Fantasy The Devil's Throne - IC [Open]

[Misty Gray]

The Devil's Throne - IC​

OOC Thread || Characters

Players: Misty Gray Ms. Sparrow Cheryl Jess Buck Thatoneflawedhero StarryKnights @LilMsDelightedFright sprouhtt Plutoni Moolock​

 

[Misty Gray]

~ One Summer's Evening ~​

It was a warm summer's evening, the sunlight still shining through the windows of the castle as dinner approached. It was important that all family members attended mealtimes, sitting at the rectangular table in the family's private dining room. The king always sat at the head of the table, with the queen to his left and the eldest prince to his right. The princesses would take their seats on the same side as the queen, whilst Christopher's fiancee and the princes all sat at the opposite side. The king was a traditional man and besides the seating order, he was also a stickler for time. He did not appreciate tardiness, especially not at family mealtimes.

​

Christopher Ravenswood
​

The eldest prince had not had the best of days, not that very many of his days were pleasant lately. After training throughout the morning, he'd then been ordered by his father to oversee the day's executions. Accompanied by Alexander, the Master of Security, Christopher had spent longer than he'd wished to standing by the gallows. Four men were hanged today; two for murder and two for treason. There wasn't a single person present who doubted all four men were guilty, yet Christopher was still sickened. It wasn't watching four men horrifically die that disgusted him, but it was the large crowd that came to watch, cheering and shouting as the proceedings took place. These people were all beneath him, so ignorant and purposeless.

Once the executions were out of the way, Christopher walked back to the palace with Alexander. The prince held no ill-will towards the Master of Security, deeming him competent and worthy of his family's time. Regardless, the conversation as they walked together was lacking. When the prince was in a bad mood it was usually for the best when he chose to keep quiet as the vocal alternative tended to be much more scathing.

Christopher was the third person to arrive to dinner, the king and queen already seated at the table. It was often a secret competition to the prince, trying to beat his father to the table, but he supposed when his father passed all the hard work down to him, the old bastard would arrive for dinner first. "Father..." he greeted the king, a hint of coldness in his tone. He then approached the queen and placed a kiss on the back on her hand, causing the woman to bashfully smile. "Looking lovely, Mother," he told her, before taking his seat opposite her and waiting for his siblings to arrive.

 

[Thatoneflawedhero]

Arthur Ravenwood.

Arthur had been playing music with the peasents at the Tavern enjoying the normal things in life or atleast the normal things in a peasents life as the normal life of a noble was different then that of a peasents. As he played music with the peasents in the tavern everyone would join in clapping in joining the tune and everyone was happy and cheerful with the prince and the peasents until a violent knock came on the tavern door and after a few seconds when it was knocked the door came down as a guard violently busted the door down interrupting the peasents music. Arthur knew why they were here, they were her to get him for dinner but he wasn't going to make it easy for them. Dropping his instruments he would step down from the stage laughing before walking near the window to lean against and after he leaned against it he would stare at the guards with a smug look. "Well, I suppose it's time to eat dinner? Very well you won't have me complain this time but uhm....Well maybe you should look behind you."

The guards were quick to look behind which gave Arthur his chance. Almost immediatly he would jump out the window breaking making the all the peasents cheer and clap for him though the guards reactions were more angry and frustrated. "God damnit! The king is going to kill him." One guard said while another responded with "The kings going to kill /us/ if we don't stop his foolery." And after they both finished their sentences they would start running through the streets trying to locate him although Arthur was long gone as he climbed and jumped from building to building attempting to get to the castle in time to eat as he didn't want his father complaining to him about how late he was or worse.

Once he arrived he wouldn't take the normal way in and instead he would jump past the Castle gates landing ontop of the castle roof. On the castle roof the young man would open one of the windows before going inside and walking through the halls to get to dinner. Once he arrived at the mess hall he would be dressed in peasent clothing, nice peasent clothing but peasent clothing nevertheless. As he walked in late as always he would greet himself in staring at his father as he said his greeting "Well! Seems I'm right on time! Well atleast my time! Though I doubt our times are the same, hehehe."​

 

[StarryKnights]

Anais Ravenswood​

Anais looked up briefly as she heard an insistent knocking at the door. "Princess, it is dinner time. Please, come out". The only reply was a muted groan as she placed her face back into the pillow. Anais didn't want to go, for the last week she dreaded family meals, she had to sit there, smiling, pretending all was right with the world. She felt everything that was one right side up was upside down, but she knew if she didn't attend dinner, and at least make an attempt to get there on time, then she'd be in trouble. So, after some more knocking, the princess sat up, and wiped at her eyes. Her father would be cross to see her crying, so she had to stop now. Crawling out of bed, she walked over to her floor length mirror, and attempted to fix her hair. She hadn't bothered with it today, she didn't care if her tutors or siblings looked down on her for not keeping up appearances, though she imagined her mother would have something to say about it. She'd spent most of the day cooped up in the library, with her nose buried in books.

Between lessons the princess was either in her room or wandering the gardens, the place she and her friend Lily had once played. Lily had been a servant, and while the relationship was taboo, the girls were best friends. The friendship came to an abrupt end when Lily was arrested and later executed for crimes Anais didn't understand. Lily had done nothing wrong, it had been Anais who'd pursued the friendship...and yet, Lily had paid the price. Fearing that the other servants, whom Anais considered to be friends, would pay the price if she screwed up, the princess had been doing her best to both remain on her father's good side, while avoiding him as much as possible. That wasn't hard, until it came to meal times, when Anais was expected to dine with her sibling in the family's private dining room. Meals were always tense, Anais typically remain silent unless she was spoken to, and afterwards, she was back in her room.

She dried her eyes and applied some extra makeup to cover her freckles, before straightening out her hair as best she could. Her light brown locks were brushed until they were silky and flowed down her back, notably she no longer wore the flower crowns that she was infamous for wearing, even when she wasn't supposed to. She changed dresses, doning a floor length, emerald gown, Anais took a deep breath before heading to the door. She shook her head before heading out, escorted by the usual group of servants, who's job was to ensure she actually went to dinner.
Once she arrived she found that Christopher and Arthur had both beaten her, it wasn't unusual for Chris...but Arthur was almost always late. Anais gulped as she entered the dining room. She smiled at her parents. "Evening Mother...Father". she curtsied before taking her seat at the end of the table.
She sat on the same side as her mother, at the far end of the table, where the youngest sat. The only good thing was she was far away from her father and brother. Sitting in her chair, she folded her hands in her lap, waiting for dinner to be served.

 

[Misty Gray]

Cassandra Summers
​

Cassandra had spent much of the day showing the new servants the ropes and helping them find their way around the large castle. She enjoyed meeting the new servants and learning about them, even if she had been told numerous times to be stricter and more distant. She felt the only way she could gain their respect was to treat them with kindness. It was whilst on the fourth floor of the castle that she stopped by one of the windows on the corridor. There was a clear view of the gallows in the distance, surrounded by the crowd that had come to witness the executions. She'd managed to look just in time to see the four distant figures drop whilst attached to nooses around their necks. Executions had always been something which upset her, but since the poor servant, Lily, had been killed she felt deeply sickened by the whole procedure.

"Lady Summers, is everything okay?" one of the guards asked, cautiously approaching. Despite his caution, his sudden appearance still made her nearly jump out of her skin.

"Yes. Yes, I'm okay," she quietly replied, catching her breath and wiping away a stray tear before turning to face the man. "It's very kind of you to ask. Thank you," she told him.

As the evening meal approached, Cassandra stood alone on the corridor by the dining room. If there were any problems with the food or service, she would like to hear about it straight away to put things right. She felt very protective over the servants so would hate to see any of them flustered or harshly berated.

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

“A schottische!” said Azalea. “Do you remember this? I taught it to you hardly a year ago—you’ll remember! Come along.”

They joined hands, and Azalea taught them the dance. Step-hop, hop, touch, hop. She taught them to turn their feet just so, and the girls learned it quickly. Even two-year-old Lily stepped on the right beats in the next dance, a spinner’s reel.

Quadrilles, gorlitzas, a redowa waltz, and more reels. The hours passed, the girls laughing as Azalea turned them in the steps.

She loved this. The feeling of stretching herself tight, releasing, spinning, falling breathless and feeling the air across her face. Seeing her the girls so happy, their pale cheeks pink with delight. It was magic.

Liam's s watch read well past when she should have been at the palace when the girls finally sat down together in the middle of the dance floor, exhausted, happy, their dresses like black blossoms over the milky dance floor. The youngest girls had fallen asleep, curled up on the red velvet sofas, and infant Willow, who had been passed from sister to sister and squealed with glee every time she was spun, slept soundly on a chair cushion. Her skirts poofed in the air, revealing ruffly little pantelettes.

Azalea was currently residing in the Dutchman's home, just one of the families whom had lost a family member in one of the executions. They were currently in mourning and Azalea felt the least she could do was cheer them up, considering it was her family that executed them after all. They were one of the noble families that lived near the palace, and she had been close with the family as a child.

The older girls hugged and waved Azalea and Liam goodbye as they left the manor and began the short walk back to the palace.

"You are a lovely dancer, Mademoiselle. But I think I prefer you with a sword in your hand." Liam said with a daughter-stealing smirk on his face, his rich French accent charming his teasing tone.

"Oh?" Azalea mused, "I am surprised, Monsieur, I did not think you would after how poorly you were beaten last night." Azalea said with a sly grin, the mischevious spark in her eyes giving her away.

"Ah, my love, only in your deepest fantasies may you beat me with a sword." Liam said smugly, and was rewarded with a smack on the arm and a scowling Azalea whom was fighting a smile.

A short time later the two arrived back at the palace. Azalea barely had enough time to ready for dinner, brushing through her blonde waves and applying the faintest of makeup, changing into a baby blue dress before she left her room, locking it behind her.

Privacy was key for Azalea, not wanting Christopher or any of the servants or guards to find her stashed away gear, along with her sword, although it was more like a rapier to be honest.

Azalea was surprised when she entered the dining room to see Anaise already seated, and upon closer inspection Azalea knew she was broken up inside ever since the execution of Lily, a servant girl and Anaise's best friend. Azalea too, had been affected by the servants loss. Though she wasn't particularly close with the girl, it tore her up to see Anaise in so much pain, and it deeply angered her that Christopher had ordered the execution. It was something she could not forgive him for.

She was also surprised to see Arthur in the dining room...on time. She raised an eyebrow at him as she passed, her wry grin teasing as she said "On time this evening Arthur? Have you gotten bored with hassling the guards already?" Azalea teased him good-naturedly, meaning no harm by it. Azalea had no qualms about Arthur entertaining and enjoying the company of commoners and such, as Azalea never really saw them below her either, and found it admirable for Arthur to be on such good terms with them. Though she wasn't as well connected to the commoners as Arthur, she tried to be, when she wasn't busied with other things.

As she passed Anaise, Azalea gave a gentle rub on her shoulder for support before taking her seat next to the Queen, knowing not to embarrass Anaise and say something aloud, especially in front of Father, or Christopher.

"You look lovely tonight, Mother." Azalea said pleasantly as she adjusted her self in her seat, placing her hands on her lap. She glanced at Father, "Sir." She said stiffly with a formal nod, still mad at him for putting Lily's punishment in Christopher's hands. She did not say a word to Christopher, or glance at him for fear she might break into another angry outburst as she did when she found out Lily was killed. Azalea felt a shoot of anger at the thought of it, and dug her fingers into her palms to silence herself, uncomfortably shifting in her seat as she awaited for the rest of her siblings to arrive.

Meanwhile, Liam took his place at the far wall, standing stiffly and formally with the other guards and watching the social interaction between the family, keeping his face stony and straight.

Misty Gray StarryKnights Thatoneflawedhero ​

 

[Angelofwishes7]

Alexander Rotinya Krow

​

The day started out like any other for Alexander. He woke up before daylight had even arrived and he began to make his early morning patrols, sending the higher ranked guards on their way with some simple orders and did some basic sword training with two of their newest recruits. One of them, an amazingly talented young swordsman which Alexander sees a high future for, the other, the exact opposite. After dealing with the whining of the new student and giving a speech the showed little to no remorse for the boy and his life Alexander went on with his day. Checking in with guards and making sure that everyone was where they needed to be before going to meet up with the king before noon.

Bowing his head to the king to show the greatest of respects he listened to his orders to take the eldest prince, Christoper, with him to observe the executions for the day. Alexander had no preference for the eldest prince or anyone in the royal family. He respected all of them to the highest extent and was willing to give his life for any of them at any time.

The executions didn't take very long, though they seemed to drag on a bit longer than usual. The crowd being much more vocal and active than how they usually are, but that is to be expected when there are four executions going on in one day. Afterward, Alexander walked with Christoper back to the palace. It was a generally quiet walk, as Alexander could sense that Christoper was already having a rough day. Plus Alexander was never very good with small talk, he preferred to stick with following orders and only striking conversation with those who needed to be spoken too, whether it was a good or bad conversation was depending upon the situation going on.

Alexander walked in with Christoper into the dining hall. lowering his head and placing his hand up to his heart as he bowed to the king and queen in the greatest of loyalty and respect than took his spot standing along one of the back walls, observing everything going on in the room as he always did. He watched and waited, standing straight with his arms held behind his back, ready to protect the royal family if anything were to happen.

 

[Misty Gray]

Christopher Ravenswood
​

As Christopher sat waiting for the rest of the family to show up for dinner, he glanced down to the cutlery and crockery in front of him. He noticed whoever had set the table this evening had at least half a brain in their skull, unlike the imbecile who had mixed the knives the previous day. Regardless, they'd still manage to leave a grubby fingerprint on the handle of the soup spoon and that was just no good. Deciding not to shame the servant, he removed a handkerchief from his pocket and polished the silver spoon himself. Just as he placed the cutlery back down on the table, Arthur entered the dining room. His brother was full of his usual irritating energy and dressed like someone fresh from the filthy streets. As the minor irritation had addressed their father, Christopher glared at the king out of the corner of his eye, awaiting his father's reaction.

"Time isn't the issue, my boy. Your choice of attire does not suit this table," the king told Arthur. "Why are you dressed like that?"

Christopher's attention was then drawn to his youngest sister, Anais, as she entered the room. His eyes followed her as she took her seat at the end of the table. It was clear she was still grieving for the dead servant she thought she'd befriended. Of course he felt bad for his sister, but the sooner she learned she couldn't be friends with the servants and she couldn't chose her own path, the better. He'd learned his lesson in more painful ways and lost someone he cared about, so why shouldn't his siblings be taught the same lessons?

He then watched Azalea enter and kept his eyes fixed on her until after she'd sat down. He'd let her get away with her little angry outburst following Lily's execution, but he wouldn't offer the same mercy again. Part of him wanted her to say something, just so he had reason to remind his sister of her place. At least he would get to watch when she eventually learns their father plans to marry her off. He only hoped marriage would silence her and teach her how to be a lady.

Christopher sat up straight and rapped his fingers on the edge of the table, making the tense atmosphere that extra bit more uncomfortable. They were still waiting on Aalie and Oscar, the latter being his favourite sibling, if forced to even choose one. Eventually, Christopher let out a deep sigh, briefly glancing to Alexander. "Does anyone know where Aalie and Oscar are? If there wasn't such a lack of discipline in this family everyone would arrive for dinner at the same time. And dressed appropriately," he commented, glancing to Arthur.

"Oh, are you king already?" King Robert spoke up. "Perhaps we should swap seats and I will hand the crown to you now," he sarcastically replied. Christopher forced himself to bite his tongue, rather than argue he was already doing the king's hard work. The sooner the old man was dead, the better.

Thatoneflawedhero StarryKnights Ms. Sparrow
Cheryl Jess Buck

 

[Jess Buck]

Aalie Nicole Ravenswood

Spoiler: Aalie's Dinner Dress

Aalie walked briskly through the halls of the castle to find the private dinning hall where she was certain all of her family sat waiting. Rosaline struggled to keep up with her, being much shorter than the princess. Aalie and Rosaline had been talking in the gardens and got lost track of time. By the time Aalie realized it was already too late. She ran up to her bedroom to change quickly and pulled her hair back into a neat braid before scurrying off to dinner. Once in the dining hall she gave a polite curtsy to her family members.
"Pardon my tardiness," She said, signing as well so that Rosaline could understand what she was saying "Rosaline and I lost track of time in the gardens." Aalie sat down next to Azalea and Rosaline went over to the back wall where the guards stood.

Aalie smiled to her mother. "You look lovely tonight mother." She complimented before looking to her father and giving a polite nodd. "Good evening Father." She looked to Christopher, her heart picking up speed but she kept her expression clam. "Christopher..." She smiled at Arthur "I see you were having fun in the village Arthur." She stifled a giggle before looking to Anias. "Good evening Anias. You look very pretty tonight." Aalie knew that the loss of the servant girl Lily was hard for her little sister and she felt bad for the young girl. She was still too innocent to understand the way their world worked. Her last greeting was to her older sister Azalea. She smiled to her and reached her hand over to give her sister's hand a gentle squeeze. "Azalea." She said before replacing her hands back in her lap.

Lyle James Dubois

Spoiler: Lyle's Travel Wear

​

Lyle and Jean-Luc had just arrived in the neighboring village to the castle. The journey from France had been long and arduous and the two nobleman were looking for a place to rest for the night before actually going to the castle the next morning. But, fate would have a different idea for them. Coincidentally, the prince and ambassador ran into a few of the palace guards who were out looking for one of the Princes? This family was already sounding interesting. But none the less, one of the guards was able to escort Lyle and Jean-Luc to the castle and show them to their quarters so they could rest for the night.
"I will have some servants bring you up dinner." The guard told them before giving a polite bow and leaving. Lyle sat down on the bed of the room he'd be staying for the next month or so. He sighed and looked around the room. It wasn't as opulent as he was used to, but it would have to do. Lyle shrugged off his cloak and unbuckled his sword from his belt, relaxing a bit. He had a good feeling about England.


Misty Gray Thatoneflawedhero StarryKnights Ms. Sparrow

 

[Thatoneflawedhero]

Arthur Ravenwood

Taking his seat the young male would quickly be greeted by his other siblings who came in after him. It was quite funny to see them come late considering he was the one that was usually last. He would smile at his brothers and sisters as the greeted them all except Christopher who he gave a slight glare to before looking at his father who spoke to him a angered manner about his clothes. Looking down at himself he would stare at the his clothing before staring back up at his father with a smug look on his face. "Well father, you insult my clothing but have you taken a look at your self? Atleast I look fashionable in my clothing!" And after he said that he would extend his arm out reaching for one of the bowls and grabbing a piece of fruit from it before bringing it to his mouth and chewing it and tasting the wonderful apple, if there was atleast one thing he liked about being a noble it was that they did get good quality fruit but that was just one of the few things he actually liked.

As he finished the apple his clothing would be covered in juices that leaked out of the fruit as he ate it and he would smile and laugh before looking at everyone else at the table and asking them a question "So! Shall we see how else I can get my clothing dirty? Maybe with the grease from the meat that the cooks give us?" After he said that he would turn his eye direction to his father "You know father it's quite normal for peasents to get their clothing dirty! I think we should try to eat like the peasents and commoners! I mean why should we care about table manners? I mean the food is delicous! We should dig in if we like it!" The boy would laugh once more before taking another fruit out of the bowl and stuffing it into his pocket

Suddenly the two guards that were chasing Arthur earlier came into the room shouting towards the king but were stopped when they saw Arthur in the room.

"My liege we couldn't fin-"

Arthur stared back at the two men before throwing a fruit at them and speaking to his father once more.

"You know father maybe you should get some new guards! Seems like these two aren't too good at their jobs, heh."​

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea had felt Christopher's stare when she crossed the room but pretended to ignore it.

She would not give him the satisfaction of saying anything to him, instead she would let her anger silently seeth into him. She was not frightened of him, like most of her siblings. She only feared for her people, and family what he would do when he was King. Her fingers dug more so in her palms when Christopher began tapping his fingers on the table, it literally made her want to stick her tongue out and try to taste the tension in the room. She nearly snapped at him when Christopher spoke first, shooting a snide insult on Arthur's clothing.

"Leave him be, brother," Azalea growled at Christopher, "Unless you would prefer he walk around naked." She continued, before distracting herself with her hands in her lap, a moment later Father spoke up and made a harsh remark at Christopher.

"He meant no harm, Father," Azalea said quietly, not looking up from her lap. Though she wasn't fond of Christopher, she didn't like to watch him bullied, especially by there own father, whom she thought always was a bit harsher on Christopher then the rest of them.

Thankfully Aalie entered soon after, politely excusing her tardiness and greeting almost everybodywuth genuine kindness before seating herself in between Anais. Azalea gently smiled back at her sister and returned the squeeze of her hand before Aalie put her hands back in her lap.

That's when Arthur began causing quite the scene and Azalea could only watch in horror, and amusement. However, she knew she didn't want her little brother to get in too much trouble, as he'd already caused enough trouble for the evening. Azalea pitied the poor guards whom were assigned the task of grabbing Arthur, and did not wish to see them punished for her brothers misdeeds.

"Tis not the guards fault," Azalea intervened quickly before anyone else could speak, she shoot Arthur a firm look with a mix of pleading in it, "Arthur that's enough." She said sternly but kindly, not wanting him to get whiplashed by Christopher's words, or worse, Father's words.
​

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

(Edited my post a bit, plus forgot to tag! Misty Gray Jess Buck Thatoneflawedhero StarryKnights Cheryl )

 

[Misty Gray]

Christopher Ravenswood


​

Christopher was grateful for Aalie's arrival as she'd unintentionally broken the tension between him and the king simply by adding her presence to the table. "Aalie...." he returned her simple greeting. He looked to Rosaline who had stood by the wall with the guards, all the while his face remained neutral to the girl. He'd taken some time to learn enough sign language so he could communicate with the girl when needed, willing to put in a little effort given she was from a noble family.

"Azalea, I would prefer for him not to be walking around here at all. It's not unheard of for a prince to be sent out onto the battlefield. I'd give Arthur five minutes before being defeated," Christopher replied to his sister. The eldest prince was then surprised when his sister seemed to come to his defence against his father. Before he could think about it for too long, Arthur continued his theatrics. It took a lot for Christopher to stop himself from speaking up against his brother. After taking a deep breath to contain his irritation, he glanced to the king and decided to let him be the bad guy for a change.

The king had heard Azalea's words which were intended to calm the situation, but Arthur had pushed enough for it not to be ignored. "ENOUGH!" the king''s voice roared as he got up to his feet and slammed his fist on the table. Whilst the queen gasped in shock, Christopher barely flinched. The prince had long ago grown familiar with his father's temper, so it barely affected him these days. Besides, he was savouring the moment; the king losing his temper and Arthur being disciplined, for a change. "Arthur," the king began, "you have two choices. You either sit down and practice appropriate table manners, or you return to your room where you will stay until the morning. Make your choice, boy. Perhaps Christopher's idea about sending you to war isn't such a bad one..." he trailed off. He then turned his attention to Alexander, calming his voice so he was speaking at a level with his trusted Master of Security. "Alexander, could you give those two a reminder of their duties?" he asked, pointing to the two guards who had been sent to find Arthur. "Much appreciated," he said, slowly sitting back in his seat as he caught his breath back and reached for some water. He was sure his family would kill him before any enemy or illness did.

*******************​

Cassandra had been standing by the door when she heard the commotion inside. Clearly, it was between the family rather than involving any servants, so she remained where she was. When Alexander left the room with the two guards, she sent him a concerned looked. She'd known the man for some time now and liked to think they were friends, but she really didn't envy him having to stand in the middle of that kind of argument.


Jess Buck Thatoneflawedhero StarryKnights Cheryl Ms. Sparrow Angelofwishes7

 

[Angelofwishes7]

Alexander Rotinya Krow

​

Alexander looked over at Christopher thinking of the last time he had seen Aalie and Oliver today. "Aalie was out in the garden earlier, she must have lost track of time." It was just as he spoke that Aalie had walked into the dining hall ready to eat with the rest of the royal family. "As for Oliver, I'll send some of the guards to go find him. I haven't seen him in quite some time, but I doubt that he wondered off. It is possible that he also lost track of time." Alexander walked other to the doorway, having two guards walk over to him as he gave them orders to go and find Oliver for dinner. As the guards marched off to find the other prince Alexander slowly returned back to his spot along one of the walls.

Alexander then brought his attention to Auther, he was always one to test Alexanders patience. A prince should act like a prince, at least in Alexanders mind that's how it worked, but it was clear Auther had a different plan. Hearing Auther talk about the king's choice of clothing and how disrespectful he was by eating before the rest of his family arrived made Alexanders blood begin to boil. If Auther wasn't of royal blood Alexander wouldn't hesitate to personally teach the boy some manners, but Alexander knew his place in the world, so he bit his tongue.

Alexander was not surprised when the King rose his voice, he was actually glad that someone had spoken out against Auther's foolish actions. He brought his gaze to the king when he was spoken to. "Yes, my lord." Alexander lowered his head in a short and respectful bow then went out to speak with the two guards who had lost track of Auther. Once out in the hall, As Alexander closed the doors to the dining hall he spotted Cassandra. He gave her a kind, almost calm look as if to tell her not to worry so much. He had known Cassandra for quite some time, she was always a very kind and caring person, being both a nanny and teacher to the royal children Alexander respected her. "Hiding from something?" Alexander spoke keeping his tone of voice calm to not show his anger toward the situation that was going on inside.

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea had jumped when Father pounded on the table, but clenched her jaw and closed her eyes exasperatedly. She prayed to God this meal would end soon. She was sure not all families were this dynamic. They simply couldn't be. The Dutchmans weren't. She thought back to the sisters she taught how to dance and wished there family was united as such.

But alas, they were not. She wondered if perhaps they would be if there wasn't a crown on her fathers head.

Azalea'a eyes snapped open upon mention of Arthur being sent to the battlefield. Were they serious? Just because he had a lively personality they would send him away on a suicide mission? He would not last a day ok the field and everybody knew it. He was just a boy.

"Perhaps you and Christopher should be the ones on the battlefield." Azalea growled quietly, but audible enough for it to be heard, shooting Christopher an icy glare for even bringing up the topic of sending Arthur on the field before fixating a resentful one on her Father for considering it.
​

Misty Gray Jess Buck Thatoneflawedhero StarryKnights Cheryl

​

 

[Thatoneflawedhero]

Arthur Ravenwood

As soon as the king stood up Arthur would lean back into his seat his eyes turning wide as he was yelled at by his father and it would almost seem as if the young man was kind of scared but as soon as his father finished the man would just give the king a smug look before scooting his seat back to give some room to stand up and after he did so he would push himself up from the chair and reached for the bowl filled with fruit. As he grabbed it he would bring it near his body and would dump the fruit down on the floor before taking the bowl and putting it ontop of his head. Next he would take a spoon from the table before beating on his helmet and would start to immitate and mock soldiers. "Oi! Let's go kill the soldiers because of how savage they are! God is with us!" And after he finished mocking and making fun of the soldiers he would turn to his father and Chris starting to mock and make fun of them although he would keep the voice he used to make fun of the soldiers.

"Oi my liege! I killed a bunch of innocent commoners and families are you happy with me my liege!?" Eventually he would finish with his foolery and when he did he would take off the bowl from his head before placing it back on the table along with the spoon he used as a imaginary weapon. As soon they were put on the table the young man would back up before turning around and walking out of the hall but before he left he would turn his head and speak to Chris and his father saying the following to them in a highly sarcastic type of manner.

"Well, I suppose I'll take my leave! Besides I'll be fed anyway, I can assume you already know how. Anyway have a beautiful day my tyrant liege!"​

 

[Misty Gray]

The king looked to Azalea and frowned. "My dear, I have fought on many battlefields, long before you were even born." The man didn't sit and watch Arthur's further antics for long before getting out of his seat and stepping out of the room. Arthur didn't get the chance to leave on his own accord as he was escorted by two guards back to his room, where he would remain under guard, as threatened by the king.

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea watched Arthur's little scene and couldn't help but get slightly angry as he mocked Christopher. The executions Christopher was committing was no laughing matter and she felt her blood boil, her appetite disappeared as she thought of the dead innocents at the hands of her own flesh and blood.

There was a moment of silence as the King and Arthur left the room. Father's last words echoed in her head. She knew he had seen many battles before her time, killed men. She wondered if she found a weak spot in the King. Azalea wondered if it haunted him.

She stood up with a weary sigh, not removing her eyes from the table. "I believe dinner is over." Azalea said quietly as she began to stack her empty plate with her unused silverware, just to help out the kitchen servants a bit.

Misty Gray Thatoneflawedhero StarryKnights Cheryl Jess Buck ​

 

[StarryKnights]

Anais Ravenswood​

Anais looked up as her elder sister, Azelea, entered the room, and offered her a small, sad smile. She did the same when Aalie arrived, with her lady in waiting, Rosaline, and she was sure to return the compliment paid to her. "You look beautiful as well Aalie, you and Rosalie". Anais was close with her sisters, and she knew they were probably worried about her, but she just couldn't bring herself to talk to them about what had happened. They just didn't understand. It wasn't like she could go to her brothers, she imagined Christopher would laugh in her face, seeing her so distraught over the death of a servant. Arthur, the joker he was, was wearing peasants clothing, and causing a scene. She shrank a little in her chair as voices were raised, silently wishing for the meal to be served so she could return to her room. Arthur was great for parties, but he always seemed to be gone, off somewhere cavorting with the townsfolk. Anais wasn't permitted to leave without a guard, and getting one required permission from Chris and Father. That left Oliver, the middle brother, who, oddly enough, hadn't shown up yet, which was odd. He was always looking out for her...and trying to get her to act more like a lady of her station.

Anais retreated to her own little world as dinner fell apart, but her father banging his hands on the table made her yelp. She turned red and kept her eyes glued to the table and took a silent breath, and just prayed that no one would face severe punishment that day. She did her best to ignore the adults conversation, and didn't look up from her spot until her father left, and Arthur was escorted from the room.
The dining hall fell silent, until Azela spoke. Anais breathed a sigh of relief and stacked up her unused plate. She preferred going hungry than having to sit through dinner.

Misty Gray Thatoneflawedhero Cheryl Jess Buck Ms. Sparrow

 

[Jess Buck]

Aalie Nicole Ravenswood

​

Aalie looked to her brother Arthur in exasperation. He loved her brother, she truly did, but his antics could one day get him in more trouble than he's worth. He was a kind soul, and a party animal no doubt, but his need to rebel from their father and eldest brother made him foolish. But it wasn't Aalie's place to say anything, so she didn't. But it was her father's place, and the king made his opinions on Arthur's behavior very clear. And it wasn't long before he was pounding on tables and yelling at Arthur. Anais was startled by the noise and Aalie was quick to make sure she was alright. She placed a hand on her sister's shoulder and leaned in close.
"Are you alright, Anais?" Her father left the dining hall and her brother was escorted out before Azalea saw herself out as well. Aalie sighed and stood, waving Rosaline over and who came over quickly. She spoke to Anais and signed so Rosaline could understand. "Anais, would you like to come have dinner with Rosaline and I in my room?"

StarryKnights

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

Azalea was about to leave before seeing Anais, who looked mildly upset, or was trying to cover it up. She stopped at the doorway, concerned for her innocent sister, she wished she could make her understand, or that she understood that Anais wasn't alone in her love for commoners and such, or ever had a for a friend... or something more.

Aalie beat her to the punch, her and Rosaline joined Anais first and offered to eat dinner in Aalie's room. Deciding she'd spent too much time away from her siblings, Azalea walked over to the girls with a gentle smile.

"I think I'll join you, if that's alright," Azalea offered, not wanting to intrude if not. She attempted to sign for Rosaline, but failed miserably as she had very little practice with the language.

Suddenly, Liam walked over to the girls, after conversing with a couple guards for some time, he bowed formally to the princess. "Your Highness," he began, "There is talk amoung the guards that a prince from France has arrived...with his diplomat."

"Your kidding." Azalea said exasperatedly, shoulders sagging in disappointment.

"I'm afraid not." Liam barely contained the own grimness from his voice. Azalea sighed wearily, rubbing her face with her hands and groaning. She hated these matters, and always at the wrong time.

Now that she thought of it, there never was a good time.
​

Jess Buck StarryKnights

 

[Ms. Sparrow]

(Edited...again)

 

[StarryKnights]

Anais Ravenswood​

Anais looked up from the table as Aalie spoke. Her dishes were stacked neatly, standing Anais pushed in her chair. She didn't feel like eating, her stomach had been in knots for the last week, but she didn't want to worry Aalie or Rosaline. Or Azalea, as Anais opened her mouth to speak, her eldest sister joined the group. She knew that both of her elder sisters had to be worrying about her, given how she'd been acting the past week. Even so, deep down all Anais wanted to do was go back to her room. She looked from Azalea to Aalie and then to Rosaline, before speaking, and signing, her response.
"I'm uh...not very hungry actually but...". She looked to the end of the table, where Chris still sat, and figured he may grow cross if she refused her sister's offer.

"...Sure...perhaps the company will...be nice...". her signing was sloppy, but understandable, she'd picked it up not long in an effort to get to know Rosaline, Aalie's lady in waiting. Anais herself had never had a lady in waiting, she used to envy her sister for the bond she shared with Rosaline, it was something she'd never had with anyone outside of her own family. She wondered if Father would assign her one...if only to keep a closer eye on her in light of what had happened.
However, before they could depart, Liam walked over, and informed Azalea that her French prince had arrived, no doubt he was looking to seek Azalea's hand in marriage. Anais knew her elder sister wasn't looking forward to the ordeal, and truth be told, neither was Anais. By the time she was to marry, Chris would likely be king...and therefore would be picking her suitor.
She looked to Azalea, frowning. "we can wait if you want sister...". she looked to Aalie and Rosaline. "...Right?"



Ms. Sparrow Jess Buck

 

[Jess Buck]

Aalie Nicole Ravenswood

​

Aalie smiled at Azalea as she walked forward. Both Rosaline and Aalie had to stifle giggles at Azalea's failed attempt in signing, and Aalie made up for it, translating for her sister. Aalie was about to escort her sisters out of the hall when Liam, Azalea's body guard came over with rather interesting news. Aalie had grown up with Liam but she hardly knew the boy. All she really knew was that Azalea was very fond of him, and that he was from France. But back to the topic of the news; a French prince was here in the castle, no doubt here to seek Azalea's hand in marriage. "Good luck mate" Aalie thought to herself "Azalea is a master of avoiding things she doesn't want to deal with." When Anais spoke of waiting, Aalie scoffed bore saying "Oh please. He is the one who can wait. Besides, it's not as if you've been summoned Azalea. I'm sure the prince just wants a hot meal and some rest after his journey. You can meet with him in the morning. Come on ladies, let's go eat." She smiled and motioned for everyone to follow her to her bedroom. On the way out she smiled to Cassandra, her tutor as a child. "Cassandra, would you be so kind as to have one of the servants bring up dinner for my sisters and I? Along with Rosaline and Liam? So that's...five plates I believe."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A young servant girl came scurrying after the King as he left the dining hall. "Your Majesty!" She called out to him. When she had his attention she bowed deeply before saying "Your Majesty, Prince Lyle of France and the French ambassador Jean-Luc have arrived. They have not requested to see you yet, but servants are bringing them dinner to their rooms."

StarryKnights Ms. Sparrow Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Christopher Ravenswood
​

Christopher sat back in his seat as Arthur acted out before his eyes. He folded his arms as he allowed a twisted smile to play on his lips. Beneath the smile, he was detaching himself from the situation. His mind casting back only to the servant, Lily, of whom he'd given the final word on her death sentence. Part of him felt he'd been led by his father into making the decision on the old man's behalf. The other part reminded him that he was fully aware of what he was doing and had made the decision himself, having never forgotten being forced to watch Catherine's execution. Lily, he felt, was the final nail in the coffin. The moment he passed that sentence, he knew he'd paved the way for making similar, or more horrific, decisions. So, as he watched Arthur's antics, all he could do was think of the many ways he could rip the spirit out of his youngest brother's soul.

When the king proceeded to simply having the boy confined in his room for the night, Christopher felt the anger building up inside him. When he was a boy, being sent to his room would have been a welcomed reprieve. Although, there was that one room he'd been confined to as part of his punishment for getting close to Catherine. Following her hanging, Christopher was locked in the tiny room, in complete darkness, for what felt like an eternity without seeing with another person. It had been two weeks, but would have been more had he not chosen his words carefully and pleaded with his father. To see his brother barely given a slap on the wrist for committing a greater disrespect sickened Christopher.

As his sisters all began stacking their plates with the intention to leave the room, Christopher was about to snap at them to sit back down, but decided to let them go. He'd seen enough of their spoiled and ungrateful faces for one day. As the servant rushed to help the princesses with their plates, Christopher sat forward and used his hand to beckon her over. Thinking she was to clear his plate too, she reached out to retrieve it, but was stopped when he pushed her hand away. "Leave the plate where it is," he calmly told her. "Dinner has not been served yet and I'm hungry." He looked to the queen who was sat opposite him looking altogether upset by the whole affair. "The Queen and I still wish to eat. I won't have food wasted. We will have our servings and the rest of the food is to be shared amongst the servants, seeing as my siblings are not hungry this evening. No food is to be taken to their rooms," he clearly ordered.

Thatoneflawedhero Ms. Sparrow Jess Buck StarryKnights