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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 5, 2010 17:42:21 GMT -5
I paced anxiously outside Gratien's study. Once or twice, I raised my hand to knock, but withdrew at the last second. What was I thinking? I must be crazy. I barely believed he would say yes. But I could hope. At least Isra had no idea what I was doing. Taking one last deep breath, I knocked on the door.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 5, 2010 17:59:52 GMT -5
It was late in the afternoon and instead of being out enjoying the day, I had been stuck inside doing more work then I really wanted to be doing. The days were growing shorter and it was only a matter of time before winter set in. Either way I was locked away in my study, undisturbed until a knock came at the door.
"Come in." I called out, slightly disgruntled because of how much work I had, but also partially happy for a distraction, even if it were a small one.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 5, 2010 18:01:56 GMT -5
I entered. Gratien was at his desk, mounds of paper around him. "Good day, brother," I said. "Are you busy? I can come back later if you need."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 6, 2010 23:46:00 GMT -5
I didn't look up at first, my thoughts occupied for the moment. "Not at all," Though I was indeed busy, I thought it best to simply take the time to address what my brother was here about. "Come, sit down." I finally put down my paper and looked to him with a smile. "Can I get you a drink brother?"
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 7, 2010 0:14:31 GMT -5
"Yes, thank you," I said gratefully, taking a seat. I needed to relax. "How are you, Gratien?"
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 7, 2010 16:27:38 GMT -5
"I'm well." I said as I rose and moved across the short distance to the side board and then poured two tumblers with a bit of brandy in each before returning to my desk. I moved around to the front and sat on the edge as I handed the glass toward Pierre.
"And you?" I asked in reply. "Was there something I could do for you?" Pierre didn't often make social calls while I was in my study, he knew better then to disturb me in my study with just the prospect of conversation. If he was here, he wanted to talk to me about something important.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 7, 2010 17:23:38 GMT -5
I raised my glass and took a sip of brandy before I answered. "I am very well," I replied. "Very...happy, actually." I met his eyes. "Brother, I am in love, deeply and seriously."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 7, 2010 18:37:43 GMT -5
I raised my brows at his confession, a bit in shock before lowering them to look at him for a moment. Swirling my brandy I looked into my glass as I contemplated what he said. I knew enough to know that Pierre was not courting any one, but I did know that he was using up quite a bit of his inheritance on assignations with a Jasmine girl, Isra. Rising I moved back to my chair and sat down as I took a drink of my liquer and then looked at him. "Congratulations brother." I replied, I was happy for him indeed. Love was a glorious thing, and I could never fault some one for following there heart. "Is it that girl, Isra?" I asked.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 7, 2010 19:08:59 GMT -5
As much as I wanted to say that Isra was not "that girl," I didn't. I needed to be honest and humble, and not provoke Gratien's ire. "Yes," I said. "It is." I took another deep breath. "I love her very much, and I know she loves me too, and since she has made her marque, she is free to leave or stay at Jasmine." I paused. "I have given this a lot of thought, and I want to make her my consort." My expression changed, from serious to vulnerable. I tried to grasp what to say next. "I know that such a thing is...controversial. And even though my love is for Isra, my responsibility is to this family and to the crown. If you or the Queen wishes to make a match for me, I will accept it. I just...I want to be with her, for as long as I can. And I wish for your permission, and your blessing, my brother."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 7, 2010 19:23:42 GMT -5
Some where in the back of my mind I expected him to say what he was saying, some how I had always expected this to happen. I took a breath and leant back in my chair, taking him in; oh yes, he was indeed in love. But one had to be careful when taking on a consort. "Have you already asked her?" I asked curiously.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 7, 2010 23:33:51 GMT -5
I shook my head. "No," I replied. "I wanted to ask you first, out of respect." It probably went unsaid that another reason was that if he said no, Isra would never have to know.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 7, 2010 23:44:21 GMT -5
I nodded in understanding and placed my glass down before tenting my fingers and looking away to the window. For a moment I thought about it, took in all the ramifications of what he was asking before I finally looked back at him and leaned against my desk.
"I will not say no," I answered him. "But..." I paused holding up a finger. "The Queen may wish to use you as her pawn, just take our own sister for example." The corner of my lips quirked in a moment of disatisfaction.
"Despite my opinion on our cousin the Queen, she is still that... Queen, and we are of Royal blood. What she chooses do to with us is a matter of state and politics, not everyone can be like her L'Envers cousin and marry the one we love, adept or no." I sighed and leaned back again.
"No, as Prince's we are bound to politics first, even Elua's precept is not safe when politics are involved." I mused out loud.
"You may take her as your consort, officially, but not binding. Any life you have with her will be a half life and you must accept this. She will never be allowed to bare your children, your name, or any inheritance. If you choose to have children with her they will never be acknowledged by me or any member of the Royal family. And you can be sure of that." I raised a brow as I looked at him. "I suppose you're going to ask me to allow her to come live here too."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 7, 2010 23:47:43 GMT -5
I flushed, but held his gaze. "I am," I acceded. "And I accept the terms you have spoken."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 7, 2010 23:56:27 GMT -5
I looked away again, contemplating his words as I tented my fingers once more and pursed my lips in thought. I wasn't sure it was a good idea, I didn't like the thought of her living here. It would have been different if she was his fiance or wife, or even if he were courting some one of status that he planned to wed. But she was simply a consort, a whore for all intensive purposes. I looked back at him again. "Why?" I asked curiously.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 0:05:41 GMT -5
I thought for a moment, putting my feelings into words. "I have so many reasons," I said. "Being with her, holding her in my arms when I sleep and wake, talking to her, hearing her talk..." I trailed off. "I miss her so much when we're not together, and when we are together, even just talking or eating, I am happier than I knew was possible."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 0:10:28 GMT -5
I wanted to make a sound of disgust, his sentiment was so sicking sweet that I could have had my teeth rot out because of it. I refrained from making a face either and simply looked toward the window again. "Does she not have adequate living conditions at Jasmine House?" I asked without looking at him.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 0:29:52 GMT -5
"She does," I said, beginning to feel a little despair. "Very adequate." I began to lose hope of Isra coming to live with us. Gratien had already been more than generous. "I just...want her to be with me, to experience living with someone I love. But if it not meant to be..." I sighed "...then it is not meant to be."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 0:41:27 GMT -5
I turned and looked at him, leaning onto the desk and onto my elbows. "You must understand Pierre, this is my home, more so then yours because eventually, hopefully, you will one day have your own town house. One day you will have a place that is yours in which you fall asleep with some one in your arms." I locked my gaze with his though tried not to stare him down. I wasn't trying to be cruel, just... firm. "One day you will be married and no longer in this house with a family of your own." I pulled back a little. "I suggest if you can not wait, that you petition our parents for a release of your inheritance early so that you can purchase your own place. Its a long shot, but perhaps father will have more of a heart then I."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 0:49:18 GMT -5
I held his gaze as he spoke. He was right about the house, but I didn't know if I was ready yet to manage my own house. Yet, at his words, I felt a glimmer of hope; more than a glimmer, a rush. "That's a very good idea," I said, trying not to sound too excited. "But," and here I tempered my words, "I think I should wait a little longer, both before petitioning, and saying anything to Isra. I should not give her false hope."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 0:51:35 GMT -5
I nodded. "That would be wise." I replied and thought for a moment. "Forgive me brother, but I must ask. Does she push you to do these things? Is she asking to come live here?" I inquired.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 0:53:59 GMT -5
I looked at him. "No," I said. "She has never asked me for anything. I thought of this on my own."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 0:57:00 GMT -5
I nodded again and picked up my brandy glass before taking a gentle sip. "Alright." I replied, still looking at him. "Just be careful she doesn't play false, its not the first time some one of lesser status has tried to increase their wealth by falling into bed with a member of royalty. Thats why we have precautions."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 1:03:42 GMT -5
I nodded. "I understand your concern," I said. "I have been careful. But I have known her for almost a year, and she is either a very good actress, or she really loves me." I grinned.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 1:07:59 GMT -5
Once again I nodded and gave a little smile at his grin; he was certainly in love, I just hoped that this whole thing didn't end up breaking his heart. "Then I am happy for you, truly I am brother."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 1:14:39 GMT -5
"Thank you," I said gratefully, reaching out to clasp his hand between my two. "And thank you for...everything; your permission, your advice...everything."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 1:16:35 GMT -5
"You're welcome." I replied smiling softly. Enjoy it while it lasts. I thought cynically, though I hoped I wasn't right.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 1:19:48 GMT -5
Downing the last of my brandy, I stood up. "I should probably let you get back to work," I said, running a hand through my hair. "See you later, brother, and thank you again."
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Gratien de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 1:29:33 GMT -5
I nodded once more, staying silent but keeping a soft smile on my face as I held my brandy and swirled it gently.
|
|
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
|
Post by Prince Pierre de Somerville on Jan 8, 2010 1:35:29 GMT -5
With a last smile and nod goodbye, I excused myself form the room. Once outside, I breathed a sigh of relief, before heading to the library to brainstorm.
|
|