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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 16, 2008 13:02:26 GMT -5
Free for the afternoon, and tired of the Palace, and the royal clothier's simpering, I'd escaped into the warm afternoon sunshine and the City. I wanted a pair of shoes and some feathers for my hair. And the perfect bolt of silk. I wasn't totally decided on color, but I'd know it when I saw it. As well, I needed something for Draca.
Not that she deserved my kindness, but I loved my twin, enough to want to see his mate well dressed so she wouldn't shame him by being drab. Like Giselle could ever be drab. She was so beautiful it made the stars dim, and my heart glow with envy. To be so coveted! So wondrous fair!
My pondering dimmed my mood and I frowned as I left the carriage and pulled my wide brimmed hat down to mask my face. My ever present pair of guards melted into the background, and I got the the business of shopping.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 16, 2008 13:19:48 GMT -5
Once again I found myself wandering through Night's Doorstep, but this time I was shopping for Beltane.
The colour scheme for fete was fire colours red, orange and yellow and though I considered myself a fashionable man. I had nothing in those shades.
I had been walking down the street when I ran into a small woman with a wide brimmed hat pulled over her face.
I jumped back after accidentally bumping into her.
"Oh, forgive me madame." I said shaking my head for being so foolish.
"Are you alright?"
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 16, 2008 15:15:24 GMT -5
"How impossibly rude! I ought-" I pushed back my hat to see who had the bumbling grace to run into me and was at a loss for words.
Denis, with those gorgeous blue eyes was looking abashed and apologizing to me. I let out a startled laugh and shook my head.
"You should be sorry Lord Denis, for being so clumsy. I may forgive you, for a price." I said archly, a wicked smile on my lips. I still remembered his lack of attention at the hunt, and my failure at making him pursue me. Mayhap I'd have my fun now.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 16, 2008 15:22:11 GMT -5
My mouth turned up in a happy grin at the sight of Princess Coretta beneath the hat.
"Oh merciful goddess," I said softly with a sly chuckle. I reached down and took up her hand, bowing over it with a kiss.
"Please forgive me," I rose. "And please accept a boon for my offense." I still held her hand caressing my thumb over knuckles.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 16, 2008 15:37:08 GMT -5
Primply I took my hand back, even as I was reluctant to lose the sweet caress of him stroking my knuckles. I was not going to lose this game with him, not today. I hid my pleasure and adjusted my hat so I could see, but not be seen.
"Hmm. A boon? I think that is the least you can do to make up for the offense. You can start by forgoeing all your planned activities for the afternoon and becoming my pack mule. Then mayhap I'll forgive you." I teased him, my tone mocking stern. I liked that he thought me a goddess.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 16, 2008 16:18:41 GMT -5
I bit my lower lip trying to quell the dirty thoughts of what I wanted to do with Coretta, my eyes taking in her delicate form and pleasing nature. Steady on.
"If it is your wish, your Highness, then it shall be done." I bowed to her once more, this time as being parted from her hand.
"Anything for you to grant me your forgiveness."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 19, 2008 14:15:49 GMT -5
I laughed, and linked my arm through his, as any lady would when walking with a gentleman. I tipped my head to look up at him and teased him a bit more. I was still put out from his rebuff at the hunt.
"Anything? My, I could think of all manner of horrid things to offer as penance for my forgiveness. Are you still sure you would do anything?"
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 19, 2008 15:03:04 GMT -5
Smiling as she took my arm, I watched her as she spoke. Then stopping us I turned into her and pressed my mouth to her ear.
"Anything." I whispered letting my breath warm her ear, then smiled letting my lips linger for a moment and pulled away.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 19, 2008 15:32:04 GMT -5
I blushed, feeling his breath in my ear, the way he said it. He wasn't playing The Game. He was supposed to flirt back, be dashing and charming. He wasn't supposed to mean it... and I didn't know him well enough to tell if he was serious, or just playing The Game at a deeper level than I could.
I floundered a moment before regaining my composure, and brushing it off as if it didn't happen. I didn't know what else to do. I kept my tone light as I talked quickly.
"Well, um, yes, I shall have to make you pay then. Starting my being my servant for the day, and entertaining me for the afternoon. Why were you out shopping today, and colliding with innocent bystanders?"
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 19, 2008 16:06:28 GMT -5
I smiled at her pleased that she had been shaken so with my comment and pulled her arm tighter to me, my other hand coming up to caress the one drapped over my arm.
"Beltane of course." I said nonchallantly glancing around at the wares. "I need an outfit."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 21, 2008 13:55:06 GMT -5
"Don't we all. I'm simply tired of all the usual costumes the Palace couturier has been coming up with. I want something... dazzling. I want to be noticed among all the other women. As well, I need to find something for my twin's lady. She has deplorable taste when left to her own devices. What of you? Do you have a plan or are you letting fate take you?"
I tugged him gently to start us walking and kept peering into the shops as we passed slowly by. Most sold ready made garments, and I would not be caught dead in something another woman might be wearing. We needed to head closer to the cloth merchants section before I found what I wanted. And by the jewelers. I wanted jeweled sandals and beaded feathers, not things I'd usually find here.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 21, 2008 14:07:03 GMT -5
I listen to Coretta speak and wondered what truly thought of the court life. One way or the other it suited me fine, but Coretta was that kind of girl so I simply let her guide me where she wanted me and kept silent till speech was asked of me.
"I suppose fate will make good work of me." I said with a wry grin. "I'm probably just as deplorable with tastes as your brother's lady friend."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 21, 2008 14:50:13 GMT -5
I made a face at him and huffed out a sigh, my thoughts returning to my earlier ones. This time I voiced them to him, needing to say them out loud to someone.
"That, my lord, is tragic. To waste all that beauty under drab things? Criminal I say! She is the most gorgeous creature I've ever seen, and she's content to hide all that beauty under veils and frumpy gowns. And you! Just as bad, to shrug off good taste and waste those gorgeous eyes-" Damn. I bit my lip, aware I'd slipped, but sucked in a deep breath and continued on my rant.
"-on fate and whatever you find at the last moment. I envy people like her, and you, for either not caring, or not being aware of how you appear. I spend far too much time fretting, and slaving, over my appearance. It's vexing. Very vexing. There. I'm done. I truly, deeply needed to say that to someone today!" I gave him a half smile and brushed the front of my gown straight. It was lovely, and had taken far too long to pick out. Just because I was going incognito, didn't mean I had to look a frump.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 21, 2008 14:59:15 GMT -5
My eyes?
"My eyes?" I said raising a brow to her, I turned us toward a little vendor and stopped turning to her as we stood.
"Then perhaps you can dress me." I said looking over the wares slightly. "You did such a good job choosing my clothing for the royal hunt, may hap you should try again." I leaned over again reaching past her in a way that seemed inconsequencial but infact perfectly planned so I could touch her most gently.
"And may be this time I could have a dance with you, since I didn't get one last time."
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 21, 2008 15:22:39 GMT -5
He leaned past me, and I was helpless but to look into those eyes of his. Green, blue, gray, and a dark rim around the iris, framed by thick, dark lashes. It was much too unfair to have eyes that beautiful. Along with the rest of him, most unfair.
"Maybe I will. I wouldn't want to be seen dancing with an ill turned out gentleman. I was there all night. I didn't see you once, Denis. Then again, after the hunt itself, I wasn't aware you even wanted to dance with me." I picked up a random object and studied it intently. It was a cloisonie hair comb, the metal shiny and colorful. Pretty, but not for me. What I really wanted to know was if he'd answer my little barb.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 21, 2008 15:33:25 GMT -5
I pulled back examining a silver handled mirror, then placed it down and leaned over and just under the brim of her hat.
"I'd like more then a dance from you Coretta." I whispered softly before running my fingers over the boneing in her corset just at her waist. I pulled back smiling and turned back to the cart.
"Do you like this?" I asked holding out a peacock broach.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 21, 2008 15:46:36 GMT -5
My eyes went wide as saucers after his hand left my waist. Denis wanted me? How extraordinary! I suspected he did, but to what purpose? What was he after? Me? Or the Dauphine? Time would tell. Just because he wanted, didn't mean I had to give. Besides, it was all to my advantage in our Game.
I composed myself as best I could and took the broach from him, fingers ghosting over the soft feathers. "Some of my favorite colors, after red. It's lovely. Pity I can't wear blue to the festivities. And I refuse to wear red like everyone else." I looked up at him and fingered the broach. "It's not quite the right shade of blue though."
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 21, 2008 16:11:47 GMT -5
"And what would the right sort of blue be?" I asked curiously, my hand reaching up to touch the broad and caress her fingers at the same time.
"Courcel blue?"
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 21, 2008 16:26:21 GMT -5
I passed him the broach and smiled, a knowing grin. "No. Not Courcel blue. You know which blue. And asking me to say would be telling, now wouldn't it?" I said saucily, picking up a pair of silver filigree earrings that matched the pin. What a flamboyant gown that would make to match them. Maybe for the next costume ball. Our birthday was at the end of summer. Mayhap we'd have a theme...
"Tell me, Denis, what type of fire would you say burns in your soul? I think for Beltane, we should all dress as our inner flame. I need to know, in order to dress you properly." I said coyly, holding the earrings up to my face and turning this way and that to see their reflection in a tiny glass.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 21, 2008 17:13:25 GMT -5
I moved around to behind her and pressed myself almost obscenely to her, my hands coming to rest with greatness of ease at her waist. My fingers lightly drummed against her skin as I leant forward.
"Blue like my eyes?" I said softly, my voice almost a hum.
"I'd imagine my fire would be red, hot like the burning sun." I inhaled deeply, memorizing her scent. "But I think it would be unfortunate to only be one colour, I think I would be all the colours one could imagine." I tugged her back toward me with a gentle pull from my fingers.
"What do you think?"
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 22, 2008 9:48:31 GMT -5
I shivered, part aroused, part scandalized. We were in plain view of... everyone! I felt my body go stiff, even when part of it wanted to melt against him.
"I think- I think you are too forward, Lord Trevalion. P-please step back? We are in a crowded market!" my voice wavered, sounding more breathless than authoritative. Not conducive to being taken seriously, but it was all I could do right now without crying out for my guard. What a fiasco that would be. I tried to take deep, calming breaths, but failed miserably.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 22, 2008 11:48:41 GMT -5
"Forgive me...Highness." I said with a devilish grin. I slid to the side, my fingers trailing from her waist as I shifted away from her. Deciding to take another route to the little dance I moved completely from her and to the other side of the vending cart.
"So, what colour would you think suit me?" I called out the Coretta from a distance.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 23, 2008 13:26:28 GMT -5
I followed him a few steps, picking up a silver hair pin and toying with it. "Mustard yellow, with hints of olive." I said tartly, still a bit rattled. But that wasn't fair, so I took a deep breath and calmed myself. I really looked at him then, not as a woman, but as an artist. It really was such a pity I was limited by colors...
"Blue, an aqua and a summer sky blue, with accents of orange and yellow. The hottest, most concentrated flame burns blue at it's center, with orange and pale yellow edging it. An intense flame stands out from the rest. That's my suggestion." I dug in my purse for enough coin to pay for the hair pins and the peacock earrings, handing it to the owner. She smiled knowingly as she wrapped them in a bit of paper for me.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 23, 2008 13:54:15 GMT -5
I moved back toward her, close again, but not as close I had been before.
"You think I should flout the colour scheme?" I asked curiously, a wry smile on my face.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 23, 2008 15:29:04 GMT -5
"Why, are you afraid to?" I threw back, a mocking sweet smile on my lips. I took my package and strolled from the cart, looking over my shoulder to see if he'd follow. I was sure he would, he was, after all, my servant for the afternoon.
"Haute Couture is all about flouting the scheme of things and making a statement. It either works brilliantly, or fails miserably. The fun is in brazening it out and laughing when next week, a dozen courtiers are doing the same thing. I would be happy to find you something in a nice, safe red."
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 23, 2008 18:20:37 GMT -5
I followed after with a soft jog, running up behind her I let my hand gently brush past her rear though the action was shrugged off as an accident.
"Would that impress you Highness?" I asked giving her grin, my brows furrowed playfully.
"Is that all that matters, whether I'm ahead of the other courtiers in the city? That I could shame them with my knowledge of colour?"
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 24, 2008 12:45:11 GMT -5
He touched me again, another liberty stolen. Again, part of me liked it, but the rest was annoyed that he was so free with my person. I was not an adept, not some common born light skirt for the taking. As handsome as I found him, I did not know him, nor he me.
"I hardly care at all about the courtiers. None of them impress me. Seems all are after one thing or another. So ahead or behind, you're still a courtier, no matter what color you wear. I gave you my opinion. Take it or leave it." I said casually, tucking my package into my cloak pocket then adjusting the lay of my hat. The sweeping brim concealed my eyes, and my irritation. Pity he was like all the others.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 24, 2008 20:23:08 GMT -5
I jogged forward again stepping infront of her with ease and stopping where I was.
"And what does impress, Highness?" I asked curiously, my tone showing complete interest in her answer. My gaze wanting to see through her as though her eyes were glass window's and I was searching out her soul, her true form.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Apr 29, 2008 15:55:39 GMT -5
I stopped as well and frowned, not sure what he was asking or why. What impressed me? It all depended on the situation. And the man, I suppose. Giving him a flip answer would be far too easy, and expected. A flip answer wouldn't tell me anything about the man.
"Authenticity. The ability to create art. People who take joy in life, and not just in court life, but in general. Uncomplicated people who do not relish drama, and instead of being court creatures, are comfortable in their own skin and do not seek to stir up entertainment to relieve ennui. And last, Maestro Aldo's shoes. No matter how long I wear them, my feet never hurt. Those things impress me. Anything else is really just entertaining, not impressive. What impresses you?" I shot back, almost defensive of my opinion, even though he was just showing interest.
He was...unsettling, in his intensity. I fiddled with the package in my pocket.
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Post by Denis de Trevalion on Apr 29, 2008 22:48:41 GMT -5
I leaned back slightly taking in her answer and determining it to be truth. I gave a smile, as genuine as possible, and one so rarely given. She seemed so small, and yet so bright. But some how deep down in side, a dark spot sat on her soul tainting all her words. Her question made me smile again.
"The same," I replied, my fingers coming together in front of me to toy with copper ducat. "Except the thing about Maestro Aldo, I've never been in his service that I would know how good his cobbling is." I smiled again.
"I like real people, people who are themselves no matter what."
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