A Rose Among Thorns | IC | Lauriee-Angel & EnglishBelle

[AngeliMika]

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A Rose Among Thorns

AngeliMika & EnglishBelle

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"Prince Blanchard," a vampire maid scampered over to the tall man. His focus was elsewhere, his eyes gazing out at the bright day just outside the window. Vampire children carrying parasols and wearing large hats ran about in the streets, while vendors under large umbrellas peddled various knickknacks to said children and any visiting humans. The cheers of the children could be faintly heard inside the castle, causing the faintest hint of a smile to appear on the prince's face.

"Yes?" He turned towards said maid and tilted his head in acknowledgement, pushing his glasses up his nose to get a clearer view of her. "Are you in need of something dire?"

With a polite shake of her head she offered a sympathetic smile. "I only wished to inform you that you are to visit the nearby human kingdom today. The King and Queen requested that you visit the nearby kingdoms more often, as you will be working with them to form a stronger alliance." She clasped her hands in front of her, anticipating his predicted negative response.

Raising an eyebrow, he cleared his throat. ". . . Could this visit be postponed?"

"I don't believe so, Your Grace. The King and Queen were quite indignant."

"I suppose I shall pay a visit to them within the hour. Thank you for informing me." A polite nod was awarded to the girl as he strolled along the halls, slowly making his way towards the throne room.



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The discussion with his parents went far from well. They'd insisted he go or else they could merely pick a new heir from the lot of talented male scholars the kingdom boasted. He would never allow such a thing, so he agreed to go out on a visit today.

Regretting his decision to refrain from asking if the aforementioned visit could be a nightly one, he donned a large trench coat atop a simple dress shirt and formal trousers. He slipped a pair of silk gloves on, gazing back around his room. Money, he needed money. A pouch of golden currency was now sitting in his trench coat pocket, and that was all he typically needed. Perhaps if he just went to the town for a bit, he could avoid his parent's wrath and dreaded social interaction.

The maid from earlier was awaiting his arrival at the door. "The King and Queen requested I accompany you," she chirped, holding a small bag and parasol of her own.

He merely nodded and groaned internally, opening the door for the younger of the two. She hopped down the stairs and walked in the direction of the human kingdom.

Neither talked to the other as they walked, though the maid hummed idly as her parasol shifted from side to side. He wished to retain as much energy as the younger ones did, but with his distaste for lackluster human food and lack of blood until it was truly necessary, he had just enough energy to pass through each day. Speaking of blood . . . when was the last time he'd consumed any? Is it the most intelligent notion to be going into a kingdom of humans if he hadn't had any to drink?

He'd be fine, he claimed internally as he strolled along the path through the kingdom he'd rule someday. The walk between the two kingdoms alone would take at least twenty to thirty minutes. He made a mental note to request for his parents to provide transportation.



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The maid he was with had begun walking ahead of him, enjoying the outing out of the castle.

"Pardon?" He called out to her, causing her to stop in her place and whirl around. "Do you happen to possess the knowledge of the layout of this fine kingdom?" An arm gestured outwards to the kingdom they would be entering.

"I regret to inform you, Your Grace, that I do not. I shall locate a tour guide for us!"

Before he could request for her to refrain from doing such, she'd approached a pleasant looking maiden with stunning blonde hair. He couldn't hear what his maid was saying to the woman, so he prepared for the inevitable social interaction to begin. He walked over to the two, bowing slowly and introducing himself: "Prince Lucas Blanchard, madame. A pleasure."


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[EnglishBelle]

Emilia had spent most of the morning in her room; her nose stuck in a book. She sighed as she read, twirling s piece of hair between her fingers. Closing the book, she turned and lay on her back; facing the ceiling. She was fed up of being confined in these four walls and longed for freedom. However, her parents disagreed. As she was the daughter of the King and Queen, she would act accordingly and be brought up a lady. She would dress like one, speak like one and act like one. Meaning, no sneaking out to go and run wild through the forest, no sneaking out to walk through the town and act like a commoner. Emilia longed for the simple life, but she knew it would never come.

A brief but loud knock brought her back to reality and she beckoned whoever who was there to come in.Her father. She smiled sweetly at him as she rolled over and stood up. "Yes father?" Her voice soft and delicate. She pushed her golden hair over her shoulder and waited for him to speak.

"When you've quite finished lounging around, you shall get yourself ready to receive our guests. We are expecting a neighbouring Prince and no daughter of mine will turn up looking like such a mess." He shook his head; avoiding her gaze.

Emilia sighed, ready to protest but he put his hand up to stop her. "No. You aregoing to be there, and I shall make sure you are, even if I have to tie you to a chair. You shall dress accordingly and act like the lady you have been brought up to be." Her father left the room after that, no love shared with his only daughter before doing so.

A couple of maids entered the room not long after to help Emilia to get ready. She sat on the stool, a few tears falling down her cheeks as she let them poke and prod, until she was finally ready. Her long blonde hair was in loose curls down her back: a little make up added. She was wearing a dark blue satin dress that hugged her figure; showing off her tiny waist. It left her shoulders bare and gave s hint of cleavage. Once they had left her, Emilia managed to sneak away and leave the palace walls.

Once outside, she let out a breath. If only she had had time to change. She didn't care about meeting some Prince. She knew it would be the same old story. He'd come, looking to strengthen his kingdom by marrying her, but really he was only interested in her father's money and her looks. Same old, same old. The sun warmed her skin a little, but Emilia shivered at the thought of her father finding out she'd escaped again.

Lost in her own little world, she didn't notice the woman approaching her at first. Plastering a smile onto her face, she waited to see how she could help, her smile fading as her companion introduced himself. So he's the neighbouring Prince father has visiting. I don't care who he is, I'm not going. " My name is Emilia sire. I'm afraid I am running an errand, but I guess you're looking for the castle? Just keep on this path and in about half a mile, you'll be there. You're the talk of the town. I'm afraid I must go." Emilia didn't wait around to talk to him, not wanting to let him know who she really was.

[AngeliMika]

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"Madame-" The maid started to call, clamming up after the prince's hand found it's way to her shoulder, indicating for her to quiet down.

Lucas walked briskly to keep up with the maiden dressed in such fancy attire for a mere few errands. He thought it was odd, but to bring it up would be rude. As he caught up with her, he began to speak.

"I do believe your errands could wait? It's not every day you happen to meet a prince." He laughed, though it was strained. "Regardless of if your errands could wait or not, my maiden and I would rather enjoy accompanying you. A visit to another kingdom is a rare occasion, and I refuse to spend it with just nobility." His voice was stern, he was serious. Though, it was just so the maid would report the positives to his parents. If this visit went well, he may not have to do many more.

Hopefully the maid he was with was paying attention, this was more social interaction than he had wished for. He supposed the social interaction with this maiden was also good practice, for you did need to build connections with the residents of your kingdom as well as neighboring ones in order to govern fairly.

That last thought of his settled it. Taking this as a learning experience as well as an opportunity to escape later outings, he'd be very productive despite being away from his studies.


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[EnglishBelle]

Emilia turned back around to face the pair, her bottom lip between her teeth. She bit it a little too hard, causing blood to drip into her mouth. Emilia knew she couldn't turn them away; no matter who they were. She also knew that her parents would be livid if she turned up to the castle with their guests and they'd figure out that she'd been escaping again. They'd probably lock her in her room from now on.

Through gritted teeth, Emilia smiled at the Prince and curtsyed. "Where are my manners? Do forgive me my Prince. Let me show you the way to the castle." Its not like I can get out of it, nor would you let me. It was not in her nature to refuse those in need of help, even though she doubted he would struggle. He would probably charm them, by wit if not just looks alone. She chuckled internally and rolled her eyes as they began to follow her to the castle.

[AngeliMika]

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The maid alongside the prince watched hungrily as the girl bit her lip, the scent of blood wafting through her nose. It was like the smell of fresh baked cookies on a cold winter day, enticing her. She didn't say anything, and neither did the prince.

The prince watched stoically as she bit her lip. How anxious was she? Part of him wanted to ask if she was well, but the other part of him remained silent. Showing too much concern was weakness. He had to maintain a professional relationship. Besides, she clearly seemed fine, as afterwards she'd apologized for her lack of manners and had begun to lead them to the castle.

Pleasantly surprised by this news that she was willing to walk alongside them to the castle, he began to make small conversation. "Madame Emilia, what is your current occupation? Is your business prosperous?" He hated small talk, but it was necessary in order to walk that fine line between professionally polite and downright rude.

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[EnglishBelle]

Her tongue darted out and licked the small tear on her lip as they walked. What can I say to him without letting him know I'm the princess? I also don't want him to think that I'm spoilt.. her lip found it's way back between her teeth, wincing as she chewed the already sore spot. "I do not wish to divulge my personal information with somebody I have just met your highness, nor will I ask what your business at the castle is, although you probably have come for the princess. I've heard every prince is after her, but just for the kingdom's riches." She rolled her eyes. Emilia didn't say a word until the palace was in sight. She felt sick. She was sure her father would lock her away in her room after this stunt.

Upon reaching the palace gates, the guards there were confused to see the princess outside, and with two strangers at that. "Good morning Princess, should you be out at such a time? The King has been looking for you." One of the guards spoke. "Please show our guests to the main hall and make it known that Prince Blanchard and companion have arrived. I will find my father." Emilia disappeared before her guests could ask anything.

[AngeliMika]

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"I have no interest in the princess of this kingdom." The prince stated blankly, listening with intrigue at their guide's distaste for the subject. Before she could divulge any more information about her discontent regarding the subject, Emilia had clammed up until they got to the castle. This left the trio sweltering in an uncomfortable, thick silence. With the castle towering up above them, the prince looked to the guards. They seemed to know Emilia, and she had disappeared before Lucas could offer any parting words.

So she was the princess. He wondered if her parents were as strict as his were, refraining from allowing her the independence that she must clearly crave. As soon as the thoughts flickered through his mind, he shut them out. These were unprofessional, he was here for business and earning the alliances between neighboring kingdoms, and that alone.

His attention returned to the guards, who he introduced himself to. "Hello, good sirs. I am Prince Lucas Blanchard, and this is my companion." A curt bow was offered to the two, while his maid curtsied excitedly. "It is a pleasure to be here," he complimented. "Might you direct us to the throne room of this exquisite palace?"


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[EnglishBelle]

Emilia hurried into the castle, ignoring the stares and whispers that surrounded her. I wonder where she's been, her father won't be happy. The King is furious, I wouldn't like to be her when he finds her. Emilia headed in the direction of the main hall, where the thrones were situated. Rather than knock, she headed straight in, only to become face to face with the King and Queen. Her mother's face remained indignant, but her father's changed from relaxed to furious in 0-100.

"And just where have you been? We are expecting guests today and you go disappearing off! Stupid girl! The sooner I get rid of you, the better! Although who would rightly have you, I don't know... Just... get out of my sight and don't come back until the banquet with our guest." He growled, refusing to look at her. Emilia had tried to butt in and inform him of Prince Lucas, but her father wouldn't listen. With tears threatening to fall, Emilia ran out of the hall not even noticing the Prince and his companion being escorted up.

[AngeliMika]

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The maid was the first to speak up. "Madame . . . er - Your Grace, Princess Emilia! Are you unwell?" She burst with her query, leaving Lucas' side to approach the teary-eyed royal. He in turn, shook his head at her forwardness, walking up behind her and once again laying a hand on her shoulder. With a squeak, the maid apologized and left the two, choosing to stand by the guards that were escorting them.

"Your Grace," Lucas started, a slight frown crossing his features. "I apologize for my companion's rudeness. Though, I am sure she is just as curious as I am: Has something unfortunate occurred? Shall we return at a later date?" He adjusted his glasses smoothly, pushing them up his nose once again. "It will be no trouble for us to return to our kingdom should you wish or require for us to." After a quick search through his trench coat pockets, he procured a silken handkerchief and offered it to the maiden. "I do apologize, again, for my maid's impoliteness and if our visit was at an unfortunate time."

Hopefully he hadn't overstepped his boundaries. To leave her alone after his companion's abrupt query and not apologize would be quite rude, which is what he was required to avoid. Once again, he was tiptoeing down the thin tightrope of unprofessional conduct and plain rudeness.



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[EnglishBelle]

Why is he being so kind to me? And giving me a hankie? Who'd have thought? Emilia took it from him and dabbed gingerly at her eyes to avoid smudging her make up. "Oh no your highness, please excuse me. I had..an altercation with the King and I will not be present until the banquet later, for I have some...lessons to attend to." A fskr smile made it's way onto Emilia's lips, but did not reach her eyes.

Before anything else could have been said, an advisor of the King made his way out of the throne room, and made himself known to the Prince and his companion. "Prince Lucas, your highness, the King and Queen are ready to receive you now." He bowed and opened the door for them. Emilia sniffled and made her way to her room. As soon as the door was shut, she heard the lock click, knowing her father had sent someone up behind her. There was no escape and she was just to wait until she was summoned.

[AngeliMika]

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His lips turned upwards in a similar smile to the princess', avoiding his eyes. He offered a polite nod, "Well wishes for your studying, Your Grace. It was a pleasure meeting you today."

"Yes, Your Grace! It was indeed a pleasure!" His maid cheered as well, offering her a curtsey.

As he was escorted to the throne room, the princess flickered across his thoughts. Her image danced across his vision, oddly. What had it been about her that had him enraptured? Was it merely the fact she was the first person he'd interacted with that was for enjoyment rather than business? Was it the notion she may be similar to him, craving independence but far from receiving it?

This was preposterous, he'd just met her today. They may have had an odd connection, but that was barely an excuse for her occupying his thoughts as such. It was unsafe to think immensely about a single subject, for then you will be unable to retain thoughts about anything else.

He followed his new escorts into the throne room, his gaze casting around the large room as he did so. There was a stiff air about the room, potentially from the aforementioned "altercation" the princess had experienced with her guardians. He bowed deeply and smoothly in the direction of the King and Queen, a plain expression on his features. "Your Highnesses," he greeted. The maid beside him mimicked his actions, greeting the King and Queen and then curtsying. Though she had a bright smile on her face, her fangs in a full and sparkling display.


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[EnglishBelle]

The Queen was frightened, even if she didn't show it; her heart beating rapidly. The King sat up proud, wanting to appear welcoming, despite his naturally cold demeanour. "Prince Blanchard, we welcome you to our kingdom and your companion." King Alexander stood up from his throne and went to greet his guests. "We are truly honoured to have you visit our humble palace and hope you enjoy your stay here. If there is anything at all you or your...companion require, my servants will be more than willing to get.

Alexandar sat back down next to his wife and took her hand. "I'm afraid our daughter is incapacitated at the moment, but I'm sure she will be pleased to know about your arrival and will be joining us later at the celebration banquet. I'm sure you both must be tired. I'll get a servant to take you to your bedroom for your stay." He rang a bell to summon a servant who guided the Prince and his maid to their bedroom, quickly scurrying away as quick as they could; scared for their life.

[AngeliMika]

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Prince Blanchard hardly had a second more in the throne room to discuss anything at all with the King and Queen, they had been escorted out fairly quickly. Though the prince refrained from showing it, he was worried immensely. Why had they been escorted out so quickly? Had he been impolite? Pondering this question for a moment, he settled on an answer. They were vampires. It had been ages since he'd attacked a human, did he happen to be truly that infamous around this kingdom? The princess had seemed far from alarmed by him.

As they were escorted to their bedroom, Lucas sat down on the freshly made bed, removing his trench coat. He adjusted the collar to his dress shirt, adjusting the sleeves to become more comfortable. His scarlet eyes stared at his gloved hands as his mind wandered. Differences were weakness. He was different, therefore weak in this situation. Thoughts of him and his unfortunate companion, who had been dragged practically against her will here, being tormented filled his uneasy mind. Arms raised to the ceiling, he stretched out his back with a yawn.

The room was a double suite, with a separate bed for his maid. She'd sat down on her bed, most likely enjoying the comfortable mattress and exquisitely soft bedding.

Lucas sighed, not wanting to make conversation until he was absolutely required to. The two awaited anxiously to be were summoned for the banquet to be had.


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