Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 13:12:32 GMT -5
After the engagement was official between Delaunay and Azabel.
I'd arrived home rather quickly, our townhome thankfully not being too far from the Palace. The trembling of my hand had gotten under control, and as I exited the carriage I looked at the townhome, the place I'd loved all my life. I wouldn't live here another full year... Instead, I would marry, and begin my life with my husband.
My heart swirled with nervous anticipation as I made my way inside, immediately catching the arm of a passing maid. "Fetch Gratien and Pierre," I asked her in a pleading voice. "Please, ask them to come to me in my sitting room."
She nodded and scurried off, and I made my way upstairs, not taking the time just yet to take off the fine dress I'd worn before the queen; I wanted to speak to my brothers, needed to speak with them, to share the news I'd been forbidden to speak of.
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
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His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 13:18:08 GMT -5
I was in my study going over my letter, letters of invitation or greeting, I filed through them till there was a knock at the door.
"Prince Gratien?" One of the maids was at the door. "Princess Azabel is asking for your presence down in the sitting room." She said with a curtsy.
"Oh," I said furrowing my brows a bit. "Alright, thank you." She hurried off and I stood from my seat.
I walked in a steady pace to the sitting room to see Aza standing in a particularly fine gown. I smiled and came toward her.
"Sister." I said giving her a soft kiss on her cheek. "You called for me?" I leaned back and smiled at her. She looked...nervous? I wondered if everything was alright.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 13:47:18 GMT -5
I looked up as footsteps approached, and at seeing Gratien I smiled, feeling somewhat steadier for his presence. "I did, actually," I said after he leaned back again. "Lets sit," I said as I turned, sitting myself on one of the few couches. "I called for Pierre as well, but I don't know if he's home," I added, making a small face.
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
Royal
His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 14:35:07 GMT -5
I raised a brow then knited them before I sat next to her. "Alright, out with it." I said with my raised brow. "You look like you're about to burst, what do you have to tell."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 15:27:01 GMT -5
I smiled and ducked my head, then looked up for Pierre again. Not seeing him, I turned towards Gratien more, color coming to my cheeks. "A few weeks ago I was called to the Queen," I said, fiddling with my fingers together. "When I arrived she told me that Prince Delaunay had impregnated and had children with a Priestess from Kriti; a high ranking one from my understanding. Apparently the situation was never cleared through the Queen, and she wants him married to a steady, wholly d'Angeline family..."
I paused and looked at him; Gratien was whip smart, and I knew it wouldn't take anything more for him to figure it out. "I couldn't tell you; I couldn't tell anyone, by the Queens command until Delaunay came home and it was agreed to."
I looked down, plucking at my fine skirts as a smile began to grow on my mouth. "He came home today."
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
Royal
His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 16:00:03 GMT -5
I scoffed a little as my eyes widened. "Prince Delaunay?" I said, shocked. She was engaged to be married to him, that much was understandable.
"How could you?" I asked looking at her with furrowed brows, a strange anger filling in me. "You agreed to marry the grandson of a traitoress." I shook my head. "I can't believe that the Queen's consented to this." I stood and shook my head again. "No, father was right to keep you two away from each other. He's a bad person Azabel."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
Royal (Manager)
Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 16:11:46 GMT -5
I drew myself up at his reaction, my chin level with the floor as I stared at him. "How could <I>I</i>? Even if it wasn't Delaunay, Gratien, do you think I really had any choice in it?" I frowned at him, that he would react as such to me. I'd never done aught to give him reason to doubt me, but here he was, when I told him I was to be married.
"The Queen asked me to marry him. Members of the realm are upset that she is marrying a Ruskovian, and with Delaunay having bared children with a Kritian Priestess, it is too much. She wants him settled, and she asked me. Mother has been at her, too, as she has nearly every other family with a single male of good standing."
I was upset to the point of nearly crying as I talked to him. I hadn't expected him to jump up and down, but neither had I expected this. With as high as my emotions had been all day, it was too much.
"He isn't a bad person, Gratien. Do you even know him? Or are you basing your statements off rumors and whispers down in some local tavern?"
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
Royal
His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 16:20:11 GMT -5
I blew out a breath and shook my head. "I'm sorry Azabel." I said sitting back down for a moment. "I just guess it took me off guard." I ran a hand over my face and through my hair.
"Do you really want this?" I asked. "I mean do you think you can love him, because I have heard things about him. I've heard he's an agressive man." I had to kick myself then, thinking about Calista and how I felt about her.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 16:31:39 GMT -5
"He's part Shahrizai," I said, looking at him as he settled himself, not knowing if he'd flare up again, but knowing too there was nothing I could say or change even if he did. "I realize his urges, but... I don't know how to say it, Gratien," I said, feeling my own anger drain out of me. "There's something in me that knows he'd never hurt me. And if he did, you know I'd never stand for it."
I looked at him, wishing he were happy for me, though I'd never expect nor demand it from him. "As for love... Yes. I think there could be. I think there will be."
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
Royal
His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 16:35:45 GMT -5
I shook my head a little. "This is a lot to take in." I said putting my hand over my mouth. "I really don't know what to say to be honest." I looked at her for a moment. "Do you think he wants you?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 18:17:27 GMT -5
I reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair off Gratiens forehead, giving him a tender smile. "I know," I said softly. "I understand... believe me. Keeping this from you and Pierre was the hardest thing I've ever had to do."
I regarded him on his question, making sure he knew how serious I was. "Yes," I said at last. "I think he does. He spoke his agreement even as the Queen was announcing my name; there was no hesitation."
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
Royal
His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 18:39:21 GMT -5
I raised a brow and looked to her. "I see." I said then looked away from a moment. I thought about Calista again and wondered a thousand different things.
"What happened to you too when you were sixteen?" I asked, not wanting her to tell me everything, but wondering a great manythings. One of the least was whether or not this was some ploy by the Prince.
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Prince Pierre de Somerville
Royal (Staff)
His Highness the Baron de Absolon, Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Son of Prince Rogier de Somerville and Princess Annalise de Somerville
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Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jul 24, 2008 20:35:33 GMT -5
I'd been out getting some fresh air, and when I arrived home, I was told I was expected in the sitting room. I knocked before entering, to see Aza and Gratien sitting, looking deathly serious. "What's happened?" I asked bluntly. "Are you both alright?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 10:46:12 GMT -5
Before I could reply, Pierre entered and I jumped, looking up at him with wider eyes. Thank you Elua, I thought, glad for the interruption. How was I to tell Gratien we'd stolen away to a back alley and coupled? Twice?
"Everything is wonderful," I replied, standing to greet Pierre with a kiss on his cheek. Smiling a little at him, I sat down again, and took a deep breath. "The Queen called me in a few weeks ago to discuss an arranged marriage with Prince Delaunay de la Courcel." I paused, glancing at Gratien and remembered his reaction before looking back at Pierre. "I couldn't tell you before Delaunay came back; he arrived today. We're to marry in the spring."
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
Royal
His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 11:00:15 GMT -5
I had been eager to hear what it was that made Azabel think that her relationship with the Prince was well advised, but Pierre returned from where ever he was and I sighed a little leaning back and crossing my arms as I watched her. Doubtless that Pierre would be happy for her and I felt bad thinking that I hadn't been very nice to her about it. I was worried though, I heard rumors about the Prince and now she was marrying him to fix he bird brained mistakes. I shook my head a little to myself as I thought, waiting for Pierre's reaction.
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Prince Pierre de Somerville
Royal (Staff)
His Highness the Baron de Absolon, Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Son of Prince Rogier de Somerville and Princess Annalise de Somerville
Posts: 1,270
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Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 11:10:37 GMT -5
"Prince Delaunay?" I repeated incredulously. "That seems an interesting choice by the Queen. Are you happy with the match? Is he?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 11:17:24 GMT -5
"Prince Delaunay," I repeated with a nod, my mouth raising into a small, fond smile. "He has born children with a Kritian Priestess of high standing, and the Queen is unhappy with his decision to do so considering his own position in Terre d'Ange. She wants him to wed into a pure d'Angeline family of high standing and bear children that can be named heirs. Her own match has raised brows as well, apparently; this match is a way to smooth over both matters."
I shifted in my seat, smoothing out my dress. "It took me time to adjust, honestly, but I am happy with it; seeing Delaunay today helped soothe many fears."
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Prince Pierre de Somerville
Royal (Staff)
His Highness the Baron de Absolon, Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Son of Prince Rogier de Somerville and Princess Annalise de Somerville
Posts: 1,270
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Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 11:21:36 GMT -5
I nodded, I was a bit apprehensive, but I would have felt this way no matter who she was marrying. "I can think of no better choice for him than you," I replied honestly. "The prince is a fortunate man." I looked at Gratien. "A wedding, Gray! It's going to be wonderful, don't you think?"
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 14:13:15 GMT -5
I smiled tenderly at Pierre, at his general acceptance of the situation, and felt a fondness for him. "Thank you, Pierre," I said softly before glancing at Gratien, wondering what his thoughts really were. It would happen whether he willed it or no - even Father were gone and Gratien assumed control of the family, the Queens wishes would outrule him. For all of that, though, I didn't want him upset... not at all.
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
Royal
His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 15:19:21 GMT -5
I raised a brow to Pierre and sighed. "I don't think I'll be happy till I can meet him myself." I relaxed my arms and leaned foward, hands on my thighs.
"Alright Aza, when you've finished being ensconced with your betrothed. May hap you can bring him by the town house and we can sit down to dinner."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 20:53:12 GMT -5
I looked at Gratien and sighed; too much had happened to me lately to bite it back as I normally would have done. "Of course," I responded, my voice smooth none-the-less. I thought of the look in Dels eyes when he'd seen me, the way he held me after Sabrina left, and my body warmed. "I don't think you'll be disappointed... In fact, brother," I said softly as I looked at him, "I think you'll be rather surprised."
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
Royal
His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 21:07:22 GMT -5
"We'll see." I said some what under my breath.
"So when's this illustrious event to take place?" I asked raising a brow to her. I was thinking about going to the Queen and talking to her, to see why she had decided why my sister had to bare the burdens of Prince Delaunay.
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 21:21:46 GMT -5
I paused, looking at him, feeling a tide of emotions course over me. It'd been a long day so far, with promises to only grow. "The wedding will be on the first day of Spring, by our Queens command."
I emphasized it to reiterate that this was not only a matter between Delaunay and I, but one of court and State as well. I reached over and took Gratiens hand, holding it between both my own smaller ones. "I must do it, Gratien," I said softly. "I feel it in me... it's almost as if Elua himself set the path."
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
Royal
His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jul 25, 2008 21:29:19 GMT -5
I sighed. "I'm happy for you Azabel, and I love you dearly." I said leaning in and placing a kiss on her cheek. "I'm your big brother, what do you expect." I gave her a smile. "No one's perfect enough for my Spaza-bel." I teased.
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Prince Pierre de Somerville
Royal (Staff)
His Highness the Baron de Absolon, Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Son of Prince Rogier de Somerville and Princess Annalise de Somerville
Posts: 1,270
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Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jul 27, 2008 9:59:42 GMT -5
I laughed as Gratien's use of the nickname, but I could feel the thick tension. I too wanted to meet this Delaunay. "It's definitely true, Aza," I said. "I think it'd be hard to satisfy us, no matter who you married."
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Princess Azabel de Somerville
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Her Highness, Princess of the Blood; House Somerville *Voted Member of Worst Character Dynamic 2010*
Posts: 2,048
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Post by Princess Azabel de Somerville on Jul 27, 2008 16:48:12 GMT -5
A grin came out on my face as he used my childhood nickname, a grin that quickly turned to a wrinkling nose before coming back as I looked at Pierre. "That's because you're both good brothers," I said warmly as I reached out, catching them both up in a hug. "I'm so very lucky to have you two."
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Prince Pierre de Somerville
Royal (Staff)
His Highness the Baron de Absolon, Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Son of Prince Rogier de Somerville and Princess Annalise de Somerville
Posts: 1,270
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Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jul 27, 2008 22:57:46 GMT -5
The hug was unexpected, but not unpleasant, it had been a long time since we siblings had spent such intimate time together. "Well, I feel lucky to have you also," I said. "You're my favorite sister." I grinned. She was also my only sister.
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Prince Gratien de Somerville
Royal
His Highness the Comte d'Azur and Prince of the Blood; House Somerville
Married to Lola de las Aragonia. Brother of Azabel, Reese & Pierre de Somerville
Posts: 1,486
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Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Aug 5, 2008 15:40:14 GMT -5
I embraced Azabel back, my mind running over this information. I had wished that Pierre hadn't interrupted when I had asked what had happened that day that she had met Prince Delaunay. Father had a keen reason for keeping the pair apart and I trusted his judgment, but the Queen herself had ordered this marriage and I wasn't going to stand between them and risk angering the Queen. I would how ever talk to her, ask her way she had chosen my sister of all the peers of the realm.
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