Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jan 25, 2010 22:53:26 GMT -5
It really coudln't get any better than this.
Early that morning, before dawn had broken the horizon, I'd arrived at the townhome Mercedes was staying at, dressed warmly in furs from Ruskovia, though the cut was smart and fit, if not as frilly and fine as what the d'Angelines seemed to enjoy wearing. My things had been sent over the night before to prepare for departure, and once Mercedes and I were in the carriage and out the City gates, I finally began to relax and let myself believe it was happening.
Winter travel was never comfortable, but I'd vainly hoped to make it as much as I could for her; baked stones wrapped in cotton stayed warm in a casket by our feet should she get chilled, and I had brought a few tightly woven, warm blankets to lay across our laps should they be needed. I looked at her now, hours gone by since we'd departed, a silly grin on my face expressing the freedom and joy I felt at being out here with her. "Are you warm enough?" I queried, reaching over and gently taking her hand in my own.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jan 26, 2010 17:42:27 GMT -5
The weather had been decidedly cool that morning, and though I had bundled up well, the sight of Sergei in his furs had certainly helped warm me up. It also helped now, to see him smiling so happily. Our fingers twined together, a luxury I'd never before experienced with a man other than my father, and that had been when I had been quite young. I marveled over how large his hand was, how strong, and the heat from our touching skin curled up my arm.
"Yes thank you," I replied, my smile soft and happy. I had been thrilled to have him agree to come, and thrilled again when he'd firmed up the plans and his packs had arrived the night before. And since he had arrived that morning, he had treated me as something precious. It was better than I had ever dreamt. Everything was working out. After years of waiting for the right man, praying that he would one day arrive, it was finally working out. Nothing formal had been asked or agreed to, but just to find love... holy Mother, that was a gift unto itself, and I planned to treasure it.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jan 26, 2010 23:09:09 GMT -5
It never ceased to thrill me when she allowed me to do something, or when she would look at me with that expression of hope and happiness. I sensed hesitation in her, as if she wanted to trust me but wasn't sure if she should, and it made me wonder what had happened to her before that she should doubt me now. My thumb caressed gently along the outside of her own, and I had to resist the urge to kiss her, just as I had all morning long. I didn't want her thinking I was here for the hopes of having her alone and having a good romp in the hay... Well, admittedly a part of me hoped for that, but any man would. But for Mercedes, I wanted more. I wanted to please her, to make her happy.
"You do realize I'm going to ask you at least twice an hour," I said, flashing her a jovial grin as the carriage continued to rock on.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jan 27, 2010 13:40:03 GMT -5
"Si mi cielo," I replied after a soft laugh. "You're taking good care of me." Truly, I didn't mind. No one had ever looked after me like Sergei was doing then. Some had wanted to, but I hadn't let them close enough. And now with my hand in his, his thumb caressing a line along my skin, I was happy that I'd let him close.
I was glad too that he was showing such care, considering what was to come. From what I remembered of my grandmother, she was difficult to impress. Only the best for her family. Her daughter had married an Aragonian prince after all. I felt like I should warn Sergei, but I wasn't quite sure how to go about it. "I am looking forward to seeing my grandmother again," I said to him after a few minutes of comfortable silence. "I was quite young the last time she visited."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Jan 28, 2010 15:37:07 GMT -5
Whatever it was she said, I had no clue, but I loved the way it rolled off her sweet tongue. I continued to stroke my thumb down the side of her hand, marveling at how straight and slender they were, how luxuriously smooth her skin was. I felt like an oaf next to her at times; she was graceful where I was not, but Svaros be thanked, she seemed to look past my faults and enjoy me anyway.
"Really?" I asked, leaning back on the seat and smiling at her. "I'm sure she's excited to see you too. It must be hard for a grandmother to not see her grandchildren very often."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Jan 29, 2010 19:57:03 GMT -5
"I agree, it's difficult when family isn't close. I received a letter from her on my first day in the City of Elua," I said with a smile. "My mother had told her that I was to be in the country, and she wanted me to visit before I returned home, was quite insistent on it in fact. It was an easy thing to promise. Some people find her intimidating, but I've always liked her." There, that should be enough to warn him about my grandmother's strong opinions. Sergei might enjoy himself more in the outdoors, but it didn't mean he was any less intelligent than I. I had faith that he could catch the hint. "She always used to call me Merci. She said that she was thanking the gods for her first grandchild."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Feb 1, 2010 16:30:10 GMT -5
The more I listened to her - and actually focused on what she was saying, not just looking at her pretty face - the more I began to have an inkling that her grandmother was a woman of.. Well. A strong nature. Cocking a brow upwards a touch, I tilted my head somewhat as I looked at Mercedes, amusement clinging to my voice. "I thank the gods for her first grandchild too," I mused. "It sounds like your grandmother is the type of woman who knows what she wants."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Feb 1, 2010 23:15:50 GMT -5
His reply was amused, and it made my lips turn up in a little grin as I watched the humour dance in his eyes. Sergei was never far from a smile, and it always lit up his face and made him look so alive and handsome. I had only seen him totally serious a handful of times, and he was still handsome then, but more like snow-capped peaks are dauntingly beautiful.
"All women know what we want. Some are merely more vocal than others on the subject," I said with another little grin, my cheeks staining a soft shade of pink from his compliment. "My grandmother has always wanted what's best for her family, and at the time neither my aunt or uncle seemed to be in any hurry to have children. My mother's the youngest."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Feb 8, 2010 22:28:19 GMT -5
"That sounds like quite a bit of pressure on you," I commented, trying to be serious though I felt my resolve fading as soon as it began. Tilting my head a little and eyeing Mercedes, my beautiful Aragonian flower, I felt my mouth twitch as I struggled against the natural urge to smile, putting on an expression that was supposed to come off as indifferent and disinterested. "You said all women know what you want though. What is it that you want?"
My smile broke through again and I gave into it this time, my eyes gleaming with wicked playfulness as I teased her.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Feb 10, 2010 12:14:38 GMT -5
Watching him try to contain his humour was like watching someone try to stop the tide from coming in. Some efforts in life were just fruitless. "It's a long list, are you sure you wish to get me started?" I teased back. What he was asking for was no jest though. I wanted very much to have this conversation, but I needed to know if he was ready for it. There were some things that were very important to me, things I wouldn't bend about. It was part of the reason that I wasn't living in Umaiyyat now, wife to the sultan's heir. Well, one of his wives.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Feb 24, 2010 21:36:03 GMT -5
"As ready as I'll ever be," I answered with an easy grin. My thumb coursed over the outside of hers as I silently admired her soft skin again; my own was rough and calloused from a life spent working with them, mostly out of doors with horses, or on the hunt. My eyes took hers in again; Svaros help me, but I was so tempted to pull her into my lap and cradle her, just to feel her in my arms again.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Feb 28, 2010 21:38:55 GMT -5
He met my eyes with an easy smile, and I smiled back before tucking my head into the crook of his neck. Some of the things I was about to speak of were not easy, my modesty kept me from looking him in the eye. "I want a lot of things," I murmured. "A husband who loves me and our children. To belong a man that can find enough happiness in our union that he doesn't have to look to another woman for completion. To spend at least some of my married life living in Lleida. To give my children the best life possible. To give them the same choice my parents gave me, to marry in love." I was speaking from my heart, saying things that I had never voiced to another. My words didn't run together, I'd had a long time to think about these things.
I smiled a little as I continued, my wishes growing lighter and more frivulous. "To go someplace warm and exotic for my honeymoon. To start an orchestra in Lleida, and a library of musical and theatrical works. To never stop learning." I paused for a moment. "I could go on, but I think I've said all the important ones."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Mar 7, 2010 18:02:07 GMT -5
My skin tingled slightly as she pressed her face against me. My arms wrapped around her and held her close to me as she spoke, and I leaned my cheek on the mass of her soft hair, breathing her scent as she spoke.
It was a good thing I was truly listening, because the conversation had shifted from what I thought was playful banter and into something more serious. I was quiet as she spoke, listening to her as she said things that came from the heart, and without thinking my grip tightened on her a little.
"Any man who couldn't love you or your," our, "children is no man at all," I said, a matter of fact and statement, though with care gentling my voice. "Children deserve the best in life.. to grow and run, to learn who they are while still understanding the importance of responsibility. As for Lleida," I said, pulling back some so I could tilt her head up with a touch of my fingers upon her chin, "I don't know where it is, but I'd do anything I could to make you happy."
I kissed her, soft and slow, our lips melding together with a low burn that smoldered from a fire deep within me. Gods, I loved this woman, more than anything ever before, more than I ever thought possible. From the day in the marketplace to now, traveling to meet some feared grandmother, she was all I'd ever dreamed of and still somehow more. "Anything you want, anything I can give," I whispered against her lips, my eyes closed.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Mar 8, 2010 23:23:43 GMT -5
He said exactly what I wanted, needed to hear. I don't know how he did it. A tear came to my eye, one of joy and complete happiness, and my hand came up to caress his cheek. "You've given me so much already mi amour. Love and happiness. Now I can smile in the face of all those fools who told me not to bother with love. Vindication seems like too ugly a word, but it's something close," I whispered. And then I kissed him, a little bold of me I knew, but his lips were so sweet that I couldn't let them without another touch.
And then after I'd had my selfish moment, I asked through still tingling lips, "But what of you my prince? What are the things that you wish from life?"
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Apr 8, 2010 12:59:43 GMT -5
I smiled softly, drawing my thumb along the outside of her hand. "Nothing is too ugly a word when it comes from your lips," I said, simple and honest; she could say a string of profanities that would make a sailor blush and somehow would make it seem right and just.
When she asked me what I wanted, I leaned back a little, making a soft thoughtful sound deep within my throat. "To be happy," I said eventually. "There isn't much more than that.. As long as I have you, just to be happy is all I crave, and you give me that. Now, don't get me wrong, I'd love to have sons," I said, grinning down at her, "and horses as well. But if we were living alone in a little straw shack in the back end of wherever Lleida is, well... as long as you were smiling, so would I."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 9, 2010 22:44:10 GMT -5
His words made me laugh. It was either laugh or cry with happiness. Come to think of it, I wasn't sure I wouldn't do more of that either. "Lleida is my estate in Aragonia. It's in the northeast, not that far from the border. We definitely wouldn't have to live in a straw shack," I explained with a smile. "There's lot of room for sons to run and play, and plenty of pastures for horses."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Apr 11, 2010 19:52:28 GMT -5
"Oh," I said, feeling silly at the same time that I tried picturing it. It was like trying to picture how water was wet; it was beautiful I was sure, but how exactly it looked.. only seeing it for myself would truly paint that picture. "Well, if that's the case," I said, giving her a look, a sudden grin that was at once boyish, playful, mischievous, "then mayhap we shouldn't wait to start planning our life there. I would like you to see Ruskovia though," I added; in truth I wanted to more than just see it. It was my homeland, and my blood ran in my veins with horses, harsh winters, stark beauty and hardiness. Terra d'Ange was a soft land, and I wasn't sure how Aragonia was, though I couldn't imagine it was aught like Ruskovia.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 11, 2010 22:09:08 GMT -5
My breath caught in my throat and my heart skipped a beat. Was he going to ask me? Was it finally going to be true?
"I would like that very much mi cielo," I whispered with a smile. Gods he was handsome when he smiled like that, I could look upon that grin for the rest of my life. "Very much."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Apr 12, 2010 9:37:01 GMT -5
I grinned at her, she seemed so happy, so excited at what I presumed was the thought of starting our life together, or seeing Ruskovia. Both, mayhap, and I ran my thumb over her hand as I held onto it. "As would I, all of it." I paused as a thought came to me, and I looked at her curiously, wondering exactly what she'd pick as I spoke anew. "If you could travel anywhere right now, where would it be?"
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 12, 2010 10:41:22 GMT -5
I drew my breath to answer, home of course, but then stopped myself. As much as I was homesick, going back now would admit defeat. I couldn't do that, not yet. Not when I was with Sergei. "I've always wanted to see Hellas. But I think Ruskovia trumps it now," I told him with a smile and a little laugh. "You've made it sound so wonderful. Though I'm afraid I'll be so wrapped up against the cold that I'll look like a snowman."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Apr 14, 2010 11:23:46 GMT -5
I laughed, running my thumb over the back of her hand again. "Don't worry.. we could visit in the summer and you'd only look like half a snowman then."
The grin on my mouth was obvious, and I leaned back more into the seat, drawing her with me. "Ruskovia is beautiful. Stark beauty, not like this lush country we live in now."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 14, 2010 15:59:59 GMT -5
He leaned back and I went with him, laying my head against his chest tentatively. "A summer trip sounds wonderful," I murmured, slowly letting myself relax against his body. He was warm and firm under me, and I marveled over how anyone so masculine and handsome could also be so sweet and caring.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Apr 16, 2010 11:29:40 GMT -5
I made an agreeable noise, and for a few moments lapsed into silence. The carriage was plush enough, padded on the seats as well as the walls which helped keep sound down. Curtains drawn, and her leaning against me, I could almost fall asleep in comfort...
But I wouldn't. Leaning, I kissed the top of her head, my free hand moving to stroke through her hair. "Do you get very homesick?" I asked quietly, staring across the carriage at nothing.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 16, 2010 13:00:14 GMT -5
My eyes were closed as I soaked up the feel of him, the peace that he so often radiated. It was easy to relax hearing the steady beat of his heart. When he spoke, the sound seemed to come for the very core of his being. "Sometimes," I admitted. "I miss my family terribly some days, especially my mother. And it's so... different here. Sometimes I really miss knowing the rules."
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Apr 18, 2010 16:46:50 GMT -5
"I can give you a few rules," I quipped immediately, not missing a beat on that one. A grin spread across my mouth, and I struggled physically not to laugh.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 18, 2010 23:39:00 GMT -5
He was always a jester when he could be. Not always, he knew how to be serious, but he loved to laugh, and I loved how he made me laugh. I giggled and asked, "Oh? Do tell." I wanted to know what he dreamed up.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Apr 19, 2010 14:46:09 GMT -5
I grinned, fully expecting her to slap me at some point, but answered her regardless. "Well, rule one: You must kiss me, at least once every twenty minutes or so, and preferably for as long as possible. Two, you're going to have to let me steal you away to Ruskovia, mayhap when the winter warms. And three," I said, my grin widening, "You must always introduce me as, "Prince Segei, his royal highness, my love and he who holds the key to my..." I changed my mind lightning quick, not wanting her to get bashful and kick me out of the carriage, ".. heart."
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 20, 2010 16:56:54 GMT -5
I laughed and looked up at him lovingly. "And do your rules have any room in them for compromise?" I asked with a teasing smile.
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Sergei Romanov
Royal
His Royal Highness, Prince of House Romanov
Posts: 366
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Post by Sergei Romanov on Apr 20, 2010 17:02:07 GMT -5
"Of course not," I grinned at her. "What kind of strong, iron man would I be if I allowed such weaknesses as compromises?"
I was jesting, wholly and fully, and I grinned down at her as she peered up at me before kissing her forehead.
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Mercedes de las Aragonia
Royal
Princesa of Aragonia and Condesa de Lleida
Daughter of Rafael and Colette de las Aragonia
Posts: 1,546
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Post by Mercedes de las Aragonia on Apr 20, 2010 17:52:33 GMT -5
"Are all Ruskovian men like iron? I thought that story was made up," I replied. I couldn't get over how much he made me smile, how happy and playful and comfortable he made me.
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