Besides, he didn't trust anyone else to protect her. "I know there will be a great many men at your disposal for military positions, some with much more experience than myself. But I would ask that I remain your bodyguard, if nothing else, my lady."

Nella Fantasia · #45 5th March 2009, 05:23 AM

Irelin felt relieved when Ethan agreed to continue remaining in her services. She hadn't really thought he wouldn't, but there was always that possibility, especially since he would now be staying in Floresco and not Brynne. But that didn't seem to matter to him. He would be loyal to her no matter where she went. She smiled at his request. "Of course." He had proven himself worthy when he risked his life to protect her, and because of that she would have no one else now.

So, she had two people's support. What about the third? Retracting her hand, Irelin gaze flickered to Jamie who was seated on the couch. She sat next to him and took his hand. "I know this is not what you signed up for, Jamie," She began quietly. This would impact him more so than any of the others. He would be king someday! This soft spoken, blue-eyed shepherd boy...king.

"My lady," Jamie cut her off softly. And then, to her surprise, slid down onto one knee before her, covering her hand with both of his. "I have all the faith in you to do what you believe is right in your heart. And I promise, when my day comes, I will not fail you nor Rhytium." He gave a light dip of his head. "If this is God's will then I will follow you with whatever you decide."

Dear Jamie. Humble and willing. Irelin knew there was a reason why she was so drawn to Jamie, her successor and the possible prince of Rhytium. She stood and pulled him to his feet, smiling. "I have no doubts in you." Turning, her eyes scanned the other two as well. "In any of you. That's why I wanted to speak with you because I need you all with me."

MissCellaFane · #46 5th March 2009, 06:05 AM

Ciara was ecstatic! There was no other word for the joy she was feeling. All her hard work was paying off. She had convinced Irelin to come to Floresco for the funeral, to stay and be allowed into the Council meetings, and now to put her name in for ruler of Rhytium! Now all that was left to do was make sure the Council picked her over the other two. It would be difficult at first, but once the Council had a little while to think everything over, it wouldn't be as hard to do. Irelin would show them that she was worthy, of that Ciara had no doubts.

And she couldn't have been more proud of Ethan or Jamie. She could tell that Ethan was a little hesitant, but she had a feeling she knew why. Her son had deep feelings for Irelin, ones he may not have even admitted to himself. But they were there. And with her being queen...it would put her further out of his reach than she already was. Not that he was probably thinking about it in those terms, but deep down, he most likely knew it was true. Jamie, on the other hand, was displaying the perfect dedication befitting a young nobleman to his Lady. He was definitely the right choice for successor, something that Irelin apparently agreed with, for she then stated that she had no doubts in him or any of them. "That's why I wanted to speak with you because I need you all with me." She explained, looking around at them.

Ciara stood from behind her desk and swept around in front of it so she was standing next to Irelin. "My dear," she started, smiling as she reached up and settled her hand on Irelin's shoulder, giving a squeeze. "We have complete confidence in you. We're all with you in this decision." Her eyes flickered to Ethan for confirmation.

But he had his eyes on Irelin. Nodding slowly, he agreed, giving her a smile. "We're behind you, my lady. No matter what." Then, after a pause, "When are you going to tell the Council?"

Nella Fantasia · #47 5th March 2009, 07:17 AM

Irelin had never felt so elated. These were the three people that were the closest to her life at the moment, and knowing they were behind her gave her the courage to go on. And she was going to need it. She'd be lying if she said she was perfectly calm thinking about going to the Council for the first time. Honestly, she wasn't. There was definitely a strong sense of anxiety hanging over her head for she knew it would be a shock. Then there were always those who would stand up and outright refuse her. There was going to be a lot of convincing needed, no doubt of that.

She looked to Ethan and shook her head. "I don't know," She answered. "As soon as possible probably. It's getting close to the final decision, and I have a feeling I'm going to need time to convince some of the members."

MissCellaFane · #48 5th March 2009, 07:47 AM

Ethan was expecting that answer from her. The Council had been deliberating for weeks upon weeks. They were bound to be close to a decision. She needed to get her name in there before they made one. Which meant he was going to have to step up security. He nodded once. "Of course, my lady. Just let me know when you plan to do it, so we can be prepared for the extra security risk." Both the other candidates were not going to be happy. At all. And neither were their supporters, those who thought one of those two should rule. "This role as candidate and, if they choose you, queen...comes with more threat against you." He needed her to understand that, though she no doubt already did. "I'll protect you, but in order for me to do so to the best of my ability, I need to know what's coming."

The castle guards were in place, yes, but they weren't there specifically for her protection. They were there at this point to protect the castle itself as there was no ruler. Once she took the throne it would be different, all eyes would be on her and her safety. But until then, she would need to rely on Ethan, and he wanted to be ready.

Nella Fantasia · #49 5th March 2009, 08:52 AM

Irelin nodded. Yes, she knew it was dangerous, and yes, if she became queen the threat against her would become tenfold. Ethan didn't have to remind her of that. Though she supposed that was his main concern at the moment; her safety. Hers? Was trying to convince the Council. It wasn't going to be pretty.

"Don't worry. I will," She said with a nod, then looked around at Ciara and Jamie. "I'll let you all know."

Palace in Glahndur: That Same Day

Carlos ran his thumb over the smooth stone as he licked his lips, his eyes on the dark red apple at the very top of the tree. Five points. Make this and you're close to breaking your record! Okay, so knocking apples off of trees with stones wasn't exactly the best game in the world, but it was something the boy had found to keep himself occupied whenever he was bored. Or in this case, frustrated.

It took him all of the past two days to get it through his head that the thickheaded woman known as Ianthe Black was really his mother. His mother! She'd married his father, carried him in her womb for nine months, and then pushed him out between her legs. Disgusting...but true. And not only that, but she'd kept it from him for months, for some reason thinking he was never going to find out and the longer she waited the better it was going to be. Right. He hadn't spoken to her since, and he hadn't wanted to. All he wanted to do was go home. Go home, be with his family, and forget about this woman. She was nothing to him.

The anger was beginning to build up in Carlos once again as his eyes narrowed in on his target. She left them all, abandoned for no reason whatsoever. And even worse? When she did decide to come back, she acted as though they meant nothing but crap to her. He could handle it...but what about Caleb? He was dead! How could she not care? How could she not ask about him? Talk about him? Mention his god forsaken name?! To her he just never existed. And now she was having another baby with another man whom she planned on remaining with. What made Hajari and the baby so special? So much more special than him or Caleb? Damn her!

Clenching his teeth, Carlos flung his arm back and chucked the stone as hard as he could with as much fury as he felt. It sailed through the air and clipped the apple, snapping it off the branch. The fruit tumbled to the ground with a gentle thud. It didn't give Carlos much satisfaction though.

MissCellaFane · #50 5th March 2009, 09:08 AM

She'd actually done it. Rizzo hadn't thought she would, at least not for awhile longer. But Black had finally told Carlos the truth...that she was his mother. Rizzo had found out quite by accident. He'd seen Hajari coming out of a different bedroom yesterday morning and figured he and Black had gotten in another one of their spats. So that didn't surprise him at all. However, when he asked Hajari what it was about this time, and Hajari grudgingly gave him the basics, Rizzo was surprised. And how had Carlos taken the news? About as Rizzo had expected him to, how Rizzo himself would have taken such news. Poor kid. Hearing something like that wasn't easy. And Rizzo was a little concerned about him.

Figuring Black wouldn't go to him for awhile, Rizzo decided to instead. Only, Carlos wasn't in his room when he'd gone to check. A little concerned, Rizzo had begun to search the palace and grounds, hoping the guards wouldn't let the kid out the front gates. Knowing Carlos, he might have run away, tried to get home on his own. Thankfully, however, Rizzo stumbled across him outside, apparently throwing rocks at a tree. A very familiar tree. Rizzo bit back a smile. The one he had retrieved an apple for Maura from and had gotten himself stung by hornets.

Rizzo slowed his pace, watching the boy. He couldn't tell yet just what Carlos might be feeling, but if the way he was throwing those rocks was any indication...then it was probably anger. He did manage to knock an apple off the tree, however. Rizzo smiled a little. "Nice throw." He commented, coming to a stop near where Carlos stood. He jerked his head towards the tree. "Might want to be careful with that tree, though. Has a hornet's nest in it, which I found out myself very painfully a few weeks back."