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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Aug 26, 2010 9:22:38 GMT -5
Things had been.. intense, to put it lightly, between Fredric and I. We'd gone from snapping at each other, from me throwing things at him and slapping him to the both of us realizing how deeply we wanted each other. It wouldn't do - he was Casseline, I was Dauphine, or at least for as long as it took for Sabrina to bear an heir. Irregardless, his vows stopped anything from happening, and I refused to be the cause of his fall, if he ever did. How could I look myself in the mirror, knowing I'd forced him into it? Even if he did want it as well, it would still be me, driving him onward towards breaking his vows.
No, no. I had twenty minutes to myself, before Fredric came to his post, and knowing him he very well might be early. I'd pretended to lounge in my rooms, showing no signs of stirring anytime soon, and the Casseline who had guarded me throughout the day left early to my encouragement, noting how I was lolling about. I asked him to send a maid in, and once the door clicked shut behind him, I was off the settee, my book snapped shut and left where I'd been. Stripping my dress off and putting on another was easily done, having already decided which I was going to wear. The maid entered just in time to help me button it up; a soft, subtle blue, it wasn't very remarkable with seed pearls lightly decorating the bosom, sleeves coming just below my elbows. Silk, but not the most expensive cut, obviously not something I'd wear day-to-day. Giggling, she agreed to help me escape, and in my enthusiasm I kissed her cheek with a grin before I snatched a thin necklace and a matching purse that already had my gold in it. My hair was caught up in a mesh caul, again unlike me, but that was the point of this expedition.
She left first, a load of towels in her arms, and proceeded to flirt with the guard outside my still-open door. I watched, hiding behind the doorway to my actual bedroom, til she'd maneuvered him that his back was to my room, and just barely stifling a giggle I tiptoed forward, my skirts held up out of my way, heart pounding, my heels held securely in one hand.
It wasn't until I was around two corners and well out of earshot that I finally began to breathe again, hurriedly donning my shoes. Keeping my head down, I paused by a cart and spontaneously picked up a pile of neatly folded towels, carrying them demurely, but walking with purpose. Just a ladies maid, doing some errands for her Lady, nothing more. Once I was down to the main floor, I'd ditched the towels and continued to walk, eyes down, not acknowledging anyone I walked by. I was terrified Fredric would pass me - he'd recognize me in a heartbeat I knew, but I had to try... The necklace I'd taken I lifted to place around my neck as I rounded a corner, almost out of the Palace, and on my way to... well, wherever it was that I wanted to go.
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Aug 26, 2010 9:52:23 GMT -5
Work was slow, and entertainment was becoming ahrder and harder to come by, the once crowded streets of the City trickling to near nothing. The winter was bitter cold, or at least today was, though it did not necessarily bother me, I chose to do what most people did more often than not and stay in doors. Today was my day off, though, and as much as I wanted to go into work, I needed thechange, I needed to find something, anythign really, to occupy my time that did not involve carving and being covered in sawdust.
And so, reminding myself that I had yet not visited the game's room a the palace, I dressed warmly, black leather boots, polished to a sheen, and dark brown doe skin breeches, a fine hide too, something I had decided to splurge on from my growing savings, and a matching vest, which I wore open. I wore a white cambric tunic underneath, and of course a long, heavy cloak to cover it all and stave off the chill. It was hooded, but I kept the hood down, my tawny blonde locks shaggy around my cheeks and neck, growing longer and longer as I refused to cut it. I was trying something new. But my face was clean-shaven, not that that was really an issue for me. I had a bright smile on my lips, my eyes gleaming as I entered the door into the Palace and walked up a set of stairs. i was not sure where this game's room was, but I was determined to find it and enjoy myself as much as humanly possible.
With my head up and glancing around,listening out for the tell tale signs of merrimakers, the sounds of die hitting a table, of drinks placed on a table, of laughter and cheering, I walked right into a woman I had not seen coming straight towards me, nearly knocking the both of us over in the process. I stableized myself and reached a hand out to grasp her shoulder, ensuring she did not topple over, and hoping she would not spit on me for jostling her.
"My apologies, my lady," I said with a sweeping bow.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Aug 26, 2010 10:05:57 GMT -5
I was almost there, almost! Elation threaded through me as I caught the first faint whiffs of fresh air, muted, but still there, and best of all there was no signs of Fredric, little trail for him to follow. Just working the clasp together, I rounded the corner when of a sudden someone else was there too, and I bounced off of him so hard and sudden that I very nearly fell to the ground.
"Oh!"
Gasping, I instinctively reached and caught the arm of the apparent man who was already holding my shoulder to steady me, before he pulled away to sweep a bow. I didn't recognize him, not while he was tipped at the waist, but once he straightened...
"Luc?"
Oh, damn damn damn! I winced - I didn't know how Luc would react to seeing me for one, and two, if it were bad, it would take nothing at all for him to tell a guard what I was up to. Anyone who saw me and didn't recognize me saw just another moderately-funded lady making her way through the palace.. but if they recognized the Dauphine? Obvious, indeed.
Elua, no, I wouldn't take the chance. Not giving him a chance to respond, I let the necklace fall clasped on my neck before taking his hand and pulling him with me, hurrying down the hall a few steps before I remembered to slow my pace. "Come, come," I said softly, guiding him to an out-of-the-way cove, a little niche that hid us unless someone was right on top of us. My cheeks flamed in color, and I had to call on my courage to look up at him in the face - the last time I'd seen him, Mathieu had broken his foot.
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Aug 26, 2010 13:59:15 GMT -5
When I had raised from my bow and looked down, and the mystery woman had looked up, I almost laughed. Coretta... of course. That lady, who had not only gotten me in trouble in front of her sister, the Queen, but had also been the reason a jealous somewhat beau had cracked and broken the bones in my foot. I had to have it bound and had to stay off of it for quite some time. Needless to say, she was not necessarily the first person I wanted to see on my day off. I thought she would have felt the same as well, but before I could even say her name, her hand snatched mine and she hurried in teh direction she had been heading, rounding the corner, and pulling me into a small hidden area, her cheeks rouged, her eyes a little wild as she looked up at me. I was certain that the look on my face was one of confusion.
"What in the seven hells are you doing?" I asked her, no anger present in my voice, more intrigue and amusement. My lips curled into a playful smile. "Running from someone, princess?" I asked her, raising a brow accusatorily. "Because pulling me and running me here is a fine way of saying hello and how you are sorry you never sent for my company," I teased, fighting back the urge to grin and laugh at the situation.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Aug 26, 2010 14:10:12 GMT -5
This time, before I could speak, he took over in a miniature tirade that had me blushing in embarrassment at the beginning, and glaring at him in indignation by the end.. though still fighting the blush, knowing he was right.
"I'm not running from anyone," I hissed, but softly, well aware that anyone could come at any given time. Gods, time! How long til Fredric arrived at my rooms and found me missing? I should have told the maid to seek him out and let him know I was at another ladies apartment... Damnit!
"I'm.. exploring. Alone." The blush deepened - even I could hear the lie in my voice. Sighing, I folded my arms under my breasts, vexation in my voice. "Alright, I'm running, escaping my Casseline and I was hoping to go into the City alone, and I'd almost made it before you came round the corner like a great hairy lummox, almost knocking me down and bruising me in the process." Alright, maybe there wasn't any bruises, but that was beside the point. I hurried on, hoping to glaze over that fact. "What are you doing here? Surely not coming to visit me, or try to reach out for my company either."
Elua, I could feel the time ticking away. I shifted, peeking out down the hallway from behind an overgrown potted plant, hoping Fredric wouldn't see me. Someone rounded the corner into the hallway and I squeaked before jumping back; it wasn't til I had my back pressed against the corner that I realized it wasn't him - the man was wearing blue, for one, and was too short to be my Casseline. Reaching, I took hold of Lucs coat very carefully, not wanting to wrinkle it, before pulling, guiding him closer to me where I stood backed into the corner. I simpered.
"I'm sorry Luc, truly," I murmured, hoping he wouldn't see through me and become suspicious like men were wont to do. "I really didn't mean for Mat to hurt you like that, or Sabrina, or.. gods, that was a humiliating night, something I wanted to forget." My cheeks heated again, and I looked up at him, hoping he'd understand... Elua, I'd forgotten how handsome he was. No, focus! I blinked, and ran my fingers over the lapels of his coat, carefully smoothing them, finally falling into silence.
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Aug 26, 2010 14:18:12 GMT -5
I listened and watched her as she spoke on hurriedly, first embarassment, then anger, then embarassment again, and then sincerely apologetic. I could not help but to chuckle, though understanding her plight, I did so softly. Her hands gripped my coat, and she stood closely to me, I sighed a deep, dramatic sigh, rolling my eyes thougyh the smile on my lips, easy and playful, showed that no harm had really been done.
"Ah, little princess," I said with a smile, looking down into her blue gaze. "Running from a Cassiline. You know those men are like hounds, no matter where you disappear to they always will sniff you out and bring you back dragging you behind them, kicking and yelling for one once offreedom. No doubt this was a measure brought on by your sister to keep things from happening? Things like what had happened that night??" I queried, not exactly expecting an answer. I moved my hand to course through my locks.
"Though a miffed Cassiline is teh best there is," I said grinning. I did not mentino anything more about Mat, and how he had nearly ruined my foot. It was in the past, and I ha a bone to pick with him, not her over it.
"Well, if you want, I could help you get away," I said with a mischievous grin. "Moody and flighty as you are princess, it sounds like fun, running from your personal little guard dog," I teased. But I would not help without having a little bit of my own mischieveous fun first. With a surprised face, I looked around th corner, as though I sighted someone who could very well be her Cassiline coming down the hallway. Luckily for me, as I did so, a woman rounded the corner.
"My Gods, that must be him now, quick," I said, looking around frantically, to the left, then to the right, then to her, gripping onto my lapels. "I apologize for this ahead of time," I said, though the smile might have given me away. I closed the distance between us, capturing her lips with my own, I kissed her, so that the person that would pass - even though it was not her Cassiline - would think we were just two nobles finding a quiet spot to sneak away and be mildly amorous. Her lips were soft, and warm, and I wondered how she would respon to it. Inside my head, I snickered at the little prank I had played.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Aug 26, 2010 15:42:21 GMT -5
Rather than being angry with me, he was.. amused? I stared in amazement for a few seconds before I caught myself, my fingers still smoothing out his lapels, very carefully making sure they were flat, neat, tidy. He agreed to help me run, and I was all for us running away together now, leaving the Palace and finding something to do together in Mont Nuit.. I liked Luc well enough, from the little bit of him I'd experienced the night Mat had taken his passive aggressiveness out on Lucs foot. I still winced at that, though I'd secretly rather liked Mats possessiveness, and I admired Luc for standing up to him, holding his ground and not backing down.
I was just opening my mouth to answer him when he peeked out and looked surprised. Oh gods, not Fredric! I gasped, letting go of his coat with one hand to cover my mouth, though when Luc looked back and forth, then down to me, I gripped his coat in my fists, hoping to use him as a shield from Fredric stalking by. Then Luc apologized, and before I knew it his mouth was on mine, kissing me soundly.. or at least, that's how it felt. My heart was racing as I clutched to him, the distance between us so small that Fredric would have to pry Luc backwards to see me, and in the demure dress I had on...
He smelled nice, at least, and his face was smooth against mine. For a moment, I felt myself not really thinking of anything but kissing Luc, though footsteps began echoing down the hall towards us... footsteps that had a distinct click to them, unhurried... and decidedly not the furious stalk Fredric would have had. Giving Luc a suspicious look, I broke the kiss and peeked out around his arm as a woman walked by, strolling down the hall as if she didn't have a care in the world, and I pulled back to glare at Luc.
"That was not funny," I seethed, just barely stopping myself from slapping his face. "I swear to Elua Luc, I'll break your other foot myself if you give me another heart attack like that."
Giving him one more glare for good measure, I pushed him back and peeked around the corner again. Clear, for the moment at least. "Come on, you lummox," I murmured, catching his hand and tugging on it to get him walking with me, our steps purposeful and quick, but nothing anyone should take note of.
Bastard.
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Aug 26, 2010 16:02:57 GMT -5
Her lips were soft, and she gave herself over to the kiss, even in the surprise of it, and I found myself not noticing anything but her, the way her fists tightened to pull me closer, or so it felt and seemed, before she pulled back. The distinct sound of heels pushed past the haze that she had made in my mind, and I knew from that, and the look on her face, that my little folly had been found out. even in her anger, her eyes closed to slits as she glared out at me from between her lids, I had to laugh. And even with the threat hanging in the air, a man with injured pride might have taken offence, but I had nothing to be ashamed of, so I shrugged.
"Well, if you do break my foot, my lady," I teased, "I would be hard put to come look for you after that, or lend my assistance. Just consider that to be... my version of payback. Let us both hope, then, that you do not give me another reason to dole out my wrath another time this day," I said wtih a wink as she pulled me away and we walked down the hall. There was a jovial bounce to my step, even as she walked a little hurriedly, though not obvious to those that would pass. I preferred to take my time, let the Cassiline come. They made for great fun when at the receiving end of a prank, either way. The thought made my lips curl into another mischieveous little smile. But I would not test my luck quite yet, and simply complied, walking beside her as we strode down the hall.
"Where do you want to go then?" I asked her, "I mean, aside from the answer of 'anywhere but here'." I looked about us as we walked, looking at the walls, the floor, thinking about where we could lose a Cassiline. I could think of one place that a Cassiline would not enter, unless of course it was under dire circumstances.
"I doubt that he would look for you at the Night Court..." I started, testing the waters and giving myself a tad bit of distance between us in case she chose to act on her threat. First the kiss and now this. "We could always just hide on the grounds, though there wouldn't be much to do there. Or perhaps," I said, my hand coming up so that my thumb and forefinger could grasp my chin, "perhaps we could find a better costume to hide you in. You still look rather lady like, even if the dress is not terribly opulent... but pretty, mind you, very pretty," I chuckled after.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Aug 26, 2010 18:39:16 GMT -5
He let me pull him down the hallway after me, even though it literally did feel like I was dragging him along. I toyed with the idea of simply leaving him there, except now her really did know my game, and from the little I knew of Luc, it might amuse him just as much to rat me out as it would for him to let me be. Oh, no - I was going to pull him along with me whether he wanted to go or not. My fingers kept hold of his, and I turned us towards the doors as he spoke, knowing a little closet that I'd stuffed a cloak into yesterday, having already decided at that point what I was going to do today.
I listened to him even as I let go of his hand to rummage through the closet, coming up with triumph; a demure grey cloak of fine wool, utterly blank of embroidery, pears, or anything else. "The Night Court?" I looked at him as I slug it about my shoulders, my gaze curious, anger already gone from the prank he'd played on me. I deserved it, I supposed, but it didn't mean I'd forget. When he spoke of my clothing, I frowned and looked down at myself. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I thought it was good - it allowed me to traverse the halls near my apartments without being stopped and yet didn't look like something I'd wear. I shook my head, and, glancing over my shoulder, caught his hand up and hurried him outside, afraid Fredric would catch me red handed near the door. I had gold enough to hire a carriage, and suddenly aware that it looked like I was hauling Luc around, I twined my fingers with his and pretended we were lovers, hoping he'd take the lead and stroll with me out to the edge of the lawn. "Shall we hire a carriage, darling?" I purred softly, flashing him a little grin of tease, feeling free already at just being outside.
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Aug 30, 2010 9:31:44 GMT -5
It was amusing, watching the frustration as I played the stubborn mule part, dallying as much as I could, just to see how far she would let me get away with it. Btu her mouth and eyes were set for teh door, and her pull was insistent, so I went along. She drew open a closet, closer to the entrance, to her freedom, and threw a cloak on over her shoulders before looking down at herself.
"Well, nothing I mean, it would do here, but out there, surrounded by so many people, most not in a great deal of finery... dependig on where you choose to hide, that could make you stick out as a sore thumb. I mean come on, there are pearls on teh dress, for teh love of teh Gods," I teased before she pulled me out of the Palace and, seeing a carriage, and seeming to have something dawn on her, she took up my hand, twining her fingers with my own and looking up at me with a look of adoration and a silent plea. I almost smirked at it. I could have made her look like a mad woman, right there, with people passing us by, but instead, I went along with her, looking down at her adoringly.
"Certainly, darling. It is far too cold for your delicate skin to be abused thusly by the elements, "I said wtih a smile. Perhaps it was a bit much, acting was not really my strongpoint, but I was having my fun too. The carriage door was opened by the driver, and I offered Coretta my hand to help her up.
"Here you are Lady C...Chloe," I said, furrowing my brows for a moment. I had almost blown her cover, and if the name did not suit as a cover up, she could always choose another once we left the presence of the driver.
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Aug 31, 2010 10:49:56 GMT -5
Elua, he was stubborn as a mule and slow as a donkey. I could see many of Mats traits in him, and it unnerved me.. I wasn't sure how much I liked that. Luc though.. Luc was his own person, something I appreciated, even if in moments like this it drove me utterly insane.
When he returned my loving look, relief flooded through me, even if he did tease me under too-sweet words. I kept my eyes from narrowing at him though, just hurrying after him to mount into the carriage. His almost mistake with my name I didn't acknowledge, just took my seat in the rented coach and settled my skirts, waiting for him to join me. Impatiently, but I tried not to let it show. If nothing else, the coachman should take it for a young couple, excited at having been to the palace, and on their way.. well. Hell, where were we going?
"I think I should let you choose where we're going, my darling Luc," I said, not having to feign excitement now that I was nearly out of the realm of being caught.. at least caught here. I wondered if I could escape Fredric all day, show up at the Palace when I was through with my adventures. Grinning at Luc, and not minding the faux name he'd given me, I waited for him to sit next to me and for the door to shut again before I leaned back, unable to stop from smiling. "Gods, almost free," I whispered, my eyes going to Lucs, delight threading through me. "And as for my dress... Well, I had to wear something decent to escape from my rooms, and I couldn't hide my cloak, a new dress, find the time to change and hope to escape before my Casseline tracked me down," I added, absentmindedly fingering a pearl upon my bodice. My joy didn't fade though, and I shrugged, giving him a little teasing smile. "But I can change it, if you think best, sweet, sweet Luc," I added playfully.
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Aug 31, 2010 15:29:35 GMT -5
I watched her mount the carriage, hastilly, but with grace, and had to raise a brow which I quickly lowered before she or teh driver noticed. When she told me to choose I could not help but to smile.
"Well then," I said, turning towards the driver, "how about you drive the lady and I to the artisan's district. Perhaps we will take in a play," I said wtih a grin, thinking of either a place the Cassiline would never go, or a palce that would be dark save for gas lighting the stage. We could always change our minds once we discussed it more in the carriage. With that, he nodded, a smile on his lips and got into his seat while I jumped into the carriage and closed the door behind me. I settled down beside Coretta, as a beau might. She had appended me the part, so why not act it to the fullest. I certainly had no objections.
Once the door was closed she seemed far more at ease, leaning back, and exhaling as thougha grand weight had been lifted from her shoulders. I could not help but chuckle, a grin spreading across my face as I did.
"Well, I am glad you have your freedom, Chloe," I teased, "and the dress," I mused, giving her the once over, afterall her words fair begged for it, "well teh changes I would want to make would certainly not be acceptable, especially for a lady of your stature," I grinned wryly, wondering if she would swat at me. She was gorgeous, and really the only way to do a form like hers the best justice is to see it clad in the least amount of clothing possible. "So this will have to do," I said, waving it off with an aristocratic air before chuckling. "I figured that the Night Court would have been far too presumptuous of me for our first date, lady Chloe. But the theatre ought to be dark enough that should your Cassiline decide to come rampaging through he would not find you, and give us a bit of time to think, and a respite from running, don't you agree?"
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Post by Queen Coretta de la Courcel on Sept 8, 2010 20:38:30 GMT -5
A play. The thought rolled through my mind as I leaned back in my seat, giving Luc a fiendish smile, one full of intrigue and zeal, excitement and joy. I was riding high, so much so that I didn't bother getting a stiff back at him for his lewd hints of wanting a less than acceptable dress for me to wear. My grin grew wicked, and deliberately I crossed my arms under my breasts as if I were cold, pushing them up over the seam of my neckline more.
"I don't know, my darling love," I responded, teasing, "if you could handle me in anything less than an acceptable dress."
The wickedness faded away, but I refused to move my hands - they really were warmer this way, tucked between my arms and my ribs. I tried avoiding putting my face too close to the window of the carriage as it rolled through the North Borough, afraid someone might recognize me, even a little, and paint the way for Fredric. The thought of him hunting me down was.. exciting, adding even more onto this adventure than I'd anticipated.
"My Casseline is going to be so angry with me," I said abruptly, my grin holding. I wasn't even sure if I gained pleasure out of knowing I was angering Fredric or knowing I was besting him.. even if I did have a head start. "I feel I should warn you now... whenever he catches up to me, there's a very good chance you... well." I hesitated, unsure of how to put it. "He has more of a temper than I'm used to, especially coming from the Brotherhood. But you're right... I think a playhouse is exactly what we need. Dark, entertaining, and if all else fails, I can hide under the table." I laughed at the idea, absurd as it was; I'd rather slap Fredric in public than hide under a table.
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Luc Bradamante
Aristocrat
Son of Duc and Duchesse Michael and Sarah Bradamante
Posts: 866
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Post by Luc Bradamante on Sept 14, 2010 15:07:11 GMT -5
I raised a brow as she challenged me, and not being the type to hold my tongue overmuch I had to respond.
"Or perhaps, my dainty little darling," I teased, "it is you who fears what possibiliities might arise were you to dress more.... daringly," I said, letting my eyes give her the once over before grinning widely, as though no lechery had previously ensued. I could not help it, it was just so seasy, and entertaining.
"As for your Cassiline," I mused, "so long as I do not end up with yet anotherbroken foot, or any other appendage at that," I said, thinking for a moment on my hands, and how it would be terrible if either of them were broken, "then I really do not see teh harm in having a bit of fun. besides, if all else fails, I could play the confused boy who was played and duped by the conniving young princess," I grinned. "'What? Who me? I had no idea she was running from her Cassiline,'" I imitated, feigning surprise, and very badly at that. "So you've only to worry on yourself. But, that aside, I am sure it will take him a tleast a little bit of time to think on entering the playhouse in search of a princess gone wild. I mean, theres really nothing too daring or adventurous about a play house. He may even be surprised if he finds you in there," I concluded with a nod and a laugh, sitting back in the upholstered carriage seat, relaxing as I brought one leg up to cross over the other at the ankle.
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