Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on Jan 27, 2009 22:35:49 GMT -5
The very thought of being alone with her, truly alone, made me want to boot my stallion in the ribs and race as fast as we could away from the City... but still I kept on with a civil pace, remembering her as a lady, and the duty I had to her. Once outside the gates, I turned and looked at her, smiling gently and trying not to think of how pretty she was with the sun on her raven hair. "Do you ride much, Princessa?"
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jan 27, 2009 23:18:49 GMT -5
Our mounts moved gracefully beneath us, not too fast, not too slow. I just counted every moment with him as a blessing. A rather nerve racking blessing, but all the same.
"I ride more at my estate, but I haven't had much opportunity lately," I replied. "Since I arrived, I mean." I was tripping over my tongue, oh Mother...
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on Mar 9, 2009 23:11:12 GMT -5
"A shame, that," I said, grinning a little broader at her, forgoing the beautiful landscape that stretched out before us in favor of a far more beautiful scene. How could she look so lovely all the time? "I rode much, back in Ruskovia. Here though, it is limited." Blessed by her gods, that must be it... What other reason could there be? "What did you generally like to do for entertainment?"
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Mar 10, 2009 11:53:41 GMT -5
I tried to glance over at him a few times, to drink him in. But I kept meeting his gaze, so I looked away with a blush for being caught. I concentrated for a moment on the scenery instead, looking out at the green that stretched around us in all directions except for directly behind us where the City's walls rose.
"I love the arts," I said, replying to his question. "Concerts, theatre, exhibits, dance performances. I would be a patron to more artists in Lleida, if the estate could sustain such a thing. Instead I indulge in Amilcar when I attend court." Now at least it was natural to look over at him, and I took full advantage of it, smiling at him. "What is the art scene like in Ruskovia?"
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on Mar 10, 2009 15:56:25 GMT -5
Her smile was so pretty that it dazzled me quite easily, and I repeated her question back without really realizing it before I caught myself, and with a grin I shifted my shoulders, leading us out into the countryside where I knew a pretty little spot was. "Harsh in comparison to d'Angeline scenes. All but the womens apartments have little need for flowers and.. and.." Damn, what was that word? "The little boys, wings on thier backs with bows." I shrugged, glancing back over at her pretty face with a lopsided grin. "At least, as far as I ever noticed. Most of my time was spent with my horses."
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Mar 10, 2009 16:37:15 GMT -5
I laughed softly at his words. His easy manner would have made it easy to relax completely if he wasn't so handsome. "Horses are rather more practical beasts in comparison to cherubs," I agreed with a smile. "What do you think of all of it here? The attitude towards art I mean?" An intelligent question? Thank you Mother. So often he made me feel like such a young girl with the largest infatuation.
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 9, 2009 14:43:26 GMT -5
Her question made me think a moment; or rather, I liked to think of it that way; the only other option was that I simply enjoyed looking at her features too much to form a decent response... And, unfortunately for my ego and wit, that was more the truth than the former. "I find it all a little too superfluous," I said, rather proud of the uncommon d'Angeline word that I'd picked up on. Hopefully it didn't show, though I could feel my grin hitch a bit higher as I looked at her, our mounts trekking easily across the terrain away from the City. "I mean, I enjoy looking, but it is too much sometimes." I gave a bit of a rueful look then, my easy-going, amused grin never fading. "Then again, I'm also a simple man. What do you think of it, Princesa?"
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 10, 2009 18:51:23 GMT -5
I tried not to notice how easy he looked on a horse, the casual sway seeming to slot itself perfectly into his being. I tried to keep a hold on my thoughts, but it wasn't working so well.
"Yes, sometimes it is too much. Sometimes the decorators do get a little carried away," I agreed with a little smile. "But in general, I find it simply lovely. Softer, less stern than what I'm used to as well."
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 27, 2009 14:12:44 GMT -5
"Really?" I looked at her, somewhat surprised at that. After all, Mercedes herself was so.. soft.. and proper of course. I'd meant her demeanor, after all... A little bit, anyway. "Some things are lovely. Is there any style in particular that you enjoy more than the others?" Hopefully I'd know what style she was talking about, too; I was caught up in trying to keep her talking so I could listen to the silken chords of her voice that I hadn't really thought before I'd spoken.
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 27, 2009 16:12:17 GMT -5
"It's not... one thing in particular. The physical structures are often quite similar. It's the little things, the attention to detail. In my opinion, nothing can eclipse the Moorish artwork on many of our buildings, but in terms of contemporary creation, Terre d'Ange has the upper hand on Aragonia for beauty," I said, then blushed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lecture."
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 28, 2009 9:31:37 GMT -5
I smiled at her, forgetting for a moment to watch where we were going in favor of watching how the sun played off her ebony locks.
"You weren't," I responded lightly, hoping to help her feel more at ease. "Or at least if you were, you're good enough at it that I didn't feel as if you were." Another pause, and I raked my mind for something more to say. "Do you enjoy music, too? There's an instrument I like to listen to, but I cannot remember the name of it. What do you enjoy?"
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 28, 2009 13:18:25 GMT -5
"Music is one of my greatest loves. I enjoy all the arts of course, but I find music to be something special," I said, then blushed when I realized how forward I sounded. The last thing I wanted was for him to think that I wasn't a proper lady. "Perhaps you could describe the instrument? I might be able to help you name it?"
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 28, 2009 13:38:27 GMT -5
Her second blush did nothing but enhance the color of the first, and I had to force my eyes away from the innocence marked upon her face. "It's small," I said, one hand holding the reins so I could gesture with my other. "No strings.. it sticks out to the side." I gestured then, holding my hand out near the side of my mouth. "Usually..." Damn again - the word escaped me momentarily. "Silver. Sometimes it's inlaid with gold, though."
I gave her another rueful grin as we neared a stream; another dozen paces and we would need to cross it. I'd chosen this spot specifically though; the crossing was but a few paces across at best, and the water rippled across no more than hock-high upon the horses. Still, I prepared to move closer her, ready to offer my services of holding her mares reins for her to aid the crossing. The last thing I wanted was for Mercedes to be in danger from a mount spooked of water.
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 28, 2009 13:49:18 GMT -5
My brows furrowed just slightly as I couldn't place the instrument immediately. "If there are no strings, how does one play it?" I asked, leading my mare comfortably into the stream. She was nervous, so I tightened my grip on the pommel and urged her forward. I was focused on my mount now, no longer darting furtive glances in Sergei's direction.
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 28, 2009 13:57:44 GMT -5
"They blow," I responded as we entered the stream, my mount a step ahead of Mercedes to place me nearer to the reins. I guided my mount closer; too close if we were merely riding, but this situation was more delicate than that. Conversation momentarily abandoned, I patted Merecedes mares neck, making a few quiet, shushing noises to help soothe its nervousness. The reins, however, I didn't touch - she had the mare under control well enough for that, and I did not wish to impede.
"Relax," I said, my voice soothing for the sake of the mare, though my eyes were for noone but Mercedes. "She can feel you if you tense, even through your saddle. If you're calm and assured, she will be too." Sweet gods, she was so very pretty, perched atop her mare like a graceful swallow, focused, knowing.
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 28, 2009 14:11:28 GMT -5
I hadn't realized that I was tense until he spoke, but then I drew in a deep calming breath and softly released it. Feeling more relaxed, I clucked to my mare and urged her across the stream, Sergei close by to help if I was in need. I'm sure that I would have been fine, but it was a very sweet gesture on his part. Water splashed around our mounts hooves as we forded the stream and safely made it to the other side. "Thank you," I told him with a soft smile.
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 28, 2009 14:17:05 GMT -5
"Of course," I responded as soon as we were upon the other side. For a moment I lingered by her side, my eyes on hers, wondering what it was that she thought... and then I realized what I was doing. I gave her a lopsided grin as I guided my stallion a few steps away again, my hand patting his neck fondly without really thinking about it.
"But, yes. It's held to the side, silver, and they blow in it. They use two hands, too," I added before shrugging, giving up on figuring out the name for it. "I'll have to look it up in the library. Let you know what it was the next time I see you," I added, flashing her another lopsided smile.
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 28, 2009 14:26:40 GMT -5
My breath was caught in my throat as he lingered next to me, and my heart started beating like a hummingbird's wings when he smiled at me. Oh Mother, what was this man doing to me? It was like I turned into a dithering fool in his presence.
He saved me from humiliation however, moving off a little ways and returning to our previous conversation. Slowly my mind began to function again. "I think you mean a flute," I said softly. It was all I could manage for volume after he sent me another one of his devastating smiles.
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 28, 2009 14:37:36 GMT -5
She was quieter than she had been before we entered the stream, and I hoped I hadn't upset her by my nearness. Trying to put it behind us in the case that that was it, I nodded, my eyes moving from the land around us and back to her again. "I think that's it," I said, trying to remember. I'd heard it somewhere.. mayhap in the process of conversation. It was hard to tell, not something one really thought about until specifically needing to recall.
My eyes went forward again, picking out a knoll that was bordered by a few late-blooming trees, the petals just past their prime and beginning to fall earthward again. "We're almost there," I added pleasantly, eager to be off my horse and, hopefully, seated closer to Mercedes than this.
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 28, 2009 23:21:32 GMT -5
"Wonderful," I said with a soft smile, though I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I would get to be close to him, and I couldn't help the treacherous voices telling me what a superb idea that was. On the other, he had planned a picnic, and I hated to eat in front of others. I hadn't thought the entire idea through when I had accepted, so distracted I was by the memories I had of him. "It looks like a beautiful spot."
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 29, 2009 9:26:12 GMT -5
"I'm glad you think so," I replied, and I truly was. Pleased with her reaction, I let the silence envelop us comfortably for the last few paces until we reached the boughs of the trees. Dismounting, I turned to hold Mercedes mares reins in the same hand that I held my stallions, and offered my hand to her to help aid her down. It was nicer here than I'd remembered, and I was ever thankful for it. The grasses were thick and lush beneath our feet, and the bubbly, murmuring stream cut around the little knoll we'd stopped by, but a dozen short paces or so where we were. "Princessa," I said, flashing her a grin as I awaited her hand to meet mine.
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 29, 2009 14:06:46 GMT -5
I took the offered hand, wishing I hadn't worn my riding gloves and our skin wasn't separated by the thin leather. Even though I knew I shouldn't be wishing for it. Oh Mother...
"Thank you," I said, sliding down from my mount, suddenly so close to him that my breath caught in my throat once more. I looked up at him, caught between my mare and his solid form, and wanted nothing more than for him to lean in and kiss me.
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 30, 2009 20:31:56 GMT -5
Oh blessed Svaros, I hadn't truly thought of how close she'd be once she dismounted. For a moment I merely looked at her, our hands still caught up together, my body urging me to step forward. Just one step, a duck of my head, and I could press my lips to hers and taste her once more, to breathe in her subtle perfume. I could smell it already, the scent that was her, and it made it even harder to step back.
Reluctantly I moved back, my fingers lingering at hers before I allowed them to drop away again. "Of course, Princesa," I murmured as I handed her her mares reins back once again. Before I could do anything brash and stupid I turned and tethered my mount to the low branches of a tree a bit further out, giving us plenty of space to picnic without fear of being disturbed. Once done I began unpacking the picnic supplies I'd brought, though I kept an eye upon her, making sure she didn't need help. I didn't think she would - she was quite capable - but too I wanted to be available to her if she did.
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 30, 2009 23:40:17 GMT -5
For one long moment, I thought he was going to do it. I thought that he would lean in and press those firm, ripe lips to mine and take my breath away. Oh Mother yes... My body inclined towards him, wanting what his eyes promised, and when he stepped away I had to catch myself. He turned away, giving me a chance to gain my composure. I had come so close to looking like a fool, and it caused my cheeks to be painted red as I tethered my mount to a branch not to far from his stallion. I didn't rush knotting the reins, knowing every extra moment I took would be a moment to remind my treacherous body to behave itself.
Once that was done, I went over to where he was unpacking lunch. "May I lend a hand with anything my lord?"
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 31, 2009 13:57:12 GMT -5
It didn't really matter, in the end, how I busied myself with tending to the droll matters of setting out the padded blanket, with unlashing the wicker baskets to place upon the blanket. I still felt the burning need to kiss her again, now, and my oath that I'd sworn to her was the only thing that had kept me from doing it again when we stood by her mare, what kept me from stalking over to her now, in truth. I'll not kiss you again until you ask me, I'd promised, and by Svaros' name, I wouldn't, no matter how it burned me to stay myself.
"Only in seating," I responded a jovially as I could, smiling warmly at her as I extended my arm to lead her to the blanket. It wasn't necessary, no, but it was nice, the thought of having her hand slid over my arm in acceptance. How easy it would be to love you, Mercedes. The thought caught me by surprise, jarring me to the core with the suddenness of it.. of how right it felt. My easy smile fell onto my lips as I attempted to mask it, but I wasn't sure there was aught I could do for the fire smoldering in my eyes.
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 31, 2009 16:19:58 GMT -5
I took his arm with a smile, praying that I wasn't imagining the intensity that lurked in his eyes, the same that I had seen at the faire right before he had kissed me so improperly. I sank down onto the blanket gracefully, arranging my skirts about me so that they wouldn't wrinkle, and then removed my gloves and put them aside. Small, normal tasks that kept my mind calm and not giggling like a silly girl.
"It looks as if you came well prepared," I observed, looking at the decently sized baskets.
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on May 31, 2009 16:26:25 GMT -5
I was but a fool for watching her remove her gloves, drinking in the sight of newly displayed skin far more than I should. Abruptly I made myself stop, seating myself next to her at a barely acceptable distance before turning to begin plucking items from the baskets.
"Of course. I can't impress you with just bread and cheese," I quipped, flashing her a grin as I pulled out a jar of olives. Thick, crusty bread followed, as well as cheeses and salted, dried meats. A few vegetables and fruits followed, and a small array of creme filled pastries rounded out the desserts. Nothing extravagant, but nice enough, I hoped. Pulling out a plate for her and one for myself, I paused, my grin tempering to an honest, soft smile. "I'm glad you decided to come with me, Mercedes."
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on May 31, 2009 19:31:23 GMT -5
It was said with a jesting tone, but I wondered if he truly did wish to impress me. It would be a truly sweet thought if he did. I wanted him to try and impress me, to vie for my attention. I wanted him to want me.
So I smiled at his words, watching him pull out far more food than I thought we could both eat. But what he had chosen was practical, and would keep well if not eaten. I liked that he was down-to-earth, though I also wondered how romantic he was.
Stop that Mercy! Those are dangerous thoughts!
"I was honoured to be invited," I said with a soft smile and a blush from my thoughts. Again I didn't correct him when he used my given name.
|
|
Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
|
Post by Sergei Romanov on Jun 1, 2009 11:46:32 GMT -5
She blushed, and I couldn't help but wonder what had caused it. Was it the fact that I admitted to wanting to impress her, or something else that had crossed her mind? Again the burning need to kiss her crossed me, and I was caught momentarily with it, my lips aching to press sweetly to hers and steal the breath from her lungs.
"I enjoy spending time with you," I said softly, my hand reaching out to brush a stray lock of her hair away from her face before I thought of how she might receive such an action. My hand froze near her ear, and I looked at her, knowing the smoldering was back in my eyes.. and knowing too that there was naught I could do for it. Get the wine, my mind urged. Don't press her, don't push her away... And yet I was caught, held in place by the color in her cheeks, by the way she demurely and securely held her poise. "I enjoy it, very much." Beautiful. Absolutely breathtaking.
|
|
Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jun 1, 2009 12:57:16 GMT -5
Time seemed the slow as his hand reached for me, his fingers brushing against my skin as he went to tuck a lock of my hair behind my ear. Oh Mother, the feeling of his skin, the intimate nature of the gesture, the way his eyes burned with that same intensity. I don't know what expression was on my face as my eyes closed and I leaned slightly into his touch. It probably wasn't enough pressure for a D'Angeline man to have felt it, but I was used to a different scale of affection, and I was sure Sergei was the same. Doubtless I was acting like a fool, reacting to a gesture done out of habit instead of true interest. But I wanted him so badly, I couldn't help but respond. I wanted him to want me just as much.
|
|