Kelkion Clan

Edit the page to rp...(version3)

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Gazing out of the carriage window, Kianna had to admit that it was a beautiful day. The bright blue sky and light breeze didn't lift the feeling of dread she could feel in the pit of her stomach. Six days of travel had done nothing to disperse her gloomy mood. If even half of the rumors were true her marriage Kailoto was going to be horrible.
"It will only be horrible if you allow it to be. Any man can cherish a good woman." Her mother countered her argument. It didn't go unnoticed by Kianna that her mother wouldn't call Kailoto a good man.
When the carriage lurched to a stop she drew in a deep breath and squared her shoulders. Even after the door to the carriage opened she took her sweet time getting out.

Kailoto was crawling out of the bathing room with a towel around his waist. Ushering out yet another floozy, with a sigh, He peeked around the hallway to make sure his mother and father wouldn't come around and try to tell him to hurry and get ready. As if right on cue, his father came barrelling down the hallway. "Are you happy, Kailoto!? You're fiance is here and you've not got a SINGLE article of clothing on! To think you're my only heir!" The King Regent scoffed. "Hurry up and dress. This young lady needs to see that you aren't a total disappointment; not until after she marries you, at least." The man turns away, leaving Kailoto to glare at his back.
"You won't be bossing me around much longer, father! Your heath and my coronation are far too important to you!" He smirks all the way to his room across the hall to get dressed and eventually join the awaiting party in the main concourse.

Once inside Kianna stayed a pace or so behind her parents. She allowed her eyes to wander around the room, since her mother seemed keen to answer any questions for her as though she were a child. She wanted to tell the King Regent she had no intention of marrying his son, if she was given a choice and that no, she wasn't happy she was basically a cow being handed from one farm to another. That wasn't really his question though, so she supposed the answer would be out of place. Her eyes focused on her father and she realized they were all waiting for her to answer. She moved her hands behind her back and gave herself a pinch as she smiled. "The prospect of being useful to not one but two kingdoms with a simple act of marriage is more than I could have asked."
    Her mother raised one brow and then turned to the Regent King. "And a tad nervous I think." She chuckled.

Kailoto was reading the look in her eyes, trying not to say something stupid in front of his father. The King Regent started to smile and clapped his hands together. "Seems the wedding will go on without a hitch then! Nothing like sealing the bond between our two nations!!" He summoned over a counselman to have him finish preparations. The look on the Queen Regent's face was one of bliss. Her son was going to be tied down and would hopefully tame his wild ways and give her grandchildren!
   Kailoto bowed to Kianna and her folks, then looked to his own. "Can I go now? I apparently have to be fitted for something befitting a wedding." He gave a little smile to Kianna before starting to approach her. "A pleasure to... finally meet the woman I'm to spend the rest of my life with!"

Kianna turned to him, looking him over and arched one eyebrow at his remark. "I was under the impression the wedding was going to happen.. I'm glad I please you well enough that you're eager to purchase your wedding clothes." She curtsied finally, "The pleasure is mine My Lord." She had a smile, but her eyes narrowed lightly. She wasn't a fool, and she already didn't like his manners.
  Her parents exchanged a look, mistaking it for instant chemistry.

The young man gave a soft chuckle and began to walk off, eyeing her figure to get an idea of what he would be 'working with' in the near future. He muttered quietly to himself as he went to his room to be greeted by seamstresses. ~Yeah, I can work with that...~ he spent the next few hours in his room.
   The Royal Regent family was busy overseeing final preparations, while trying to make small talk in the middle of answering question.
Kailoto went to the ceremony hall, looking for the server with the platter full of drinks. "Can a man get a drink? it's not everyday he has to sell off his soul to some b-..." A hand slapped across his mouth to stop him from saying anything more. It was Ori, the family's trusted spy.
  "You... may wish to belay that remark, young Prince. The bride and her family ARE within earshot." he offered a sly smile.

   Her parents were being as helpful as they could be, though her father seemed a little more focused on what his daughter was doing than helping with the wedding or making conversation.
That was her own fault though. Instead of getting rest right away she'd tried once more to convince her parents that there had to be some other way to join their kingdoms other than marrying her off to an un-mannered man-child. Her father had been furious, grabbing her and dragged her to her room while explaining that it was a man's right to act how he wanted in his own home and that she, as a woman, had no place to question or be displeased with him.
   Since she was no more than an object- one whose wedding day dressing had been picked days ago- other than her father no one was paying her much attention. So she allowed her eyes to roam, taking in the elegant room and the people scurrying about it as best she could. Making brief eye contact with Kailoto, her pale eyes narrowed and she turned her back, only to be met with her father's glare. It caused her to flinch lightly, stepping away from him in the same move.

Kailoto nipped at his hand as he took a drink from the servant that brought it over. He stared Ori down until the man put his hands back at his sides. "Come nightfall, I"ll be able to do and say whatever I want, again, about anyone. Including the wife I'm being forced to take!" He scowled back at her before her father got his hands on her, which made him smirk once again.
   His father came up to him and started dragging him away. "I hope everything fits you! There's a spot for you here in front of the throne. time to be married and take over as King..."  He dragged his son away while Ori took his place back in the growing crowd of people.

Kianna gave a soft sigh as she was dragged away to where she would be expected to walk down the isle. She scowled when her mother started fitting the veil over her face. "If your intent is to keep me safe of evil spirits then why do you insist on marrying me off to one?" She whispered. She sighed at her mother's glare and instead turned her attention to her dress. Light blue, a symbol of her purity, of course any bride that wasn't pure didn't exactly go around announcing it in the color of her wedding gown. She traced her fingers over the embroidery and lace edge. "I think I'm going to be sick.."
  When her father realized this wasn't just another sarcastic remark he grabbed a drink from a passing servant. "Sip, don't chug." He gave it to her, but took the drink away when it was half gone. He didn't want his daughter being drunk or even tipsy when exchanging her vows.

Kailoto bit his lip as the gravity of the situation started to sink in. He had knocked out his drink fairly quickly, then crossed his arms over his lap to wait on the ceremony to begin. He was standing there quietly, dressed in his black military uniform, medals and all. The priest stood just off to his left a bit with a bible held across his chest. The wedding wasn't going to be religious; just sanctified to the extent the law required. Kailoto's breathing was a bit rapid. being nervous wasn't something he was used to, but there was no stopping what was about to happen now.
   The King and Queen Regent, along with Kianna's parents were seated on the appropriate sides of the room as the ceremony got underway

Kianna closed her eyes, forcing herself to take deep breaths and let them out slowly. She had to keep telling herself that it was for her kingdom. Kailoto had the army, her kingdom had food. At least more food than his kingdom at the moment. Mostly potatoes and wheat, some barley and such. Everyone but the two of them would be better off. As she walked down to the end of the isle once she was cued, her thoughts wondered to whether or not Kailoto would be nearly as affected as her. She supposed she should listen to her mother and at least make an attempt at making the marriage work. Her tongue flicked out to moisten her lips, but it didn't last long. She was breathing too heavily.
  They got about midway through before Kianna's eyes really came into focus, instead of her just going through the motions.

His eyes locked on hers for a moment when they were faced towards each other. They were at the part of the ceremony that incorporated his coronation. The crown was just being set upon his head, then he was encouraged to recite a final vow. "...Nothing less than pain of death will let our marriage end." Kailoto was chewing on the inside of his lip so hard that he was tasting blood.
    The priest looked out to the crowd and waited for objections, then asked Kianna to repeat the vows as well as she was crowned Queen.
His mother was doing her best to keep her eyes dry. She and her husband were all too happy to witness the joining of these two youths.

Kianna was trembling; she didn't realize just how much until she was required to speak. To her benefit she steadied her voice rather quickly and repeated her vows. "Nothing less..." She paused, took a deep breath, "Than pain of death will let our marriage end.."  Please don't let that be tonight she thought ruefully, casting her eyes to the heavens briefly

His eyes dropped to the floor as he thought about his married future again. The ceremony was over as the priest declared them "Your new King and Queen of Kairion!" He ushered both Kianna and Kailoto to face the crowd.
   Kailoto plastered a fake smile on his face, one of regal modesty as he muttered just softly enough for her to hear, "If you plan on consummating this union tonight, I'll have a bottle of wine in my room. I'm sure you want to touch me as much as i want to touch you." The two of them were coaxed down the aisle way, both of their families soon to flow.

Kianna was gazing at the crowd, her small smile faltering a little when he spoke. Her mother had stressed the importance of consummating the marriage the first night; that way he couldn't just divorce her and send her off if they got in a fight in the first few days. She'd focused on the fact that her mother thought she would have a fight with her husband in the first few days..
   She could feel her cheeks turning a little red at that thought, and her heart was threatening to pound straight out of her chest.

The celebration began once they made it down the hall and turned the corner. His parents had stopped several feet back, since the ladies seemed to be talking about their first grandchild, and the husbands seemed to look like they could care a bit less.
   "A bit bashful, or are you trying to find a way to kill me already?" Kailoto took his arm back when no one was looking to readjust his jacket. His eye caught the movement of what looked like a servant coming uo beside the kings and queens regent, but he thought nothing of it.
The 'servant' was infact a rebel from the far north, with the intention of killing the newly crowned couple. He waited for the okay from his partner before making a move. He was carrying a tray that disguised the 6 inch dagger in his sleeve.

The newly crowned Queen wanted nothing more than to take off the crown, the veil and the heavy gown. The shoes were starting to kill her too, at least those she could slip off and abandon. No one could see her feet. She turned to Kailoto. "Honestly, I hadn't really thought about sex," She was trying to be bolder than she felt, "You haven't given me any reason to try to kill you My Lord." She stepped in closer to him, "Rumor has it you sometimes kill your lovers; I do hope that doesn't extend to your wife." She too ignored the servant.

He smirked and played nice; Kailoto stole a kiss from her and started laughing softly. "The only lovers I've had to kill were either rebels or stepped on my toes once too many. Surely, my wife will respect her King and husband-..."
  The clatter of a metal tray could be heard and a short groan soon followed. His mother screamed as his father dropped to his knees, coughing up blood. The man responsible was running through the crowds of people to attempt his get away.
Shocked, Kailoto barely had the words to yell out, "stop that man! He's killed the king regent!" Instead of going after the man himself, he knelt down by his father, only to see the man's life was gone. His mother began sobbing violently over her husband

Kianna startled at the clatter and the screams that followed once what was happening registered for people. She watched the guards rush off to capture the guy that had killed the king reagent. She grabbed one's arm, "The King will want to know exactly how he got in here with so much increased security. Have an answer for him." She pushed him away from her and walked over to the Queen Regent, kneeling next to her. The only thing she could do was put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
   Kianna's mother took charge of the guests, getting everyone settled down while her father essentially stood guard, just in case there was someone else in the crowd that intended to do harm.

A circle of knights and other armed guard stood over the body, Kailoto and around Kianna while another pair of men caught the fleeing bastard just outside the entryway to the castle. A bunch of shouting could be heard as they struggle to arrest the rebel.
   Kailoto saw the calm on Kianna as she ordered the men to purpose. He took note of her behavior as gave his mother a gentle kiss on the cheek. He got to his feet to go approach the returning men, drawing a reason of his own. It was a small blade his father gave him when he enlisted with the royal army.
   The guards forced the man to his knees as the crowd made way for the King and for all witnesses. One man each held his shoulders, while one had a handful of his hair to force his head back to allow everyone a good look at his face. He spot at the king's feet as best he could. "You're a poisonous leech on the beat of this beautiful country, your family deserves to be destroyed!!" The Rebel spoke with the blind, brainwashed absolution of any diehard fanatic.
   Kailoto could only snarl as he watched the man rant and writhe. He had shed but a single angry tear as the tip of his blade rested on the center of the man's throat. "What's the name of the man that sent you-!?" He was interrupted again when the guy tried to plunge himself into the sharpened end. Kailoto pulled the blade back and cut him across the face, so he wouldn't ruin his chance to get answers. "Send him to the prisons. Have someone ready to interrogate him, then cut his head off and send it to his leader! "

Kianna watched her husband through the gaps between the knights, ducking her face away when the man tried to force the blade through his own throat. She lifted her head a little and watched him get dragged off, she couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and a cold wave travel down her spine at the same time. Her eyes went briefly to Kailoto, what he was saying earlier going through her head. She wouldn't put it past him to cut off her head and send it to her parents should she push him too far.
    After a moment she turned her attention to her mother-in-law. "My Lady, would you like to go somewhere private with him?" She asked softly, "I can walk with you."

The Widow nods, slowly getting herself back to her feet, with Kianna's help. "Thank you, child." She slowly walked to a room where they would be prepping the King Regent's body for his cremation. The poor woman broke out in sobs again once she was alone with her daughter-in-law.
  Kailoto's anger subsided after the traitor was gone and his father's body was whisked away. A slew of nobles and lords gave their condolences as all were escorted out of the castle. He would hold no formal ceremony for his father's death, just issue a statement by decree and town crier. There was enough showing off for one week. As he wanders up to his room, he pwsses his sobbing mother and Kianna, a sad but vengeful look still heavy on his face. Once eyes moved to kianna, he offered her a lighter smile prior to turning into his room

Kianna stayed with the widow, simply offering a shoulder to cry on and listening when the woman needed to speak. She didn't offer any of the regular condolences, the poor woman would hear so much of it that she would grow tiered of them. At least Kianna had when her brother had died. If he was still alive the alliance may have been able to form out of friendship, common understanding between the two young men. Maybe not though. When the widow was retired to her room finally, Kianna's only goal was to return to her own.
    Her mother however, would not have it that way. "He's still awake, in his room. You must go to your husband now. I already have a maid with some food for the two of you. Go on now. If he sends you away at least you tried."
The young Queen was too tired to argue tonight. Besides she was sure he would send her away and that would be that. She walked to Kailoto's room with the maid, knocking on the door before taking the tray and sending the girl away.

Kailoto was down to his undershirt and some night pants when he went to open his door. He expected to see the maiden with his food, but saw his new bride. There was enough on his mind that he kept it civil; stepping to the side to let her into the room with him. "I'm surprised! I expected the maiden to bring that in..." he turned his back to her as he took his shirt off, threw it in a heap with his other soiled linens. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll assume your mother pushed you in, the same as mine wants me to take you." Kailoto pickednup two glasses full of fresh wine for them.

Kianna stepped in and set the tray down, chuckling softly, "How did you know?" She asked sarcastically. With that she took a seat, kicking off her shoes with a soft sigh of relief. Once those were removed she looked at him, "I can leave, if you'd like. Your mother won't know and mine has already accepted the possibility." It was nice to get off of her feet, but the thing she wanted most was to take off her gown.

He rolled his eyes at her and sat next to her to give her her glass. "And give you the satisfaction of controlling some aspect of our personal life?" Chuckling before he took a deep drink. "I'd sooner get it over with, so they can leave us alone." He fetched a robe for her, noting her discomfort. Formal wear was a burden he envied no one. "At least dress the part..."

Kianna sipped her wine and smiled a little, "Ah yes, the arduous task of having sex with a woman." She teased lightly. She took another drink and stood, removing the dress was a bit of a process. The top came off first. It was laced in the back like a corset but had eye-hooks in the front. She popped them open and let it fall to the ground, and then she untied the heavy over skirt. She chewed on her lip while she struggled with the actual corset lacing; she wasn't used to taking it off herself.

"Ha!" He walked up to her and started loosening the laces for her, slow and deliberately. "Arduous in the best way imaginable... " Kailoto's hands didn't stop until his fingertips brushed her bosom to loosen the top lace. "I've never heard any complaints."

Kianna rolled her eyes and bit her lip lightly. It was an attempt to keep herself from blushing. A failed one. She almost asked if there were no complaints because of performance or because of fear. Whatever they had right now though she didn't want to risk suddenly making it bad by poor quality sarcasm. Instead she looked up from his hands to him, "I'm sure no one has ever had reason to."

Kailoto let a coy smile play at his lips as his hands wandered down to the middle of the corset to help pull it loose. "Whether they had complaints or not, they sure as hell out on a good show... enough about that." He saw the rose in her cheeks and chuckled again. "Haven't been with a man?"

She actually laughed at that, shaking her head. "I wasn't allowed to be in a room alone with my own brother or father. I've barely engaged in conversation with a man." She rolled her eyes a little, "My cousins acted as my handmaids, three of them with me at all times. Except when sleeping, then it was only one." She shook her head a little, "There must be absolutely no question in your King's mind that you're pure." She smiled a little, "My brother always said that sounded like too much work."

He laughed back, raising his brows as he let off a little sigh and stepped back to let her finish undressing. "As a king, sure! For now at least. As a prince-..." he just grins as he brings the last of his wine to his lips. "You can't expect me to buy that line of bullshit!" Kailoto looked over her body again and bit his already sore lip. If she removed all her clothing and sat down next to him, he would probably take her

Kianna pusher her camisole up a little, rubbing the ridges left in her skin by the corset lightly. She picked up her wine and finished it, looking at him. "I've never been with a man physically." She picked up the robe he'd given her earlier and turned her back to him. Her petticoat joined the rest of the pile of clothes and finally was joined by the rest of her undergarments. She pulled the robe closed before turning to him. "You weren't my first kiss though.." She admitted.

Kailoto's eyes were focused on the clothes she dropped, catching a glimpse of her bare ass before she covered back up. He adjusted himself and refilled their cups before he shifted back on the bed. "There's nothing taboo about a kiss. You standing there; naked under that robe however is a problem" yet another smirk forming

Kianna accepted her refilled drink and sipped it, glad that she was able to control her blush a little bit. It only took over her ears and the back of her neck. She sat on the edge of the bed carefully, smiling a little, "Is it the robe that's the problem, or the nakedness?" Her smile was a little coy.

"All of the above, honestly. The wine isn't helping either." He watched her a little more closely, his arm finding it's way to her waist. "It goes without saying that my father being killed is hard to be distracted from." Kailoto kept quiet a moment and looked into his cup. "What a fucked up night..."

Kianna looked at her hands and nodded a little, "It has been." She said softly, placing a hand lightly on his arm. I'm sorry didn't seem like enough. It wasn't enough. She frowned a bit, "I can go to my room, if you would like to be alone." She sipped her wine before setting it aside. "Or anything else I can do for you."

Kailoto nodded his head and enjoyed the touch of her hand against his arm before sitting back up to chug his wine. "You staying is only going to result in one of two things: we have slightly drunken sex, or I go to sleep drunk. I'm not about to play games with you tonight."
  The Queen Mother was sitting on her balcony in her night clothes. She was still grieving heavily at the loss of her husband and longed to be with him. She stood and stepped over the ledge, taking a soft breath as she flung herself off and to the hard earth below. She had left a written a note to her son saying goodbye.

Kianna bit her lip lightly, looking at him for a moment. She frowned lightly, "Slightly drunken sex is probably the way we're going have to do this anyway.." She said softly. "Before the wine I wanted to run and hide.."

He rolled his eyes at her and took their glasses. "Then I hope you've drunk enough to get you through this.." kailoto put them on his nightstand. Kailoto walked up to her slowly and untied her robe

"Is it that bad?" She asked, getting a little nervous. Like any girl she'd heard various reports, both terrible and good. Usually for the first time it was horrible, from what she'd been told. Things like "Lie still. It'll hurt less," "What no! That's horrible advice, there isn't anything you can do to make it better."

Kailoto started by opening her robe and leaning her back on the bed. He crawled ontop slowly and started kissing her neck gently. He worked his way in between her legs as he caresses her body. Now taking a moment to look up at her. "Keep yourself relaxed until the pain passes, once I work my way inside.." the kissed her on the lips

The young bride felt her pulse stammer a little, tilting her head to the side when he started kissing her neck. His words didn't exactly help her actually relax, but the tingly sensations that happened in little bursts wherever his hand caressed at least distracted her. She closed her eyes when he kissed her. In that at least she felt lucky. He was one hell of a kisser, even slightly drunk and it made her knees weak. She got the feeling that she would hate that about him one day.

He held the kiss while pushing the waistband of his pants down and out of the way so he could move things along before she found a voice to protest. Kailoto gently broke the kiss and bit her lip, at the same time gently massages one of her breasts. It was easier to takena girl's virginity if she was as aroused as oossible before thrusting into her. He let go of her lip, replaced his lips against her neck and teased her entrance with his tip.

Kianna moved her hands over his arms, brushing her fingers up to his shoulders. A soft sigh escaped her when he started teasing her. She wasn't used to the warmth that felt like it was pooling between her legs, or the shivers it sent up her spine. She put her lip lightly.

Both of his arms settled on either side of her head to help him gain some leverage. Kailoto thrust in quickky to get her through the pain; also pressing his lips against hers for a passionate kiss to distract her more from the pain or discomfort. A soft moan escaped his lips once his shaft was emersed inside her

She gasped sharply, one of her hands coming forward to press against his chest- as though she was going to try to push him away. She had to remind herself to relax, focusing more on the kiss than anything else. The hand against his chest moved again, slower this time to the nape of his neck with her fingers plunging into his hair. Focusing on returning his kiss helped, her legs which had tightened around him became looser after a moment.

~Christ, she's tight...!!~ he kept still a while to let her adjust, then started bucking slowly. He wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled back to a sitting position with her in his lap. He situated her legs back around his waist and started to buck his hips again. "Rock your hips; make it fell good" He kissed her chest to stifle another moan

~Rock my hips?~ Kianna frowned a little, but did as he'd told her. It took her a moment to get into a good pace with him. There was a gasp of surprise and pleasure when she did though. "Oh.." She moaned after a good pace between them was set. Her head bowed forward first before rolling back.

His hands guided her hips for the first moment or so, then he let her set her own pace. "Yeah, you're a natural.." another moan escapes him as he picks up the pace. The King's face burrowed into her chest to distract himself from his slowly building climax. 'Whiskey dick' wasn't working quite in his favor any longer. So, he let go and lies back on the bed, holding tight to her hips as he once again starts humping faster

Kianna's breath started coming in shorter and faster. She bit her lip lightly before leaning in and kissing his neck lightly. She wasn't sure if it would bring the same pleasure it had for her, but she wanted to try. When he started pushing faster she bit his neck lightly, releasing his skin quickly and licking the spot.

There was something awe-inspiring about the way she looked while riding him. His hand snaked up through her hair and gave it a tug. He moaned her name softly as his back arched and his orgasm overwhelmed him. He thrust deep within her as he released his seed. "Fuck!"

Kianna moaned when he tugged her hair. The feeling of him spilling into her made her moan again and leaned forward once more. She panted, still rolling her hips even though she could feel him slowing down a bit. She could still feel waves of pleasure going through her, like waves in the ocean.

Kailoto was panting softly as his orgasm subsided, but remains erect. He put his feet on the bed and lifted her with his hips to thrust at an angle to get her to orgasm. Something he only did for his partner when she earned it. A finger accompanies his shaft along her clitoris to finish her.

Kianna dropped her head back, arching her back and placed one hand on his thigh and the other over his hand between them. "Fuck.. Fuck, fuck.." She whispered. It didn't take her long to climax after that. Her sharp gasp was followed by a low moan. As it subsided she panted and sat forward slowly.

He chuckles huskily and kissed her cheek, spanking her gently to get her to roll off of him. "Complaints?"

She rolled off of him, laying back and sprawled a little on his bed. "Not for you.." Kianna chuckled softly, "For the idiots that said sex the first time is horrible." She frowned a little, "I might change my mind in the morning." She shrugged after thinking about it and then slowly started to sit up

Kailoto nodded and let his smile fade slowly. "Good to hear!" He yawned and stretched as he sat up to get his pants back on. "Luckily for you I'm a deviant and could make it worth the pain."

Kianna smiled a little, "Practice makes perfect?" She asked, her smile becoming a smirk for a moment. She was starting to feel exposed all of a sudden; which was silly, she knew that. "Would you like me to go..?" Her voice was much softer than she'd meant for it to be.

He crawled back into bed and covered with the quilt. "Yeah, you might as well." Giving her a kind smile. "I don't like sleeping next to someone for long."

She nodded stood out of the bed carefully. She often got her feet tangled in sheets, causing her to trip out of the bed. She didn't want to do that in front of her new husband. She pulled on the robe and picked up her various layers of clothes. After moving to the door the young woman hesitated. "Kailoto.." She looked at him, about to say she was sorry about his dad. She didn't though, instead she looked down at her hand keeping the top of her robe shut, "Goodnight." She left his room and closed the door behind her. They never did eat.

Kailoto noddedand turned over as he got situated in bed and passed out quickly.

The next morning comes and the Queen Mother is no where to be found. Kailoto is out cold in bed still as the rest of the council and inhabitants start wandering around

The newly crowned Queen rose early; though she couldn't decide if it was hunger or because she'd gotten good sleep, even if it wasn't a lot of it. She dressed in a light summer dress and wandered to the kitchen. She picked up an apple and wandered outside to explore a little bit. Outside she wandered a bit, trying to guess whose rooms she could see. She rounded a corner, finally looking to her path again. Her apple dropped and a scream lodged itself in her throat. When she pulled in a breath, that's when she let out a scream. She'd finally come across his mothers lifeless body

Ori was brushing his horse to go to town, but the scream made him jump and drop his horse brush. He ran round the corner and saw Kianna and a corpse. He gasped and went to the young Queen. "My god! Come with me, M'lady. Don't stare..." he waited for the knights to come around and led Kianna away from the mangled corpse.
   A servant came to Kailoto's room and informed him that his mother had plummeted to her death, which got him out of bed in just his pants. He found Ori leading Kianna away and stared. "What happened!?"

"I..I.." Kianna stammered, tripping a little as she was led away. Her stomach lurched when she glanced over her shoulder before they were around the corner. "Oh god.. I think I'm gonna be sick." She whispered. As they walked she put a hand over her mouth. The tears that she didn't shed the day before started coming now. She'd never seen anyone dead, not like that. After the fact, cleaned and like they were just asleep. This? This was horrible.

Ori hugged the lady close and tried to comfort her. "Easy, my Queen... it's alright..." he glanced back as the corpse went out of view
  Kailoto ran out next to a couple knights to see his wife. He rounded the corner and saw his mother on the ground in an awkward position. There was dried blood in her eyes and nose, amd one of her eyes had bulged out a bit from the impact. The kong dropped to his knees, like someone had just cut him down at the knees. "No... how....?" He put his head down in his hands

The young Queen wrenched herself away from Ori after a moment. "Stop!" She said, but she wasn't commanding this of him, but herself. She pinched her arm to cause herself to take a deep in. She held it there for a moment before letting it out. "I'm sorry." Her voice hitched, more tears threatening to spill. "The King... I should be with the king." She cleared her throat when her voice caught. She had no right to be crying did she? They weren't her parents and she'd hardly known them. "I should have stayed with her last night.. Got her talking."

Ori shook his head, "The queen was very devoted to her husband. We don't know if your staying with her would have prevented this..." he escorted the queen towards her husband, should he accept comfort.
Kailoto was surrounded by his guards, while a few others covered and took her body to the crematorium. "I didn't think... instead of fucking my wife, I could have stopped her..." he muttered to his most trusted knights in silence

She shook her head a little, "I could have encouraged her to talk about grandchildren.. Just because I doubt they'll come along for a few years, doesn't mean it wouldn't have made the night a little more bearable." She said softly, brushing her tears away harshly. It didn't help though. Her eyes were puffy and the end of her nose was red. She hesitated going any closer to her husband though. What the hell could she say now? If she didn't know what to say the night before, she really didn't know now.

Kailoto pushed his way out of the mourning group and went back inside. He found his way back inside to a private room and locked the door behind him. He let the tears flow with moderate sobs.
   Ori massaged her back gently with one hand, trying to be as comforting as he could, having barely known the Queen a day. "She probably made up her mind the moment her husband died. Don't take the blame onto yourself..." He didn't know what else to do

Kianna watched her husband pull away from everyone. Then she turned her attention to Ori. "Maybe...I'm sorry.. I don't remember being properly introduced.. So much happened last night." Her voice trailed off as her eyes wandered to where she'd found the body. "I apologize if we were and I've forgotten." She looked at him once more. Her mind was slowly starting to work; the things that probably needed taking care of were coming to mind, pushing through the fog.

Ori offered an apologetic smile and gave a bit of a bow. "I'm Ori, My Queen. The King's trusted spy. No need for apology. I'm a mere puppet to aid you through these times of trial."
   Kailoto stayed a while longer and contained his sobs as he redressed in a black suit to symbolize his mourning. Mourning his mother impacted him more, knowing she voluntarily surrendered her life

Kianna nodded a little, "Thank you..." She put a hand on her stomach, still feeling waves of nausea. "I've never.." she didn't allow herself to finish the sentence. She closed her eyes for a moment, "Well then.. Perhaps you know exactly what tasks the Queen takes care of in this household and any tasks of the King you think I could complete.."

"I'll do My best, your majesty. Let's get you inside to deal with that nausea." Now coaching her through the main concourse towards her room.
   Kailoto made sure he was presentable before leaving his room. He had pulled his long black hair into a loose pony tail and the black suit he had on would allow him to ride a horse comfortably. The errand boy that was about to make his way to town was stopped, since he decided he would be riding to the center of town to deliver the news about the King and Queen Regent passing on. "Find Kianna; once she's done doing whatever the fuck it is that she is to escort me into town. The people still need to meet her..." He continued barking out orders related to the trip they were about to take

Kianna took a deep breath. "I think it was just the shock of it." She admitted softly, watching her skirt kick out in front of her. "I need to change into something darker." The darker blue of the dress she was currently wearing would normally be enough for a father in law she'd barely known. Both of her in laws though? She needed to be in black. Or at least almost black. Her head came up and she squared her shoulders.
    When the errand boy came to her she simply nodded. "Tell the Queen I'll be there in ten minutes at most." She turned to Ori, "Please excuse me. I need to well.. Run actually to my room." She nodded to him before searching for the side stairway. One that only servants used.

Ori bowed when she dismissed him and turned back to his own quarters. He kept notes on three happenings of the kingdom for three records keeper, since they were hardly ever seen. It also didn't hurt to have a little blackmail banked for a rainy day, in some cases.
   The message got back to the King quickly. He rolled his eyes and went to saddle their horses. "Women... I do not have the patience to wait for her. If she isn't here by the time I have the horses ready, there's going to be a problem!" With that, he just barged out to the stable to find his horse

Kianna found the stairs and ran upstairs. It was easy to change from one dress to another. Since it was indeed just a dress and not a gown like the night before. She then rushed downstairs to the stable. The young Queen arrived just as the stablehand informed Kailoto that her horse was ready. "Beautiful." She said softly, giving the horse a pat.

Once Kianna graced them all with their presence, the king mounted his horse and stepped him out of the stall. There was a small convoy that would ride with them for protection, but would otherwise simply be for show. "Hurry up! Your horse rides next to mine throughout town." He had a stern look on his face like she had just ruined his day. Now he addressed the rest of them. "We don't stop until we're in the center market! I don't want anybody addressing myself or the Queen directly, unless it's an urgent matter. Gods help you all if anything else goes fucking south..." Kailoto turned the steed towards town, pausing for Kianna to be at his side

Kianna winced lightly and mounted her horse. She joined him as she adjusted her skirts in the sidesaddle. S
Once she was ready she looked forward, daring a glance at her husband. She knew he was grieving, but part of her wondered if this was normal and any teasing banter from last night was the anomaly

Kailoto glanced back at her, the usual asshole was coming back as they made their way off of the castle grounds. His eyes went to the road ahead until they made it to the market.
Once in town, they awaited for the townspeople to gather close. He began his address with the announcement of his mother's death;telling them there would be no formal ceremony, just a cremation and placement into the family mausoleum. Then he cheered everyone up a bit by introducing Kianna. "This is your new Queen." Followed by a 'Long Live the Queen!' From the commoners

Kianna rode next to him in silence. She took in the scenery though, taking in everything around her and the town. She smiled and waved to the crowd. She wanted to stop and talk to people. One glance at her husband and she knew that wouldn't happen. Not today at least. She made a mental note to make and excursion without the king to visit the market and perhaps the church. It would be easy enough to arrange to be there and help pass out food and such to the poor. It would help the King's image for sure in the area.

Several of the knights had found their way down to the back end of town. They were sent out after Kailoto noticed a skirmish near the tavern. He turned his attention back to Kianna as hr started moving back towards the castle. "Stay behind if you want; I'm going to return home to train. "

She pulled out of her thoughts and shook her head a little. "I need to return and see my parents off." She said quietly, "Should I count on you for dinner or is that anything you would like me to have the kitchens prepare?"

His shoulders shrugged in indifference as they strolled along the path. "See your parents off if you like. I'll be taking my meal in the study when I'm ready. I prefer to eat alone, most nights." His thoughts were more focused on distractions like refining His weapons, tensioning his bow... throwing out all the old junk from his parents' room.

"Of course. Then I shall stay out of your way and out of your hair unless you call for me." Kianna said simply, a soft sigh escaped her lips before she could stop it. Internally she scolded herself. He'd just lost his parents. He didn't need to be kind to her.. He didn't have to be period, but she needed to give him time. As they approached the castle she cleared her throat. "As I said, just send for me if you should need anything of me."

"Sounds easy enough. Give your parents my regards..." he dismounted the animal and turned to put his horse away.
He would spend the rest of the daylight hours in the archery yard

Kianna watched him and took a deep breath. Their marriage had enough hardships to begin with, him losing his parents was only going to add to it. She went inside and sent her parents on their way. The rest of the day she spent aquainting herself with the castle and some of the staff. She met and received the ladies of the court for a while as well, accepting their condolences as well as she could.

The sun was setting and kailoto was finally making his way back through to his room. A meal of roasted meat and potatoes was awaiting him after he had bathed the sweat and dirt off his body. He wandered the humid hallways towards his study with his bowl in hand. There were a few orders that needed signing for the morning. Along with the delivery of the rebel head that was rotting in a burlap sack down in the dungeons.

With the sun setting, Kianna slipped off her shoes. She hated the dreadful things anyway. With her shoes off she started wandering the castle a little, mulling over who she was going to take on as a lady in waiting. One of her cousins would be joining her, she was only twelve but the poor girl was one of ten children. She needed the position if there was any hope of her being properly educated. Still. Still, in the contract between their fathers she'd been granted the ability to have three young women as ladies in waiting. She had so many inquiries so far she wasn't sure who to chose.

Each ledger he sifted through was outdated. They mentioned either a request for men to be sent to an ally; a meeting with the king and prince to give their daughters as potential brides and offers of dowry to have Kailoto sent to them to marry a daughter from afar. He laughed at each and threw them to the fire. Kailoto's attention focused on a servant that came into his room to collect his dishes. Smirking at the girl, he told her to bring in a few scribes to write copies of a letter he needed to dictate. "...and hurry back. I'll have another job for you." She giggled as she bowed out of the room. The girl was one of several he often slept with

Kianna shifted through all of the inquiries. She set aside a few that she was interested in. Before she could decide though she needed to know if any of them came from a family they needed a better relationship with; or a family they weren't sure of their loyalty. Anything that could give the kingdom and advantage. It wasn't just appearance or friendship, it wasn't really either of those things. It was about control and allies and information. She frowned a little, realizing she still hadn't eaten dinner. With that in mind she left her room and walked down the hall towards the kitchen.

Little miss servant girl found her way back to the king. Even having found herself a more simple dress to wear for quick access. "I delayed the scribes long enough to give us time, My Lord..." She curtsied and approached the king, leaving the door slightly cracked.
   He pulled her to the desk and made her sit on his lap for a moment, and began her seduction. Within moments, he had her bent over the desk and moaning softly

Kianna ate a light dinner, deciding to check on her husband before she went to bed. She had a feeling her husband wouldn't send for her even if he did need something. The new bride arrived at his study a bit later, when he was in the middle of screwing the maid. She heard the sounds and frowned a little, listening closer. She felt her heart sink a little and then she got pissed. Her eyes narrowed a little and she looked around, finding a dark corner to stay in. She wanted to know exactly who it was he was screwing. She watched the maid exit moments later, by now her anger was just cold rage.

A couple months have passed since the wedding. Life has settled into some kind of 'normal'. Which for this couple means either not speaking for days at a time or ending up in an argument that leads to not speaking for a couple days. Kianna wanted nothing to do with him. The first time she'd caught him screwing another woman she figured it was something he'd grow out of after his grief had subsided. They had a duty to each other after all. Didn't they? It was the next time she caught him- this time she actually saw him with another woman; that was when she decided she'd just rather not see him at all if she could avoid it. Which was what she'd been doing. The two women she'd caught him with she'd found a reason to give them the worst jobs in the castle and she was colder to them than she was to her husband sometimes. Though she wasn't exactly warm with him either. If she could avoid him she gave the shortest answer possible to end the conversation. Now and then she did shout at him, but it wasn't about what was really bothering her.
   Today was no different. As soon as Kailoto had entered the room Kianna could feel the happiness she'd felt from joking and laughing with her Ladies in waiting just drain from her. She didn't exactly trust the older two women she'd hired so she quickly made tasks for them, sending them out of the room and leaving her with her young cousin. Other than the first brief eye contact with her husband she simply refused to look at him. She instead focused on the card game they'd been playing, putting the cards away along with the dice and bronze coins they'd been using to bet.

Every other night it seemed that after his random evenings with these ladies he employed, Kianna got more distant from him; he didn't care, since he figured they would only be with each other to have a child and hold up the burdens a King and his Queen share. As these months have gone by, He just takes it upon himself to be a civil asshole. He only deals with kianna for public events and after, trains and works on his ledgers.
    "I told you once already, if the man poaches another boar from the forest on the east of the castle, I'll take his hands myself. See to it he's paid for the creature." Kailoto watched the man go carry out his order and walked towards the room Kianna was in. He glared at her for a moment and saw that she and her younger cousin were playing a game. Upon approaching the ladies, he decided to push past the one servant standing there to host their drinks and took the cards from her hands. "You and I need to talk. Dismiss your cousin." He looked at the young girl then back to his bride.

Kianna's jaws clenched and she closed her eyes when the cards were taken from her. She put a few coins in her cousin's hand and smiled at her. All soft and sweet with her, "Run quickly, you'll catch up with the other two. Tell them to go into town for a sweet." When her cousin stood and ran her smile was instantly gone. "Is there something I can do for my King today?" Her voice was cold as she returned the coins to her purse and made a move to stand. To get some distance between them.

He forced her back down into her chair by pushing her down by her shoulder. "Stay there!" Kailoto took the seat across from her and put his arms on his knees, folding his hands together. "People around the castle are starting to talk. about you. about me. I won't tolerate it. You acting like a sniviling hag is old!" his voice was raising with each word he spoke. "I won't let a woman act like that towards me just because I take mistresses! You're more than welcome to do the same if you feel so inclined, but you WILL start treating me like a King and your husband!"

The Queen refused to look at him until he said the word 'mistresses'. "They're talking about us because you have to fuck everything that moves that happens to possess tits. Just twenty four hours after we were married and you already had an oversexed little bitch in your study.Two days after that and it was the chambermaid against a wall.. Three days after that was the same chambermaid, but at least this time you were gentleman enough to fuck her on a couch. Must have had some time to waste that day." She narrowed her eyes, "They are whispering about us because you haven't grown the fuck up." She stood again, pushing the table forward as she did so- into him. "I would treat you like a King if you acted like one. YOU, not me is hurting this Kingdom's reputation by being a little whore. Every single day I kiss ass and I lie to the wives of important men because their husbands are worried about your loyalty because you can't keep it in your pants for more than a couple hours at a time." Her heart was pounding and her voice rising. She drew in a couple of fast breaths, "Don't you dare demand to be treated as a husband when you don't have the decency to treat me as wife."

Kailoto caught and threw the table over to his left and got to his feet, snarling as he struck her, open handed across the face. "THAT! That shit right there is going to fucking stop, Kianna!!" He grabbed her by the her collar of her dress. "I'm free to do as I please and if that means running this country with some whore on my cock then so be it!" His eyes were glazed with anger as he stared her down. What I do and say is law and is respected by everyone who wishes their lives be made easy!" his hand fell from her clothes as he starts to lean back.

Kianna jumped back when he threw the table, crying out when he struck her. She fought against tears, but it was a battle she was losing quickly. She wanted to scream at him that she didn't give a shit what he said, he could do as he wished and she would never respect him. Fear made her keep her mouth shut though. Once he released her, she stumbled back, covering her bright red cheek as tears streamed down her face. "I hate you." she whispered.

A dark chuckle escaped him, as he continued taking backward steps from her. "Maybe you'll be lucky enough to see me killed in the next war then! Because I certainly can't stand you either..." Kailoto turned and left the room, passing Ori and several others who came to check on the commotion in the room.
   The spy bowed his head respectfully and waited for him to be gone. Ori peeked into the room to check on the Queen. "My Queen... is everything alright? Some of us are concerned"

Kianna sank to the floor when he walked away from her, curling into a ball because she couldn't hold in her sobs. She wanted to smack him back. God if she'd only thought to smack him back. The Queen jumped when she heard Ori, quickly trying to gain her composure. She wiped her tears away, wincing when she touched her cheek. Her pale skin was fading from red to black and blue. "I'm fine." She croaked and tried to stand.

"Oh my-.... no, my Queen you aren't. Look at your face!" He approached her, kneeling down to help her to her feet and to examine her cheek more closely. "We need to get one of your ladies in here with your make up. That's going to bruise something awful." Ori reached to brush her cheek but thought better of it. With the shake of his head, he took her hands "You have to stay strong, My Lady you can't let him see you like this! I can't help you get rid of these other women, if that will make you feel like you have some control in this... relationship."
   Kailoto made his way through the castle, stripping off his formal ware again to get into his training clothes. He figured he would go blow off some steam by training with some of his new knights, when a messenger approached. Begrudgingly, he takes the parchment and breaks the wax seal on it. It seemed to be the seal of the rebel group.

Kianna stood with his help and shook her head a little, "They're in town by now. I sent them out." She ran her fingers over her cheek again, hesitating when he said he could give her some kind of control. She frowned and stared at him hard, "What do you mean?"

He sighed softly and put both hands behind his back. "You could start by sending these ladies away, if you like. Personally, I would hire women you know he won't find attractive... perhaps even away from their childbearing years. We certainly wouldn't want him ending up with a bastard-..." Biting his lip. "Apologies, My Queen, I shouldn't have said that."

Kianna gave a rather unladylike snort. ~That is the only way that vile man is going to have a child~ She cleared her throat and nodded. That was within her power at least, the hiring and firing of staff. She narrowed her eyes and straightened her shoulders a little. "I can't take away all of his toys. I would hate for him to throw another tantrum." She said, her voice venomus. After a moment she closed her eyes, thinking about asking him to forgive her. He was a spy, on Kailoto's payroll after all. She shook her head and took a deep breath, "Thank you. For your help." With another frown she looked at him. "You hear many things, I'm sure.. Have you heard exactly what people won't say to my face? About me? About the King?"

Ori bit his lip and listened carefully to her question, and thought over the things he may have heard in the past months. "The people are very receptive of you! They see you as the Queen they desire; with a heart of gold and the soul of saint." He sounded like he was kissing her ass, but this was his perception of what the citizens say about her. "As for the King, well-..." he peered over both shoulders to ensure they weren't among anyone else. "If I had to pick a phrase to repeat about the King, it would be that His Majesty is acting like the young, vengeful ruffian he wasn't crowned to be. Our Lord the King is... Not a favorite, but they hold out hope. Surely, you can imagine even his own... 'partners' have a few choice things to say about him. All of which I have heard you say yourself." Ori shut his eyes and waited for SOMEONE to pop out of the woodwork and call him out for speaking ill of their King. "There is trouble coming, and it would benefit us all if you could find a way to help us get the king to... mellow out. I worry that these rebels are going to do something foolish again."
    Several pages of the message Kailoto received hit the floor as he read through the 'promise' to go to war if he didn't surrender land to the Rebel forces. They made threats to attempt kidnapping of the Queen, thinking that she was a value to him beyond loyalties among countries. He shook his head as he picked up the pages and went to his counselmen to share the letter he's just read

Kianna nodded a little, still having a frown upon her face. She wasn't sure exactly how well she could mellow him out. That would take time, and the hiring and firing of a lot of staff. Could she trust a spy though? She didn't really have a choice she supposed. "How many heard our fight.. The details of it?" She had a plan forming in her mind now.

"I noticed 3 maidens and a stable boy. I can find out if there were more and what all they think they heard. If you like, I'll find a lady to come help you hide the bruise you have emblazoned on your cheek..." ori had so much trust in his queen that you could say he wanted to love her as a sister. Being a eunic, that would be all he could muster anyway.

"Please do.. Tell them all that what they heard was the King asking me to stop my visits into town because of a potential threat and we argued.. My fault, I wasn't being reasonable. There could be a very nice reward if they help spread this word.." She looked at the table and frowned, testing the heaviness of the piece to put it back in place. "I will need to sneak out of here, probably through the servants quarters.." Her mind and her mouth were working at the same pace now. "I need my ladies sent to my room. They need to be in their walking dresses.. We'll be making a surprise visit to the church to hand out blankets and food to the poor...I need to make it seem real, that the rebels tried... My cousin, she'll blurt it out... Queen attacked by opportunistic rebels after a fight with her concerned King that such a thing could happen." She rolled her eyes, "That will boost his image in their eyes and give me time to get new staff. Some new staff..I want to find the other girls new positions. That will take a couple of days.." Another eye roll. "No.. I can't or people will actually take notice of the fact that staff is \coming and going." She shook her head, "I don't like using you as an errand boy, but if you can find those who heard, or may have.. Let them know they'll be compensated tomorrow morning. And I need my Ladies sent for.."

The man bowed and began to make his way through the castle. "Gladly and think nothing of it, my Queen. The ladies will be ready post haste." Ori was very anxious to see just how well this was going to work out for her. He of course hoped for the desired results. Each lady was addressed and sent to Kianna's room in their walking dresses. Upon making his way to the last servant, Kailoto was seen rushing off with his most trusted advisor. News of the rebels' letter has definitely traveled quickly, since Ori had little birds everywhere. He bit his lip and let off a sigh

Kianna watched him walk off before she righted the table and chairs, though it took some effort, then she rushed upstairs to her room. This could backfire on her. She prayed it didn't. She changed her dress and shook her head a little. The things she was going to have to do to repair her husband's image. She would start here though. Mellowing him out most likely wasn't going to happen for some time. He was only nineteen after all. She was seventeen, but women matured faster. At least that's what she observed. War was on the horizon; that's the only thing that would give him some other relief besides between the legs of any woman willing to part them. She and her girls were ready soon for their unexpected journey out. The carriage was loaded with loaves of bread and other basic food- soup, some cheese and milk even and blankets.

Each of the counselors had their own ideas about how to deal with the threats: most offered the option of tentative surrender, by letting them have the barren land closest to the rebel camps. Another suggested sending a knight or even the spy to gather information to give them a strategy for taking the leader. Of course, one said start a war and the last merely shook his head. "Why don't we just stage a face to face meeting. Send a letter back, but insist you will do nothing until you meet face to face, My Lord? These rebels don't make moves very often! Ask the leader to meet, maybe in a tavern, each of you with your trusted night or body guard for protection, and try to talk the man down from his threats?"
   Thoughts of many kinds coursed through the King's mind. He was seated at the head of the table with his feet rested on it, hands folded in front of him with each index finger oressed gently against his lips. He may have been brutish and head strong, but with war in their midst and the responsibility to protect what what was gods-given to him, he was thought out and as careful as could be. With a sigh, he nodded his head and stood. "Write the leter, in duplicate. Bring them to me for approval and signature, then place one copy with records. Insist the meeting happens in 3 days!"
  The men bowed to him as he left the room to go have his lunch and bathe.

The ladies left, all four of them together, with veils covering their faces to protect from the harsh sun. It also kept the Queen's bruise from view. They got in the carriage and traveled towards the town. In the most secluded part of the path, Kianna had the carriage stop. She took off her veil and addressed the guards. "I want two of you to travel to town taking different paths. You can meet us back at the church. Address the other guards, shake your heads. That sort of thing." She paused, seeing the looks on their faces, "You're loyal to your King?" When they nodded, she nodded, "Then you will do as I say." With that she dismissed them.
   "You're going to use the Rebels My Lady? Is that wise? They may retaliate. It-"
"It could cause issues." Kianna finished and looked at her, biting her lip lightly. "You're right.. Come. Let's leave... I'll think of something." She said as they got back in the carriage. They arrived at the Church. Moments later, when the Queen revealed her face, her story spread like wildfire. The young Queens and her companions stopped to take a walk when the Queen was assaulted by an unknown attacker. In the carriage Kianna had applied a little makeup to make the bruise appear newer. The news got to the castle shortly after.

Kailoto was just wandering from his study when a man ran up to him with news. The queen had only been gone a few hours and already there was trouble! Kailoto ran. Hand through his hair and started muttering every curse word he knew. "If there's nothing i can do now, then someone needs to hurry up and bring me a full fucking report! I need to know what my next step is, here!" He fastened the buttons of his overcoat and made his way to the armory to grab his sword.

Kianna let people know that she was fine, that yes she would return to the castle very soon. She had to apologize to her King after all, since he'd warned her something could happen if she wasn't more careful. Her visits would have to be less, and unplanned from now on. It didn't cross her mind that Kailoto would actually react in anyway. She set about the task of giving out the blankets and bread, everything they'd brought with them.
   "The guards with her met with her at the Church after two of them went to find whoever assaulted her. Large bruising on her cheek. Otherwise she was unharmed."

He raised a brow when the messenger mentioned the bruise, then nodded, letting off a sigh as he put the sword on his hip. "Well... sounds like the armed men with her were capable of her safety. If you don't see me with the queen when she returns, make sure I find her. I'll need to hear her side of things directly."

The messenger nodded, "Yes m'lord. I'll keep an eye out for her." He left after that.
   Kianna finished handing out the supplies they'd brought with them. After she took some time to speak with some of the people there. She liked hearing what was happening in the lives of those less fortunate. She wanted to do everything she could for them. It was a little frustrating though. If she wanted to do more she was going to have to improve her relationship with Kailoto. At least to the point where she could casually plant information without it seeming in his head so he could then do something about it.

Kailoto sat in the throne room quietly with a flagon of mead next to him. He pondered his next action, after hearing about the attack, but for them to mention the bruise HE left on her, made him wonder if she was just making up a story; or if Kianna had actually managed to get attacked in an effort to make him look like less of a woman beater. He hadn't struck a woman like that out of pure anger before, but he didn't regret it. Not as much as he regretted leaving a mark.

Finally Kianna left the church and headed back to the castle. She was looking forward to staying in her room the rest of the day; take a long bath and try to ease some of the bruising on her cheek, some of the pain too. Eventually she was going to have to mend things with Kailoto. When they arrived and she heard that the King wanted to see her, she felt a cold surge go down her spine. She had forgotten to tell him. With a nod of her head she dismissed her ladies and headed in to find him. She didn't exactly know what to say to get out of trouble this time. "No sarcasm." She muttered to herself.

The cup he was drinking from had hit the floor. Kailoto fell asleep halfway through his second cup due mostly to boredom. With his head propped on top of his hand, he snored lightly in his seat. Ori stepped in and laughed quietly at the King. "Sire, wake up. The Queen has returned from her trip to town."
    "Huh?" Jumping out of sleep suddenly. He stretched out his back and sighed. "It's about time! How long was I out?" Before he could get an answer, there was commotion coming his way

Kianna stopped outside of the throne room, "I need to speak with my husband first. Please. I am alright. Excuse me." She dismissed the various people around her trying to find out what had happened. She hadn't thought this far ahead. ~Well at least I can use that to beg forgiveness.~ She thought ruefully, adjusting her dress before walking into the throne room. It made her want to cringe as she kept her head low and curtsied low. "My King." She said before approaching. She kept her head down, hands clasped in front of her.

With all the people in the room he decided to drop the asshole act for a few minutes. "I heard you took a bit of a surprise attack while you were out. I trust you're alright?" He gave a weak, half smile when she settled in her spot. "You don't have to stand so far back. I'm not of a mood to be a complete bastard. Just tell me what happened"

The Queen looked up and stepped closer, so they could whisper in between speaking for the crowd. "I must apologize my dear, even after you came to warn me of the dangers I went. I had no right to speak to you how I did." She turned slightly, so the people in the room could not see her lips move. "A few servants heard us arguing, I knew the news of it would get to town quickly. I wanted to twist the story so it didn't give people a reason to dislike you any more than they do." She whispered before turning her head once more so the crowd could see her face. "I don't believe the attack was motivated by who I am, but rather the opportunity of it.. I can't be sure of course."

His head nodded to her secretive remark, then let off a bit of a 'thanks' nod with his head. "This isn't exactly good news, but I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say I'm glad you're alright. There's going to be a sit down with their leader, pending their response, in a few days. Hopefully we can put an end to these bastard!"
   A couple of people murmured in approval.

She nodded a little, "I pray this can be settled without any more bloodshed. I know that you will lead us down the right path." Kianna bowed her head and closed her eyes before looking up. "May I speak to you privately?" She whispered. She didn't like the sudden wave of nerves that came crashing down on her.

"Fine by me. Let's go; everyone else is free to return to their duties." Kailoto stood and met her by her side, offering his arm to lead her to a private room. He waited until she was inside and closed and locked the door for complete privacy. "Yes, what is it?"

Kianna gritted her teeth while her back was turned to him. She relaxed her face and turned to him. She actually looked regretful, maybe even a little scared. "I really do want to apologize." She bit her lip, looking down for a moment. "I've been a bad queen... A bad wife." A deep shaky breath, "I was jealous... I thought, after our wedding night.." She trailed off, blushing. "I thought I pleased you.. And I acted like a silly girl believing you'd want me.." She looked up at him again, "And I know it's more complicated than that.. My own father has a current mistress, and had others in the past." With a heavy sigh, she indicated outside. "When I knew that our fight was overheard I wanted to fix the situation, if I could.. But I hope it doesn't cause issues with the rebels.. I never personally blamed them, but it was bound to become part of the rumor.. I should have told you before doing anything.."

Kailoto watched her speak and did his best to read her expression. He could tell she was less than pleased to be talking to him; he knew that his lifestyle and aggression was a problem and he doubted that was going to change much on his end. It was a bit of a shock to hear her apologize! The man took a breath and let it out slowly, approaching her. "Trust me; you pleased me plenty! For a virgin, you moved like a Goddess which is why I made sure you got off as well. The first time shouldn't be all pain." He turned and rubbed the back of his neck. "I may be a 19 year old king, but I have my ways and I like them. A LOT. Neither of us wanted to be tied to the other person, so I figured that, like your father, we would just do what or whomever we wanted. It's our right!" His hands fell to his hips as e turned back around. "A warning would definitely have been nice. That just tells me there was something else on your mind when your plan unfolded." His eyes fell to the dark bruise on her face and bit his lip. "I was raised better than that, I shouldn't have hit you the way I did."

She watched him, almost laughing when he said they should be allowed to do what they want. There was no they in that. A king could, she would not be be forgiven, her actions would not be brushed off because of her sex. Her fingers brushed along her bruise lightly, eyes going to the floor. "You were angry.. People do things when they're angry.." She whispered. Her eyes came up to meet his, "You can do what... Who,"a light cringe," "you want. You're a King. People don't like it because of their religion, and you haven't exactly been secretive about it... But they shrug it off because you're a man." She smiled lightly, "But I would not be forgiven by the people if I was caught having an affair.. Even you have to admit that if you caught me with a man between my legs you wouldn't shrug and say 'well. She didn't want to marry me so..'... You wouldn't shrug it off.. You might say you would.. But in the moment?"

both arms crossed over his chest as he shift his weight to one side. There was a lot he wanted to say in regard to her comment, but decided to keep it calm. "In the moment? Maybe I would be pissed, but I can't imagine why you would be concerned about that. You think I'd deserve it right? There's a couple Kingdoms that work just fine with a similar arrangement." Kailoto reached for the writing utensils on the table just to occupy his hands. "I'd only kill'im if they knock you up before I do." He started writing absent mindedly. "Which, by the way it only takes a year for the counsil to start getting pissy when their Queen isn't pregnant... Better figure something out."

Kianna could see that she'd struck a nerve. She wasn't sure if it was because she pointed out why people were annoyed with him, or if it was because she pointed out that he wouldn't be as accepting of an affair on her side as he claimed. His words made her think it was the later. "The council can get pregnant then. It isn't as simple as willing a child into my womb.." She frowned. "I don't know if now is the time anyway.. If course, I say war is a reason we shouldn't.. They will argue that's exactly why we should have a child.." She sighed and rubbed her temple a little. "I can tell you I'm not pregnant yet..." She didn't want to mention that until a couple days ago she thought she was. That wasn't something he needed to know. He didn't need to know that she was equally relieved and disappointed by the news.

He put the quill down and leaned back in the chair, staring deep into her eyes with a bit of disbelief. "Really? I would think it be every wife's dream to get pregnant with the future Heir to their and their husband's Kingdom! Tell you what; if we don't go to war, I'll do something you want me to do for 2 weeks. If we do go to war, I want to try for an heir." He started to smirk. There was no way she would agree to such a thing, he was sure!

Kianna raised a brow at that offer. First she addressed his statement about an heir and her enthusiasium-or lack thereof- for on. "Don't mistake me, My lord. I want children. My brother was killed because he was an heir.. With our relationship with the rebels right now... It's... Terrifying.." She looked at him, smiling a little "Two weeks huh?" She was so mad at herself.. She should not be finding this asshole charming. Not after earlier. Not after all of those women. She should be refusing him.. It was going to bite her in the butt.

The King started to smirk, slowly nodding his head. "Two weeks. I leave in 2 days to meet with the Rebel Leader and I'll have a verdict then. We have men like Ori and the few knights that trained under my father, who have seen war and know what to look for in a suspicious situation. Do we have a deal?" Nothing was making him feel more entertained than the conversation they were having now.

She looked at the floor again. Obviously she was thinking about it. They would end up trying for an heir eventually so she wasn't sure why that was his choice if he 'won'. Still two weeks could give her time to try and temper his indulgences in the opposite sex. At least women that weren't her. She looked up, nodding. "We have a deal." Then a frown. "If they are planning on declaring war, won't they try to kill you then and there?" It didn't mean they would be successful. But if they werw? Without an heir she wasn't sure what would happen to her. Most likely she'd be killed or forced to marry someone of the rebel leader's choice.. Or the men at the castle would be able to fend off the rebels, but without an heir her power wouldn't remain at the castle.

"All the more reason for me to sire a child sooner, rather than later!" Thinking about being killed before his first anniversary definitely made him nervous. As did not having a child to continue his family's legacy. "If War happens and I end up dead, chances are you'll be forced to marry a high ranking knight or take a prince from some other nation. Worse case scenario, you're abdicated and sent back home... Leaving the villagers and the counsel to choose the next King."

"Well.. I'll pray for your safe return." She wouldn't go so far as to be willing to try for an hair in the next couple of days before he left. It wouldn't really do much for her anyway. She'd be left alone by the council until it was determined if she was pregnant or not. As for the rebels, well, she would probably be killed or forced to give up whatever child was born. With another slight frown, she bowed her head. "Unless you have need of me My King, I think I'd like to retire to my room."

He waved her off, turning to look through a few drawers for no apparent reason. "Yeah, fine. You've had a long day..." Deep inside, he was getting nervous about the possibility of going to war and was reconsidering quite a few things that had transpired lately.
  After a few hours' time, The King found himself with a response from the Rebel Leader. He left the scroll on a table in the study, staring it down as he drank his evening glass of wine.

Kianna nodded, leaving him and retiring to her room. The rest of the day she spent relaxing. She took a long bath, all the time considering how she was going to deal with war if it should come. She was going to need to figure out how to gain power of her own. Being slapped by her husband wasn't going to be something acceptable to her later.. Of course that meant she needed to avoid pissing him off. She also considered the fact that she didn't actually want to be his only release for his sex whims. As much as it made her blood boil to share what was hers; she had things to do. If she was his only lover then she would end up getting nothing done, unless of course she could make allies with her legs in the air.
   Later in the evening she finally left her room. There was buzz about the fact that a letter had been delivered by the rebels. It was something even she was curious about. Plus she was hungry. First she asked that supper be sent to her room, then she found out where the council members were so she could determine if there was a chance of her going to the King and learning first hand if the meeting was indeed happening, or if they had changed their minds. Finding out her husband was alone she decided to wait before approaching him. She went to a seating area near his study, assuming that was where he was, or at least where he might end up later.

"...I'll open the letter once everyone is here. I suppose the Queen is on her way?" Kailoto wasn't exactly dressed to impress, having a desire to go take a bath, but his counsel was annoying him about letting the letter sit. He tapped his foot impatiently, waiting for all bodies to arrive

The Queen was sitting just beyond the room for a bit of time before she was informed by the last councilman that her presence was also requested. It took her by surprise but she nodded and followed him into the room. "My apologies My Lord. I wasn't informed that I was requested. I was waiting to be sent for." She said softly, nodding her head to the men in there. She felt outnumbered in this place; all of these men. She hardly knew any of them. That was another thing she needed to fix.

Kailoto shook his head to dismiss her remark; the apprehension of what was in the letter weighed heavy on him. "Let's crack this thing open and see what our fate is going to be..." He unfurled the letter and started to read it aloud:
"Lord Kailoto,
We agree to a meeting on your terms. First light on the following day or we make our next move. Promises to abduct the Queen and take what else we need by force will be enforced with great measure. Let's strike an agreement..."
He shook his head and leaned back on his seat. "Why does it sound like they have no desire to compromise? Or even PRETEND to work on an agreement!?" He whacked the table hard with his fist.

Kianna sat down after the letter was read and frowned a little. Her eyes went around the room. No one seemed willing to speak yet, so she did. "They do seem.. Cocky. Do we have a recent report on how many people they have? Could they have gotten more men on their side?" She leaned back, crossing her arms as she thought about the letter and it's contents.

"The last report I received stated that they rebels had maybe 228 men. That's nothing compared to our 14,000. Allies are unknown, that seems to be the only thing we can't find out." Kailoto was picking at his lip out of nervous habit. The counsel started to murmur again about how the Queen had just so willingly spoken out. The King shut it down quickly. "ENOUGH!! She spoke before any of you! If you're going to talk about anything, it ought to be about whether or not you keep your jobs."

Kianna almost rolled her eyes at the old men, but since she still wanted to get at least a few on her side she played the humble, slightly embarressed Queen. "Forgive me for speaking out of turn, gentleman, but I do have the safety of our people and my husband in mind." She looked at Kailoto. "If those are their numbers, the tone of the letter worries me. They're confident they can make something happen. Either war or my kidnapping, or whatever other threats they have.." She bit her lip lightly. "Either they have the numbers, at least more than we know.. As for the kidnapping.. Is it possible they have someone on the inside?'

Kailoto weighed the option of another kingdom in his mind for a bit. "I was under the impression that all nearby allies were just that, allies! If those bastards have a spy in my midst, we have a very big problem." He leaned towards a knight in the room with them. "Send a guard to every corner of the castle, watch for anyone trying to get out."

The Queen frowned a little, she was trying to think of anyone saying something odd, or acting particularly distant. The only thing she could think of were the women who had wanted to marry Kailoto; more specifically wanted to be Queen. Some of them had been a little distant. She wondered if they'd be smart enough to spot a fake story about a bruise. She shook her head, that wasn't what she needed to think of right now. "I can't think of anyone acting odd in court.. So either it isn't one of our direct allies, or they haven't told their wives of their deception."

"That.., makes sense, actually. Now, there was a woman who may have been interested in accepting a proposal from my family, but it was as if she was too excited." He ran through the engagement party over and over as best he could remember, having been allowed to drink to abide his father's wishes. "I'm sure she was just some tramp looking to get pregnant by the prince and secure her future..."
  Murmuring could again be heard, as the men talked and nodded amongst themselves. "We have other priorities currently. Let's get the men ready for tomorrow."
    Lady Tarina wandered the halls, tracing the walls of their sunny castle as she made her way to the gardens. She loathed being stuck on an island with king Jericho, but what was she to do? Her engagement plot with kailoto had failed, so she was shipped off the the next kingdom that would have her

Kianna was a bit lost in her thoughts, drumming her fingers against the table. Eventually her thoughts focused back in the room and she turned to her husband, "You think she may be a spy?" She frowned a little. Though it wasn't necessarily an odd occurrence. Women gossiped at court, it was nothing but two faced 'friendships', smiling and gossiping together in one moment and sneering and gossiping about each other in the next. Kianna herself participated in it, she had to. With a shake of her head, "I don't know the name, so she must not be in court right now. At least not ours. If she ever comes here we're sure to be introduced.. I can gauge her attitude." She heard the councilmen whispering about her once more, "If it would please My King." She added to get them to shut up. She would even if her husband strictly forbid her from talking with the woman.
    Jericho stared at the map on his wall. An alliance with the King of Karion was neither detrimental or particularly gainful for him. The boy King, ten years his junior, was too bull headed and blood thirsty for his liking; he lacked religion. Still, his appetite for war could be useful in the future. He sighed a little. He would need to travel there soon, meet the King and see if it was an alliance he could stomach.

"Fine. I want an invitation sent. I believe her name started with a 'T'. Tor... Tarina? Find who she was married off to and get them here." The King stood and made his way out of the room slowly
    Starting into the room she stumbled upon, Tarina stops her King and smiles. "Good day, My Lord." She curtsied and bowed her head respectfully

Kianna watched him leave and gave a soft sigh, "Be careful.." She whispered, since she wasn't sure if she would see him that night or not. She might, earlier he'd seemed intent on trying for an heir. If the meeting with the rebels was to be an ambush, he might not want to risk leaving the trying for after the meeting. She stood and left a few moments after he had, going to her room where she summoned her ladies. That was part of why she had them, they were to know everyone's name, and a little bit about them. It was a lot of names to keep up with, but between the three of them- she didn't expect her cousin to know too many names yet- they should be able to figure out who she was. The invitation to join them would come from Kailoto- a document written by someone else and signed by him- but she could send a letter to Tarina. A formality of welcoming her to her home that not everyone followed, but in this instance Kianna would. With her ladies with her, she took dinner in her room and listened to what the two ladies knew of Lady Tarina and who she'd married, and what they knew of King Jericho from the Isle of Skye.
     Jericho stopped his pondering and looked at his new wife. "My Lady." He smiled a little. He wasn't too horrible of a husband, except that he expected her to be seen and not heard and often said things that implied a woman's only purpose was the bearing of children. He expected her to be as pious as he was, more so even. "How are you finding the new warmer weather?"

Kailoto glanced back when he thought he heard something, then gave a weak smile, whether she saw it or not before he was out of sight. He relayed his plan to the men accompanying him in the morning, then went and stored into his bath for a while. The water was hotter than usual shop he could soak longer.
    She smiled, folding her hands in her lap. "A wonderful change, my King! A great place to raise children too, I'd wager." Tarina could care less about his religiousness, but she's married to this man and needed to play the part, and so she would. Even hoping to become pregnant soon with the hoped of a princess first

With her supper over, and the new information to mull over, Kianna dismissed her ladies for the night. She got into her nightgown and sat outside on the small balcony on her room. She wondered if she shouldn't move to the room actually meant for a Queen instead of a guest. She couldn't bring herself to take her mother-in-laws old room, even though it was a room the woman had barely used. She sighed heavily. They needed an heir, as much as she didn't want to have a child just yet. Still, she liked her position of Queen. It wasn't a title she wanted to lose.
    He nodded, "It was a pleasant place to grow up in. The cold rain of the winters are, at times, almost unbearable. God only gives us what we can handle." He shrugged a little, one brow arching, "Are you pregnant then My Queen, or just hopeful?"

Kailoto found himself walking passed his mother's room on his way to his own. He stopped and remembered the memories they shared with one another: his first teip into town, buying his first war horse and giving it a name she had picked out... telling her about his wishes as a king. He stared at the small teinkets still scattered throughout and let off a sigh before turning in for the night.
   Tarina blushed as she approached. "Just hopeful, husband. I will come to you first when I have news, of course." She approached him and rested a hand on his shoulder. Her modest, tan colored dresslightly dragging across the floor with each step. "I would hope to bring you a child very soon."

Kianna sighed after some thought and she stood up, going back into her room. First she walked to her vanity and first grabbed her bruise salve. She applied it carefully, at least it was feeling better already. She made sure it was rubbed well into the worst part of the bruise and then she pulled on a robe. She could push aside the anger she still felt festering in her; if only to try to secure her future and the kingdom's as well.
   Jericho nodded, "I pray for it every day..." He frowned a little, "I'd like to visit the Kairion kingdom. You knew the then Prince, am I correct?" He knew it wasn't always good to invite yourself to someone's home, but they were after all, Kings. It was bound to happen. "Do you think he'd be receptive of a visitor?" He hardly ever asked her opinion, but this was the thing he could admit she may know more than himself.

There was no sleeping for the king tonight. He was pondering all out comes of the meeting with the rebels. War, ambish and kidnapping were a given, but these people were capable of anything! He wanted to send an assassin out to get rid of their leader, but the king wouldn't even be able to identify them. So he laid on his back with his door and eyes open.
   She gave it some thought and smiled "king Kailoto? He's crass and unrefined... uses women like bath water. But he does worry about appearances, when he has to." Tarina sighed. "Perhaps let him settle and send you a letter? You have been a king longer than he, surely you remember your first year!" Her eyes stayed low as she thought about the night she almost had with Kailoto

Kianna swallowed her pride and made her way to the King's bedroom. When she noticed the door open it caused her to hesitate. It was never open, even when he wasn't there. She listened carefully, just in case the day's events and the letter from the rebels had caused him to be even more reckless than usual with his affairs. When she determined it was safe she walked to the door and knocked softly on the door frame.
   Jericho's eyes darkened a little. He sighed and nodded, "That's unfortunate." He looked at her and smiled lightly, "You're right, we'll allow him a bit of time to settle down." He chuckled softly, "My first year was indeed.. Interesting. I suppose I was lucky that I didn't have such an issue with rebels."

Kailoto raised his head up and looked at the shadow hovering in front of his door. He felt no threat coming from it so he sat up, seeing kianna better. "Oh... what brings you this late?" He raised a brow. He was so lost in his own thoughts these last few hours that he actually seemed relieved to see her.
    "Very much so, My King." Tarina offered him her hand, trying to ignore the dark look he had momentarily. "Those rebels are certainly a small force to be reckoned with."

Kianna walked into the room, resting against the door frame since she wasn't entirely sure what kind of mood he was in. She could see the surprise, maybe even relief? Relieved to see her wasn't something she was sure he would feel right now, not after how bad the past couple of months had been. How bad earlier today had been in. "I couldn't sleep... My brain isn't being very positive at the moment." She looked down at her hands, picking at her nails a little. "I suppose I probably lost our wager.." She was trying for a joke, but it didn't sound right, causing her to cringe. "Not that it was important.. I." She sighed and stopped, looking up at him for a moment. "Bad joke.."
    Jericho looked at her and took her hand, kissing her knuckles lightly. "Even the smallest fly can carry disease." He shook his head a little. He wasn't quite willing to help with that particular fly though. He'd dealt with rebels a few times. They always came in time of poverty and illness. Things that couldn't always be controlled by royalty.

With a chuckle, he waved her into the room. He rubbed his face with both hands as he sat up fully. "It's fine. I'm actually freaking out about tomorrow so I dont feel like being an asshole... there's a slim chance we could get ambushed and I end up missing. Or worse... so i share your apprehension for sleep." He watched her little nervous habit and sighed. "If we can reach an agreement with the rebels, you still have a chance at winning our little bet..." offering a sest on his bed.
   A smile crossed her lips again as she admired her King's wisdom. "Indeed it could." She sighed happily. "You look like you could use something to eat; have you had supper yet?"

Kianna hesitated before closing the door behind her and then she shrugged out of her robe. That thing was too hot on this summer evening. She joined him on the bed and let out a chuckle when he mentioned the bet. Her eyes narrowed at him playfully, "You know, no matter what you'll win. We're going to try for at least one heir." She smiled a little, "Tricky King." She teased.
   He frowned a little. "You know," His frown turned into a smile, "I don't believe I have." He stood and raised a brow, "Your husband is old." He joked. "I don't know if I've been sitting her for ten minutes or ten hours." He offered his arm to her, "Have you eaten?"

"Then to hell with what we said earlier, Why don't we start now?" He smirked at her and stretched his back out a bit. Kailoto looked her over and thought carefully for a short while. "You can't imagine the wave of emotional bullshit I deal with, when stuff like this rears its ugly head." Rubbing his head as he let off a deep sigh. "A tricky king indeed. I can't even decide if I want to deal with you, love you or leave you... especially now that it feels like something bad can start happening on a daily basis."
   Tarina giggled playfully, "You're not old! I would have a hard time loving you, as shallow as it is, my King, if you were old. It's been since early morning since my last meal. Let's go get your favorite out of the kitchen, ok?"

Kianna chuckled softly, but her smile faltered at his statement about not knowing what to do with her. It made her stomach drop because she knew he could be a man who acted on whims. If he divorced her she'd be shunned basically. Sent off to the country to live in a villa or something with a few servants and hardly any visitors. If he killed her, well, she supposed she wouldn't have to worry all that much. Finally she looked at him, "Right now, I'm not entirely sure what to do either.. I want love, who doesn't?" She looked away, "Right now I want us to have a chance to figure this out..." Wanting to lighten the conversation a little though, she looked at him and smiled, "If you do decide to divorce me, send me somewhere nice and warm where the men walk around with no shirts huh?"
    Jericho smiled a little, enjoying her laugh. He was glad he'd put aside his reservations in marrying her. He nodded, "And something you enjoy as well. Have you discovered a favorite dish here yet? I know this amount of seafood can be hard to get used to." He asked as they walked to the kitchen.

He rolled his eyes at her, trying not to smile at the last remark she made. "I suppose if we come to that ending, I could do you that courtesy." Kailoto stole a kiss from her and got to his feet. "I wouldn't worry about going anywhere. I'll just be that asshole king that keeps his wife uncomfortably close, but..." waving his hand at nothing. "Does what he does. Given more time I'm sure something will change." The king felt like he was babbling on about every little thought that came to mind.
    "Yes, the seafood! At least the cooks are good at making it taste less like fish and more like something I'm used to... I think a fruit salad would satisfy me just fine." She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, knowing that he was a little nervous about certain displays of affection

Kianna licked her lips lightly after the stolen kiss, watching him. It was only now that she saw just how similar they were. They were both young, too young to be doing this on their own, but neither of them had a choice. Her parents had their own kingdom to run. She could feel the weight of not having his parents with them now, heavier than it had been before. She wanted him to feel comfortable talking to her like this. "Everyone changes as they get older... I no longer climb in trees and pretend I'm a knight.."She smiled a little, "Maybe one day you'll be the collected one and I'll be the Queen that does whatever she wants."
    He nodded a little, "I promise the food will liven up soon. Late summer through early winter seems the best time for foods here. I like to keep our food sources local, employ more uneducated people instead of trained sailors who bring in food from distant places." He shrugged a little, "But you are more than welcome to request foods from distant lands, if there's anything you can think of that you want." He watched a maid pass them before leaning in and giving her a soft kiss, "I do want you happy here."

"There couldn't be anything on earth that makes that happen... definitely not in the next 10 years!" He tapped his thigh a couple times with his fist then sat back down at her side. Kailoto looked into Kianna's captivating eyes and held her chin in his hand. "I... need to-" He let her go and turned away, lying down on his bed. "We should try to sleep..."
    Tarina gave him a reassuring squeeze on his bicep. "I am happy here... with you! No other man could make me feel so complete."

Kianna watched him, frowning a little because he closed off from her. She frowned at his back. With a nod she shifted on the bed, putting a hand on his arm, "I can go, if you'd like?" She bit her lip lightly, "But I'd like to stay with you for a while..." The second part came out as barely a whisper.
    Jericho smiled a little, "I'm glad to hear that.. Not all arranged marriages find happiness." He continued walking after that, leading her to the smaller dining hall attached to the kitchen. There were a few knights there eating, all of whom stood and bowed to them before returning to their meals.

There was always something about a woman's timidness that made him expose more of his sweeter side. He sat up on his bed and pulled her gently on to the bed with him; pulling her close so he could hold her tight. "Stay..." Kailoto kissed her shoulder. "If you leave me alone, someone else may take your spot." He was trying to make a joke, but knew after he said it that it was in bad taste.
    ~If I don't love you, I'll cheat on you. And there are some ATTRACTIVE knights in your employ. He is a good man and a good king... remember that, Tarina~. Softly clearing her throats, he said, "Arranged marriages tend to have a better ending, from what I read." She bowed her head to each of the men as they passed by, then took the seat appointed to her.

Kianna rolled her eyes a little, but remembered her own bad joke before so she decided not to be too mad. "Ha ha." She said, poking him lightly before she moved in close to him, resting her head on his chest and one arm went around him. Right here and now was her chance to hug him, hold him. It occurred to her that her husband could return to her either dead or dying. She wanted this moment with him.
     Jericho nodded, "I suppose, for many I'm sure it's the case." A sad smile, "I wish that had been the case for my parents." He waived a maid over, "Whatever has been prepared for the knights for myself and a large fruit salad.. Is there anything else you'd like?" He asked Tarina once he'd sat down.

kailoto laid there quietly for a while, just enjoying the feel of her body against his own. He eventually decided that he would wrap his arms around her and give her a gentle kiss. The potential for him being maimed was weighing heavily on his thoughts still, so he wanted to get lost in a tender moment.
     She just gave a smile and shook her head politely. "The fruit and a glass of tea and I'll be a happy woman." 

She returned his kiss, relaxing in his arms. She hadn't realized that she was tense until her body relaxed. As they kissed she ran her hand down his back to rest on his side.
    He nodded to the maid and relaxed back into his chair, putting his hands in his lap for now. "How did you spend your day? This is the first I've seen of you today.. Briefly this morning, but we haven't been able to talk.

He rested his forehead against hers once the kiss broke and let off a soft sigh. "Why is it I can't stand to be around you most days, then when our lives are in danger I don't want to be away from you..." kailoto laughed. "I think I lost my mind"
    Tarina let off a soft sigh, but she smiled still. "I went to one of my handmaidens and asked her to teach me how to sew. There are a lot of basic tasks I managed to get through life without." She twiddled her thumbs together nervously. "Then, I spent a few minutes thinking about what your children will look like when we finally have them"

The queen chuckled softly, "You know that goes both ways.." She teased lightly. Then she let out a sigh, turning more serious. "It's because we're both strong willed... We're both still kids that are trying to figure out how to be the two most powerful people in your kingdom, and how to deal with the other powerful people that surround us." She nuzzled her face into his chest a little, ignoring the stab of pain when she bumped her bruise.
    He nodded, noticing the sigh but not paying it any mind. "Tall boys, beautiful girls... Hopefully they all get your nose." He smiled a little and shrugged, "I didn't learn any archery until I was nearly King.. I was the third son after all. I wasn't going to inherit much unless I married well."

"Well I'm glad I'm not the only one who notices that... How's your cheek? Believe it or not, I'm actually sorry" Kailoto brushed the other cheek gently.
    Tarina blushed, hearing him suggest he 'married well' made her feel rather special. "Oh,come on now... Hopefully they don't act that much like me. I had an attitude that would try the most patient man..."

Kianna smiled lightly, "It will heal. I wasn't entirely sure I believed you earlier.. I was still pretty angry." She sighed at herself, "That seems to be a failing of mine.. Holding grudges.."
    He smiled softly, looking at his hands, "I know. I confess I knew a little bit about you before I agreed to bring you here.." He looked at her and shrugged.

There was really nothing more he could say, since he was guilty of that too. "You should have been. I'm an asshole and i know it..."
    She bit her lip, the smile fading a little. "Nothing bad I hope?" Tarina chuckled nervously. "I suppose it has something to do with Kairion?"

She sighed softly, "That doesn't necessarily mean I should act like a bitch.. We just kept fueling each other's anger and bad attitudes.." Another sigh, "It didn't help that I practically tortured myself by listening to the whispers in court.. Every time I walk in and get settled into one conversation the others would whisper.. I made it my special talent to be able to eavesdrop while still participating in conversation.. Then I would just sit there and brood more.. I couldn't stand their pity.. Couldn't stand not being enough for you.." She froze, not meaning to admit that last part out loud, she hadn't even really admitted it to herself.
    Jericho shook his head, wanting to put any fear she had to rest. "I knew you'd originally wanted to marry the then Prince of Kairion, that you were even a little excited for it.. But it was nothing bad that I heard." He sat up as their food came out from the kitchen. "Mostly I heard that you could sometimes be... Spirited at court.."

Kailoto's brows went up in surprise, which they shouldn't have. He knew better than to think she COMPLETELY hated his guts. The king was tired of talking, so he just pulled her into a passionate kiss.
    the young Queen could only nod her head. Her cheeks were bright red, being embarrassed but glad he knew who she was. "I've put that behind me... I would do whatever it takes to make sure I'm the Queen you deserve. for the rest of our lives."

Kianna had opened her mouth to apologize when he pulled her in for a kiss. She was a little surprised by the passion behind the kiss. It wasn't just to shut her up, or at least that's not what she got from the kiss. She moved in closer to him, slipping her hand under his shirt a little.
    He nodded, "When I was younger, I had all of these grand dreams that I wanted to be a sailor with our Navy. That's what I wanted, and I... When it came down to only being me left to become King I was angry.. Refused to do it. I sailed off and didn't come home for months.."

He kept her in the kiss for a while, twitching when her hand touched bare skin. He took his own hands and caressed her sides breaking the kiss to look at her. "Surprise..." offering a Little smile.
    Her apprehension dissolved when he spoke of his past. She listened carefully, snacking on her food. Tarina swallowed her mouthful then wiped her hands clean. "What was it that happend to your siblings, Love?"

She opened her eyes and returned the smile, "A good one.. I thought you were going to ask me to leave..' chuckling softly, "Say something along the lines of talking is why you don't really want to sleep next to me.."
   Jericho took a deep breath, "My eldest brother died from a fever. The same that killed our father.. The second oldest did become King, for a time, but he had always been emotional. Unstable.. Brilliant mind except these bursts of insanity. He fell to his death during one of his ramblings.. Slipped or jumped we don't know." He shook his head a little, "This isn't very good dinner conversation. Im sorry."

"If i were in my usual mood, you you be right." He kissed her again. "But I'm not, so either i can perform my husbandly duties to you or my hand and have you here for the night." He was hoping he could seek indulgence with her. Fear of being maimed or killed during his meeting tomorrow with the rebels had him in a 'one last time' state of mind. Perhaps she felt the same
    She gasped softly, "Oh, no my king i started it so it's me who should appologize. I should know not to ask such things at a time like this." Tarina out a hand on his knee and gave him a gentle squeeze

Kianna chuckled softly, "Husbandly duties.. Wifely duties.. That's just such a bland way of putting it don't you think?" She leaned in and kissed him. "We have to have a little more fun performing our duties than that.."
    He smiled a little, "You have a right to know about my family's past. I'll tell it all to you one day.."

Kailoto let out a soft laugh as he ran his hand through her hair. "Then how about we fuck each other like it's the last time...?" Kissing her yet again
   She was content with his response, so with a nod of her head, she finished her meal

Kianna chuckled again as she returned the kiss. The hand under his shirt brushed along his side before resting on his lower back. She pressed her hips into his
   Jericho finished his stew and mead.

His hands found their way down to her hips so he could pull her into his lap. He lifted his torso to take his shirt off and throw it to the foot of the bed, and locked lips with her again.
    That evening, One of Kailoto's ships made its way to the docks at King Jericho's island. A messenger and horse dismounted the ship and made their way to his castle to deliver the letter

Once on his lap Kianna reached down between them, lifting her hips a little while she tugged her nightgown out from between them. She place a hand at the back of his head, tangling her fingers in his hair as she deepened the kiss.
    Word that there was a messenger traveled almost as quickly as the messenger himself. King Jericho was awaiting it's arrival. He didn't know what to think of it, but he did recognize Kailoto's flag. Was it a request for assistance? It couldn't be a declaration of war, they weren't enemies and they had similar allies. Frankly, it confused him.

Kailoto's hands wandered beneath her nightgown as they kissed so he could pry his pants open. His hips bucked against gently as they kissed.
    The messenger stopped a few yards away and dismounted the horse. He approached quietly with the letter, holding it out to King Jericho

She smiled a little as she kissed him, feeling his hands struggling with his pants since her nightgown was in the way. She helped pull it away, but didn't want to break the kiss so she could remove it altogether. That was one thing she had to admit, she liked kissing him
     Jericho took it wordlessly, opening the letter and reading through it quickly. His frown stayed the same as he went through it one more time. "Get this man a room. Take care of his horse." He looked at the messenger, "I'll send my response in the morning. You can stay here, or you're welcome to go home. If you stay, you should let your ship know."

He broke The kiss slowly and pulled her nightgown over her head, then took a moment to admire her body. She had the body of a godess, and he was too much of an ass to treat her right until he needed her. "Don't make me repeat this.... you're beautiful. "
    The man bowed. "The room is alleviated, sire thank you." He ran back to his men, then followed the escort to the castle

Kianna chuckled softly when he removed her nightgown, she was about to comment on how it was a tent when he spoke first. Her smile faltered at the first comment, turning into a pleasantly surprised smile at his next words. She looked down and away for a moment. She was going through what to say, she wanted to nervously babble about being nothing but knees and elbows until she was sixteen when 'overnight' she all of a sudden had boobs and hips. Telling him that he was attractive was something she felt, but seemed stale if she said it now. Instead she looked at him again, smiling nervously before leaning in and kissing him. "Thank you seems vain... But thank you." She said softly.
    He nodded before starting his pacing. His advisers met him here, apparently a common occurrence. Finally he made a decision. They would visit in two weeks time. He needed that time to prepare the castle for his absence, as well as see if his wife wanted to journey with him.


He laughed at her vanity-laden comment but kissed her back. "You're welcome..." Kailoto leaned forward and buried himself in her chest for a moment, squeezing her ass gently at the same time.
   Tarina sat in bed, wearing her thinnest night gown, waiting for her king to come to bed. She had become a custom to his presence when she slept.

Kianna ran her hand through his hair, and when he pulled his face from her chest finally she brushed her fingers over his cheek. She gazed into his eyes, her thumb brushing along his lips. "You make me so nervous sometimes that I don't know what to say.." She took in a deep breath, then a small smile, "I remember when we first met.. I was so annoyed that you were late. Your hair was still wet... You took my breath away. That annoyed me too." She looked down. ~Why are you tell him this.. Stop it!~
    Jericho sighed and made his way upstairs to their room. He walked in and closed the door softly, leaning against it with a heavy sigh. "We've had an invite.." He started as he pushed off the door and walked to the bed. "From the King of Karion.."

Being used to these affections prompted him to use his casual, heartwarming smile,but if felt more genuine to him. "I'm glad I get on your nerves so badly. Means you actually care, right?" His hands moved up her sides slowly then he kissed her palm before her fingers left his lips. "If this visit with Jericho and the meeting with the Rebels goes well, I can see things starting to get easier... It's just hard to wrap my head around... us." he shifted, noticing their conversation was starting to change his mood.
    She sat up in the bed, holding the blanket up against her chest. "Really? Well, I suppose now is as good a time as any." Tarina was pondering the reason for his request to have a visit so soon, since she did her best to stay out of politics. "I assume you want to accept? Should there be anything we take as a gift, or just show up? There's nothing I can think of that the King would appreciate, unless it's a weapon..."

Kianna could feel the mood shift and she just smiled a little; trying to think of how to get it back. She wasn't sure he'd want to get it back. "Well, I know one part of us we can work on tonight..." She ran a hand down his chest before looking up at him, biting her lip lightly to keep from smirking.
    Jericho took off his boots, tossing them across the room. "I plan to accept and travel there in about two weeks.." He frowned a little, "Well, we should take something.. Not a weapon." He turned to her, "Maybe wine.. Whiskey for him personally I guess.."

"Sounds like a GREAT plan!" Kailoto smirked back at her and pressed into her hands. "I'll let you take the lead tonight."
    She nodded her head in agreement. "I remember he enjoys a good drink. Maybe too often to excess..." She scratched the back of her head and stiffled a yawn. "Maybe I can have a shawl made for the queen?"

"Me? Ok..." She said hesitantly, but then shrugged. Now was a good time as any to find out if her cleverly disguised erotic books were at all realistic. She gave him a kiss, to get rid of her nerves, running her fingers over the head of his shaft.
     Jericho stood and readied for bed, "Perhaps just the wine then." He chuckled softly and nodded at her idea, "I think that would be a nice gesture."

He gasped softly and pressed into her hand gently, watching as she found her confidence. He glanced at her hoping she would see the lust in his eyes.
     Tarina grinned and lied back down on the bed. "I'll have one made in the morning... Do you think she likes red or gold?" She pat his spot on the bed and got comfy

His gasp was encouragement enough for her to scoot back on his lap a little so she would have better access to him, running her fingers along his length. Then she looked up to meet his eyes, smirking a little when she recognized the lust in his eyes. It wasn't something she saw for her very often. She leaned in and kissed his neck.
     He frowned, "I...Hmm.." He walked over to the bed, "I'm not very good with fashion.. But perhaps red with a hint of gold? Or other way around..?" He chuckled at his lack of knowledge of fashion. Then he lay down next to her.

Kailoto grinned, then watched her hand work his length for a little while. He grabbed her chest and gently massaged Kianna's breasts.
    She laughed softly and curled up next to him, arm draped over his chest. "Thank you for your input! The ladies will make something nice..." Tarina tried to quiet a yawn.

Kianna shivered a little. She moved her hand down along his shaft and then down, cupping his balls as she leaned in and kissed him again. She brought her hand up his shaft again.
    Jericho wrapped an arm around her, running his hand over her back gently. "I know you'll choose something perfect." He said softly, knowing she was ready to fall asleep.

He moaned when she got a good grip on him. THe king panted softly and closed his eyes. "This is slow and torturous..." chuckling lightly. "I'm going to need a little more... excitement, if you catch my meaning."
    Tarina smiled against his chest and let herself start to doze off for the night.

Kianna paused, not entirely sure what he meant actually. She bit her lip lightly before swallowing hard and moving lower on the bed. If this wasn't what he meant she assumed he'd take over. She frowned a little, not sure of the appeal of this, but she put him in her mouth.
    Jericho listened to her as she started to fall asleep, still going over things in his head

Kailoto gasped and snapped his eyes shut, running his hand into her hair. "Surprise, surprise..." another grin formed. "Didn't think you would go that route." he helped her set a pace by putting gentle pressure on the back of her head when she stayed up too long. "Choose how long you want to be down there... keep it up too long and I won't have any stamina for you"
     She shifted on occasion as she dreams in her sleep. Mostly thinking about the child she wanted to have, then they would change to when she used to sneak around with Kailoto. When the dream got too exciting, she moaned but didn't wake up

Kianna was glad for the guidance from him. She did it for a little bit, but she wasn't sure about how much she liked it. Heeding his warning she eventually pulled off of him. "I want you to take over.." She said softly.
     Slowly his thoughts were leading him to drift off, until her moaning woke him up from his half-sleep. Jericho didn't interrupt, but instead dwelled on the fact that he knew it wasn't about him. It wasn't something he held against her. Instead he just sighed. He was boring was all.. Maybe he could be more exciting.. He'd been wild before, it was awhile.

He smirked and brought her into his lap again, dragging his hands from her thighs, slowly, all the way up to back which had her lay down on his chest. Kailoto kissed her passionately and carefully moved around so he could push her hips down on his shaft when he was ready.
     Tarina went quiet with a soft sigh and stayed quiet the rest of the night.

Kianna felt a little more comfortable with him in charge, sinking into his kiss as he got her into position.
     Jericho eventually fell asleep with a frown on his face.

Kailoto brought her down on his shaft. Biting her lip gently as he began thrusting. He kept his pace a bit slow, in case she needed to adjust to him at all; then he flipped them over so he was on top.

She hooked her legs on his hips once they were flipped over, moaning softly into the kiss. she wrapped her arms around him.

Her moan sent shivers down his spine. Each thrust got a little quicker when he got a good rythm going. He kissed her neck repeatedly between pants.

Kianna arched her back as he got faster, her breath turning into pants. She moaned his name, lifting and rolling her hips into him with his thrusts.

His toes dug into the matress as did his fingers as he started to feel his climax build already. Nearly being sent into orgasm at the way she moans his name! Kaikoto thrust in hard and deep as he began to cum; now groaning her name into her neck

Her nails dug into his shoulder once he thrusted in harder and deeper. She shivered when he started cumming, moaning. She bit her lip and pressed into him.

He stayed still long enough to get his breathing under control, then he picked up his head and kissed her across her chest. "That was unexpected" kailoto chuckled at himself, then kissed her gently on the lips before laying on his back next to her. A content sigh escaped him.

Kianna looked at him and smiled a little, "Not exactly how I planned my night.." She didn't move for a little while, kept awake by her thoughts. She listened to Kailoto's breathing as he slept before finally curling up next to him and falling asleep.
   
    The next afternoon her fears were realized. A messenger- a knights squire actually- was given a fast horse and a message. They were at war with the rebels, with Kailoto and the men he'd taken with him surrounded at the time. Kailoto had sent for one of the few lords he trusted to 'take over' at the castle while more of Kailoto's knights joined him at the front lines. The rebels did have more members than they originally knew; nearly 1,000 men and women... just enough to really give Kailoto some trouble. The war had so far lasted two months, with the King coming home a couple times in between. Kianna and Kailoto's relationship was a bit strained by war- especially when he returned and realized that almost all of the pretty and young servants had been replaced by older women and a few had been replaced by men. It didn't help that Kianna was pulling away from him as she got a little deeper into a secret relationship with Lord Davros. Kailoto would argue about her turning him away when he tried to get close. Her blaming him for sleeping around at the war camps while he was gone had pushed her to intrigue another behind his back.
    Meanwhile King Jericho had postponed his visit to Karion until Kianna extended the invitation once more when Kailoto assured her that the war was only a couple of weeks from ending and the rebuilding would begin. Lady tarina was sent ahead early so she could show jericho around when he arrived. So, Tarina would do her best to stay close to both kianna and kailoto when either was around. She would taunt the king after a fight with kianna, and he nearly accwpted everytime. He would stop himself only to prevent another war with an ally.

"Stop it.." Kianna said, trying to hide a smile. She looked from her book to Davros next to her. He was facing the other direction, facing the shelves. He was making sure he could brush his fingers along her arm or even her waist and hips.
   Davros just grinned a little, "I'm not doing anything My Lady." He said his voice low and deep. He turned back to the shelves and pulled a book down before stepping away from her when they were briefly joined by a councilman. Once the man was gone, Davros looked at her and stepped in close. "I know he's coming home tonight, but you should join me for desert.." He grinned.
Kianna looked at him and smirked, "Fine. Now go away. I'm meeting Lady Tarina here before we go to tea in the garden." She watched him walk away, smiling a little.

Kailoto found himself in a medical tent. He got caught leaving his tent by a rebel spy and wound up wounded. The rebel had struck him with a dagger in the meat of his thigh; nothing more serious than stitches. The rebel was not so lucky this time. He cussed at the man stitching him up then waited for him to be done. "Ready my horse! I'm heading back..."
    Tarina was talking to a healer, learning a few things about health additives to drinks and foods. She was missing her husband, but he would be there soon. Hopefully before she slept with another out of habit

Kianna let out a heavy sigh and her smile got bigger as she moved to a couch. That man made her happy, made her actually feel like a Queen, and made her feel desirable. Any time she felt guilty she just remembered all of affairs Kailoto had already had, and the fact that he said he didn't care as long as she didn't get pregnant. That wasn't enough for her to actually sleep with Davros yet, but she was sorely tempted to. Tonight would be the night to do it, since Kailoto was going to send Davros to the front lines to finish up the rebels and to oversee the repairs in the surrounding areas.
    Jericho was on his way to Karion, he would be arriving in a couple of hours. He hoped his wife would enjoy the gift he was bringing. He felt bad for not being able to join her in Karion right away, but having been needed at his own castle he'd sent her on ahead of him. His hope was that she would develop a good relationship with Queen Kianna, which would help him develop an alliance with Kailoto. That was his hope.

The king hops on the back of his horse and trotted home, slowly. Weary eyed for any unusual shadows or sounds in the woods should he and his charge be attacked again. The sun was setting as he got to the castle compound. A sigh escaped him as he took his time leading the stallion to the stable. The weight of his armor was finally settling down on him, so he was getting anxious to go have it removed in the armory. The blacksmith was to make a few adjustments to it after.
    Walking down the halls, Tarina noticed Kianna and smiled. She knocked lightly on the door frame. "My Lady? Might I join you? It's so lonely within these walls!"

Davros spent the evening preparing for both Kailoto and Jericho's arrival that evening. On the side he worked on setting up something for himself and Kianna. He'd never had a more challenging target.
    Kianna looked up from the book she hadn't even been reading really. She was able to read a little, but her thoughts bounced between Kailoto's arrival and her affair with Davros. She looked at Tarina when she knocked and smiled, closing the book with a sigh and an even bigger smile, "Oh yes. Please! I would love some company."

She smiled and took a seat across from her. "Thank you!" Tarina looked around the room. "It feels so cozy in here... have more books been added?" Her eyes glanced around the room a bit more

Kianna looked around and smiled a bit, "Some of my books were added.. Mostly boring books, language, history, some warfare books." She shrugged a little, "I have some personal books as well, love stories and the like, but all of those are in my room." She chuckled softly.

She had stood to lookvfor one of the romance books until she said they were in her room. "Oh, that's too bad! A good romance novel is always worth a read!" Tarina giggled as she took a seat again. "Speaking of which; how have you and the king been? I notice you're quiet around one another" she bit her lip nervously
    Kailoto was just beginning to get his armor taken off. He planned on staying until the armor was adjusted and refitted, then he would get back inside the castle for a drink.

Kianna smiled, "I'd be happy to lend you one. Or more if you'd like." She bit her lip when she asked about Kailoto. "The war has added some stress. I'm positive we'll be able to focus on our marriage a little more soon. We were only married a couple of months when the rebels ambushed him." She set her book aside when a maid came in with tea. "Another cup, for Lady Tarina. Grab one from the set I keep in the Lavender room." She picked up the tea already poured. "Think I may be getting a cold." She smiled, knowing that the tea she had was heavily scented. "The teapot is filled with camomile and lemon balm. Much better than this." She sipped her tea.
    Davros came down to the armory, "My King." He bowed, and then frowned. "You were injured recently. Have they gotten new recruits?"

"Great, thanks!" She caught a wiff of the tea and had to stop herself from saying anything. Tarina was fighting off a smirk. "Chamomile and lemon balm sounds lovely..." she picked at the hem of her dress for a moment, waiting for the servant to come back with her cup. "You know... it seems strange to drink such a strong tea for just a cold. I hear people talk about the King trying for an heir?" She took the cup when it was delivered to her.
    The smith had his arms out at his side as the breast plates were being fitted. Kaikoto looked over his shoulder "it's just a cut, nothing serious... their army is starting to waver, even with the new numbers they've added." He grunted when the straps were oulled too tight. "We're still cutting them down faster than they rebuild... Christ man, hurry up!" Barking at the man. He put his attention back to Davros. "I believe your horsenis ready. I'm sending another 100 men with you for good measure. They're lined up andnready for your command." He smiled a bit as he was stripped back down. "My wife still talking shit about me?"

Kianna sipped her tea and nodded, "We are trying for an heir. Which is why I have the strong tea." She shrugged, "I've heard it's harder to become pregnant when you're ill.. Could be an old wive's tale I suppose, but it doesn't hurt to try to stay healthy." She drank more of the tea before going for a change of topic, "Your husband will be here tonight I understand? You must be excited after being away from him so long.. I've heard he's a good man. Patient and understanding, kind too"
     Davros nodded and looked away for a moment. "Actually My Lord, I was thinking of leaving rather late tonight, so that we arrive around dawn." He smirked and raised a brow, "Approach from the South to throw off and potentially ambush the rebels. If that sounds like a wise plan?"

"Indeed. Yes! My Jericho is rather the ideal man! He's a good man, great company and I do miss him so. We're hoping to have our own heir on the way shortly! Wouldn't it be something if we concieved at the same time? Talk about keeping the peace!" She chuckled. Sipping on her tea, she had a quick thought about saying something in regard to noticing the henna powder in Kianna's tea, but she remained quiet still. "Poor Jericho almost seemed upset when i told him i still wasn't with child. Blamed my diet!"
    King raised a brow, but thought it over as he massaged his leg gently. "I supoose a tactic like that would give us the advantage we need to end this thing. Have the men stand down untilnfirst light." He skiled and walked up to him, patting him on the back as he went to the castle. "What has you in such spirits? You haven't had a good idea in weeks!"

She smiled, "He sounds wonderful. I look forward to meeting him." She chuckled at her comment about getting pregnant, "If that happens it will be a sign from God that we should be allies I would think." When she finished her tea she poured a new cup and sipped the camomile and lemon balm tea. "Much better taste." She smiled and set it aside. "Your diet? How so? The fish?"
    Davros shrugged a bit and laughed, "Perhaps all I needed was a break from the battlefield to get a hunger for it?" He asked as they walked back to the castle. He turned when he heard the announcement of a visitor. "That would be King Jericho. About time. His wife has been here how long now?"

"Well, medicine almost never tastes good..." She mumbled very quietly to herself. "Especially when you don't want to get pregnant..." and drank the rest of her drink, sighing shortly thereafter. She heard a little commotion coming from downstairs and furrowed her brow. "I wonder which king is back?"
     He groaned softly. "She's been here nearly a month, i think? It's about time, too. I was this close to going back to my post coronation days with her and just.., bending her over a table!" Kailoto shook his head. "I swear, going this long without sex has been a distraction!" He referred to his leg and layghrd, walking with Davros to the castle.

Kianna narrowed her eyes a little. She could tell the girl was muttering, but not what she was saying. When the announcement came she set her tea aside and stood, "Yours, I should think.. My husband likes to come in unannounced. I think he likes sending the staff into a frenzy by just coming in out of nowhere." She shook her head, but smiled like it was a childish antic that made her laugh. It wasn't. "Shall we go greet your husband?"
    Davros chuckled softly. "I'm surprised you haven't.. Rumor has it that she's rather receptive of you." He raised a brow, "Last time was with your wife last time you were here? Trying for an heir I believe I heard?" He grinned a little. He was caught up on all the gossip because he tended to sleep with bored married women. There was slightly less risk of ruining someone's reputation, since if they ended up pregnant-or suspected they were- all they had to do was sleep with their husband if they hadn't recently and call it theirs.

Tarina nodded her head, chuckling softly and waited on Kianna prior to heading downstairs to meet everyone. She was anxious to see her husband after so long
    Kailoto gave him a look, shielding a nervous smirk with a shrug. "Yes, right before the rebels ambushed us and started this war." He scoffed. "I had to make a wager with her to even let me sleep with her again, let alone try for an heir! I can count on one hand the number of times she's been in my bed." Jericho was coming into view behind them as they entered the main concourse.

Kianna walked downstairs, one brow arching when a maid hurried by. When they came to the main concourse to meet with King Jericho she let out a soft sigh upon spotting Kailoto. She subconsciously smoothed out her dress as they met. He hadn't had time to clean up, so he must not have been here that long, "You've been hurt." She frowned, all formal greetings that she'd been preparing flew out of her head.
  Davros nodded a little, keeping it to himself that his King hadn't exactly tried with Kianna. He was too busy with other women before the war; and wasn't willing to romance the poor woman a little. She wasn't like other women. She wasn't going to open her legs for him just because he was a King; except maybe to produce an heir to secure her place, and she wasn't ready for a child yet anyway. It crossed his mind that he knew Kianna better than her own husband.. Mostly because that was all he could do with her since she hadn't been ready to cheat on Kailoto.. Something he hoped would change before he was gone for a few months.
    Jericho smiled a little when he saw the group, well when he saw his wife. She was a sight for his road weary eyes. He dismounted his horse and handed the reins over to a stablehand. It would be good to see her again. Formalities first he reminded himself as he approached the group.

He sighed, nodding his head. "Yes, but it's nothing. I've been stitched up and I'm good as new." He nodded at Tarina, then turned to address King Jericho. "King Jericho! Glad you made it safely! I trust you had no trouble getting to the castle..."
     Tarina grinned when her husband came up. She curtsied to kailoto and her husband. She was ready to run up to him and hold him tight in a loving kiss

When Kailoto's back turned to them, Davros and Kianna shared a look before turning to greet Jericho. Kianna curtsied and stayed quiet as she stood next to her husband.
    Jericho took his eyes off of his wife and bowed his head to Kailoto, "No trouble King Kailoto, none at all. It's just a long one." He chuckled softly. He noticed the wound, but didn't say anything. "We look a fine sight. It appears you had a long journey as well." He indicated to some crates being brought into the castle, "I wanted to bring a gift. We've had our first harvest of various berries, I also brought some other food and wine." With that out of the way he looked to Kianna, "Queen Kianna." His attention went to his wife, his smile softening a little, "My Queen."

He chucked, wrapping an arm around Kianna loosely. "Fresh off the battlefield, I'm afraid." Now looking over the crates Jericho brought in. "Wow, I... that's gracious of you."
    Tarina caught the look Davros gave to Kianna and tried to keep her mouth shut still. She grinned at her husband and approached him. "Hello, my love" She kissed his cheek lightly

Kianna felt a small stab of jealousy seeing the way Jericho looked at his wife. She also filed it away since she wasn't an idiot and knew the woman had been trying to tempt Kailoto. Whether or not she was successful she wasn't sure. She looked to her husband and smiled a little when he wrapped an arm around her and stepped a little closer to him. She watched the crates as well, rather surprised by the generous gift. It took her a moment but she looked to Jericho, "Speaking of food, dinner will be ready soon. I think you both have just enough time to get cleaned up.. I requested your favorite." She said the second half mostly to Kailoto
    Jericho wrapped an arm around her and pulled her in close. It was the closest to a hug as he could give her right now. "I know war can be difficult. I hope the berries brighten the mood a little." He smiled to Kailoto.

She nestled in close against his chest, and turned her gaze up to her husband. "This is quite the gift! You're such a good man. Let me show you to our room." Tarina ked the way, taking his arm to lead Jericho to their room, passing a quick smirk to Kailoto when she thought no one was looking,
     The residing king watched as she walked off, then gave kianna a kiss on the cheek. "Fair enough. Send for us if we don't finish uo in time." He clapped Davros on the back as he took to his room, where a hot bath was being drawn up already. "And try not to change anymore of the staff around here! It doesn't even feel like my home anymore!!"

Jericho nodded and walked with her. Once they were out of earshot he looked to her, "You look as though you've enjoyed your time here. I imagine you got to see some of your old friends?" He leaned down and kissed her cheek, "We should invite them to the Isle of Skye.. Have a festival or something."
    Davros nodded, "Of course." He smiled a little, watching his King and Queen retreat into the castle. With a sigh he walked back to the barracks to prepare the men.
  Kianna smiled a little as she walked with Kailoto. "I haven't changed the staff any more since the last time my dear.. Which was an attempt to allow the younger generation to gain some skilled jobs while employing the older generation." She looked at him, "It wasn't my intention to make you feel less at home.." Then she looked forward, "The only addition to the house is my new lady in waiting, Claire's father found her a suitable husband. My new lady is Lady Maria Lucas." She looked at him and smiled, "I'm babbling. Are you sure you're alright?" She asked as they got closer to his room.

The smile on her face was soft, but honest, "it's been nice visiting, though most of the people I knew have been replaced. And I have learned a few things from the healers around here, about beneficial herbs for tea and such. Not to mention, the Queen seems a distracted creature." She thought over the invite for a festival. "That sounds like a great idea, Love." Tarina pointed him towards their room, which had is own beg, like Kailoto and Kianna's room
    "It's change enough for me." He knew what the Queen was doing with his staff, so he would just have to replace them all again when and if he found time and patience. There was also a bit of a limp that was getting worse from the ache in the stab wound. "I'll be alright! Just send a healer in to retie stitches. Il be down for dinner soon." He shrugged off his shirt brfore turning in towards the bath

Jericho nodded a little. Court was an ever changing place as people got married, or wars happened and kept people away. He looked around their room and then looked at her. "The queen may be distracted by the war?" He suggested and then smiled, "I have a present for you. It's in my trunk. You're free to look open it once the servants get it up here." He smiled and walked to the bath, stripping down. He would need to bathe quickly.
    Kianna sighed softly, bowing her head. "Of course dear." She opened the door and sent a maid with word to the healer. "I'll be out of your hair in a moment." She said, once she closed the door again. She had moved a few of her things to his room, since they had guests she knew it wouldn't do for it to appear as though they slept separately. She shrugged out of her dress before pulling out a wine red dress and slipping into it. It was a bit of a slimmer fit than most of her dresses, a new fashion for summer with no sleeves and a few layers of lightweight sheer fabric. It would be see-through if not for the lining. Once in the new dress she turned to her husband, "I'll see you in the dining hall I'm going to make sure all is going well down there."

Kailoto nodded as he continued stripping down and sank into the hot water. Once the healer stepped in, he got to his feet and let the man assess him.
     "You did what!? You're too good to me!" Since they were alone, she kissed him on the lips lovingly after he sank into the bath. "Perhaps we shall try for an heir, while we're here?" Giving a soft smirk

Kianna walked to the dining hall, smiling a little when she was met by Davros there. "Shouldn't you be leaving?" She walked around the table and adjusted the table settings.
  "Want to see me away so soon?" Davros teased and smiled, going behind her and messing things up so she would be forced to come back to him. When she was standing next to him, glanced around before resting his hand on on her lower back and leaned in, "Meet me in your lavender room as you call it." He brushed his lips against his neck, "I want to properly say goodbye."
    Jericho returned her kiss and chuckled at her suggestion. "I would like that. Maybe the change in environment will help." He smiled and looked beyond her when the trunk was delivered. "And you deserve gifts nearly as beautiful as you."

With Kailoto's stitched redone and cleaned, he dressed in his reddish black dinner suit, in case he started bleeding again. He found himself at the bottom of the stairs and turning into the dinning hall.
     She claped her hands togrther and looked the trunk over. "Bringing a girl back home should do perfectly! " Her fingers traced the lid before she turned the lock and flipped the trunk lid open.

Kianna bit her lip lightly, nodding a little, "I will." She whispered before stepping away from him in case any servants or guests came in. She shot him a slightly angry look for being so careless. What if they were seen? She looked up as Kailoto entered, nodding towards his seat, "I've had some whiskey poured for you." Then she frowned, "Or was it bourbon you liked more..?" She was trying to please him. Maybe it was her guilt eating at her.
 Davros leaned over the table and pushed the centerpiece slightly out of place and then moved away from the spot and toward the side table where the drinks had been set up. He looked between them and smirked, "Tell me, was the matching intentional?" He chuckled softly
    Jericho chuckled softly at her reaction. The gift was at the top of his items. "It isn't much.." He said as he got out now that he was done scrubbing the dirt and sweat from his skin. The present was a set of earing. The part on the lobe was large pearls with gold around them with smaller pearls surrounding tear-drop cut sapphires dangling from the large pearl.

He paused and scowled softly, looking at the drink before he gave a weak smile. "Whiskey. You know that!" As he passed, he squeezed her hand gently in thanks and took his seat.
     "Oh my god, Jericho!" Tears of joy began welling up. She clutched them to her chest and looked back at him. "They're beautiful! I think I'll wear them tonight" She took out the ones she had in and replaced it with the new ones. Tarina looked in the reflecting glass and grinned

Kianna watched him hesitantly, smiling a little when he confirmed her choice. Or he was placating her. She looked at the table, briefly satisfied until she spotted the centerpiece and scowled. She walked over to it, fixed and then walked back over to Kailoto. "You look nice." She said softly as she sat down next to him. She planned on ignoring Davros for now, since she was positive she would blush if she looked at him right now.
    Jericho pulled out his clothes and got dressed. "They look good on you." He smiled. "Maybe when we get home I can have a necklace made to match. If you would like?" He asked as he pushed his feet into his boots.

"Thank you, My Lady." He sat and picked up his drink "your dress is nice" He forced formality in public as usual. He was feeling uncomfortable anyway. He glanced at Davros as he drank
     "Aw, you're sweet! You can save that gift for our anniversary or something." Tarina waited patiently by the door for her King to go to dinner

She sighed softly at his formality, looking away. "Thank you My Lord." She said, her voice dull and formal now. She picked up her glass of wine and took a rather large drink. ~Why do I even try?~
   Davros took his seat, a bit down the table from them. Not really sure of what to say. He knew he couldn't talk to Kianna, but he wasn't really sure what conversation to have with Kailoto right now.
     Jericho walked over to her once he was dressed, taking her arm and letting her lead him to the dinning room. He walked in and noticed the awkward silence, "I apologize. I hope you haven't been waiting too long."
Glad for the company Kianna smiled at them. "Not long at all." She indicated to the seats on the left of Kailoto. That way the two Kings could talk. "Care for something to drink?"

Kailoto smiled at the two of them and offered their seats at the table "we just sat down! Make yourselves at home." He finished his drink, calling over the servant to pour more. "Drink what you like. I won't complain if you drink all the wine"
    Tarina laughed softly and kissed her husband before sitting down. "A good red wine sounds great." She knew not to touch liquor, or she would whore herself around, whether it was verbal or physical

Jericho sat next to him, "Whiskey I think." He said, though he wasn't a big drinker. He knew it would be good to help get conversation flowing.
    Kianna nodded to the male servant standing by the doors that led down to the kitchen. Their dinner was brought in soon after.

He had started Jericho on a conversation about farming; wondering what they kept on an island country to see what differences there were, if any. Once the food came in, he sat back in his chair and waited for the plates to be served.
    After their service, Tarina looked to Kianna. "What do you do for entertainment around here anymore? I feel like I've walked the town and explored the gardens a dozen times..."

Farming was something Jericho liked talking about, particularly because his people were starving when he became King. Over fishing and lost allies had them down to eating seaweed and potatoes. "Our island isn't very large, we have only a small section of mainland too. We had to adapt our small kingdom to cliff side farming and trellises.. Almost all of our orchards are trained to lie flat against walls and houses, cliff sides just wide enough to walk on, but not wide enough to really plant anything." He waited as the plates were served, since it was a bit louder, "We went from starving to having an abundance."
    Kianna finished her wine as the plates were served, but refused a fresh glass for now. She smiled a little when Tarina asked what she did for fun. "I rather enjoy archery and horseback riding.. Though I haven't done much of that lately.. I play cards with my ladies."

"Wow, off the sides of buildings even? It would be nice to learn that technique. I honestly think if it wasn't for the livestock we have to help make cheeses and dairy, then out egg laying poultry, we would be utterly screwed." He sipped his drink before picking up his utensil to start on his meal. They were being served a roasted potato and chicken dish with some of the fruits and berries Jericho had brought for them. "It used to be everyday that a line of citizens were forming out the door of this castle begging for additional rations... there still isn't enough for everyone."
   She nodded, looking over the meal being brought out. "I was never the outdoorsy type. Been a home body for so long!" Letting off a small grin.

Jericho nodded a little. "I understand. We have some livestock. They take up the majority of our mainland territory since they need a bit more space. And less cliffs." He chuckled softly. After a few bites of food he shook his head. "Focusing on our farming has left us in a sort of predicament. Our navy and army is a smaller than it was before. Most of them work as farmers and fisherman, we don't get in fights too often, but it's always looming."
   Kianna nodded, "I'm learning to enjoy staying home a little more. Though I like a bit of excitement. I suppose that's why I've been reading more about adventures and wars." She shrugged a little and started eating her dinner

He nodded as he ate and listened, then started working through a few thoughts. "We may be able to work something out in that regard..."
    "Ah, I guess that's one way to pass the time." She cleared her throat and looked to davros. "So, sir Davros, there's a wife at home for you, I trust? I bet she feels hobored to have a Lord for a husband!"

Jericho smiled and nodded a little. That was what he was hoping Kailoto would say.
    Davros looked up from his whiskey and smiled, "Thank you My Lady, but no.. I've no wife at home. Yet. I'm working to build the wealth my father decided to waste.."

"We can discuss it tomorrow, after noon. I would hate to talk business the day you arrive." He smiled and let his dishes be cleared away.
   A few things were coming together in the Young Queen's mind, but she kept it to herself. She glanced at kianna, having seen she had ignored Davros's existence the whole meal, which ment she disliked him, or liked him more than she should. Her food was gone and so was her wine, so she yawned softly. "My, it's been a long day! I would like to excuse myself to go freshen up..."

Jericho nodded, "Of course.. The councilmen would have a heart attack if they knew we discussed business without them." He chuckled softly.
   Kianna nodded, "Of course," She looked at the men around the table. "I think I'll be leaving you gentleman to your talking, sparing or whatever happens when the ladies leave." She smiled and stood.

Kailoto laughed, nodding his head in agreement. "They are still my father's men, after all!" He looked to the ladies as they stood. "Don't be up all night! I'm sure there's plenty to do with your men, now that they're here..." He gave a coy wink to Kianna.
    Her smile was back as she waved kindly to them. "Not to worry! We wouldn't want to have a disappointment pair of kings on our hands!"

Kianna smiled, "I promise." She chuckled softly and curtsied to them before starting out of the dining hall. She looked at Tarina now that they were outside of the room, "Shall I send some books to your room? We were talking of them earlier."
   Jericho smiled and finished his whiskey as he watched them retreat before looking to Kailoto. "I'm glad to see our wives seem to get along. Should we come to an alliance I doubt it would be tolerable if they did not."

Tarina nodded in thanks. "That would be great! Should give me something to do when I need to pass the time." She chewed on her lip and crossed her arms over her chest. Once at her and Jericho's room, she opened her door. "My Lady..." She looked around to make sure anyone else was out of earshot. "I've been learning a few things from the healers. Especially in regard to additives to drinks. I noticed something about your tea earlier."
    Kailoto couldn't agree more. He glanced uo in the direction they went off towards and sighed "especially since there's history. I hope it doesn't affect your trust. I may be a... gluttonous man of sorts but I can't imagine going to past habits... for the sake of all involved." He hoped Jericho accepted his 'appology'

Kianna stopped when they were at her room. Her eyebrows drew together with a frown, "Oh, was there something off about it?" She looked down and picked at her nails a little. It was a nervous tick- one that she was learning to use to her advantage, "I admit I'm not as clever as you. I haven't even spent the time to learn about what they're giving me." She looked up and smiled, "I just tell them wait's ailing me and hope what they give me works."
    Jericho nodded, keeping his eyes on his glass for a moment. He looked at him and just gave a half smile, "We're all gluttonous in one way or another. I don't doubt my wife has put the past behind her.. And you're very well married..." His smiled got a little bigger. "It's not every Queen that would be gracious to a woman who has a past with her husband.. Let alone attempt to get along."

She nodded, then shook her head and waved the thought away. "Nonsense! I'm sure there's plenty I could learn from you!! I hope I didn't come off as accusative. Was not my intent." Tarina smiled more. "Thank you again for the books." Then she went to her room for her bath.
    Kaikoto smiled in relief. His tension dropped off completely when Jericho smiled wider. "She's something else, definitely! She's strong and independent many ways."

"Have a good night." She bowed her head. As soon as the door was closed though her smile dropped and she narrowed her eyes. It crossed her mind that she might recognize the particular tea she'd been drinking earlier. She walked away, cursing herself for not being more careful. Now her only hope was that the woman didn't go to Kailoto and tell him. She couldn't imagine trying to explain that one. With a heavy sigh she walked towards the sitting room she'd dubbed the 'lavender room'. It was decorated in all purples and was one of her favorite places to go. On the way there she stopped a maid and sent the girl to her old room to grab the two books with green covers and take them to Tarina.
    Jericho chuckled, "The rumors are that she's headstrong." he leaned back in his seat, "If it's true at least you know that no Lord will be able to come in and try to push her around if you ever have to leave again."
  Davros sat up quietly, waiting for a break in the conversation. "I'm afraid I need to leave as well." He bowed to them, "My Lords." He turned to Kailoto, "I'll send word should anything change on the front."

Tarina was writting when the maid knocked softly on her door. "Come in" She spoke in a calm, even tone and smiled when she was given the books. "Thank you, darling. You may go. Oh! Can you bringsome chilled cider or more wine for the room?" When the girl was gone, she finished writting down her thoughts. She had made a note of her suspicions and tuck it away safely.
    Kailoto scoffed with eyebrows raised, as if to say 'you could say that again!' When Davros stood to dismiss himself, the king nodded again. "Very well. I'll be sure to see you off in the early morning." He finished his last whiskey for the night and sighed softly. "A fine Lord, that Davros..."

Kianna paced the sitting room. She knew full well it would be a while before she was meant to meet with Davros. Currently she was trying to decide if she even was going to meet with him. Kailoto being there complicated things certainly, and she wasn't entirely sure that Tarina was as docile as she acted. It wasn't like the woman was entirely innocent herself either. With a heavy sigh she walked to her room and started getting ready for the night.
   Jericho watched the man leave and looked at Kailoto. "He seems decent. Very quiet fellow?." He stretched a bit and accepted a mug of mead. "He hardly spoke during dinner.. Has he been a friend long?"

Kailoto thought over dinner. "I hadn't noticed that. He's usually ripe with stories about.. uh, his exploits. I mean, I've known the guy a couple years and he usually talks but... he andnI have been sharing duties at war, as you saw esrlier when I bled through my stitches earlier."

He nodded a little and smiled, "If he's leaving for the frontlines again he may have troubled thoughts?" He frowned, "Some of the more violent times in war can happen towards the end." With a couple sips of mead he looked at Kailoto, "Speaking of your injury, if you'd like to end our night here to go rest and visit with your wife I certainly won't be offended."

"I suppose. I do every time I leave and it puts things into perspective. .. I should go check on my wife. Make sure she wants my company." Kailoto laughed softly. "Rest well, Jericho! We'll speak again tomorrow" he gave a small smile and started up towards his and Kianna's room

Jericho nodded a little and stood, "Sleep well. I'll see you in the morning." He said before heading to his shared room with Tarina.
   Kianna took all of the pins from her hair, rubbing her scalp lightly. She had pinned it too tightly today; but at least it had looked decent all day and into the night.

Kailoto found his way to his room and noticed the bed was empty. He furrowed his brow and shrugged. "Ookay..." with a shrug, he stripped down and got into his night pants

Kianna joined him a few minutes later, closing the door softly. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to clutter the room with a hundred hairpins." She ran her fingers through her hair, clearing her throat. "How are you feeling?"

He was reading over a document he was going to give his advisor in regard to his talk with Jericho. Kianna's entry caught him off guard. He looked up at her and offered a mild smile. "Fine. Starting to get annoyed with the threads but... at least it isn't bleeding all over the place." He sighed and sat up. "Staying here tonight?" Having been used to her leaving for her own bed

Kianna shrugged a little, "If you don't mind.. I don't want to be a bother though." She half smiled, "I know we haven't exactly been getting along.. I'm hoping we can work on it. But it doesn't have to be tonight."

Kailoto lied back down with one arm tucked under his head, the other patting the bed beside him. "If That is what you want. I'd rather not become an ass the first night we have another King visiting."

She nodded a little and walked over to the bed. After a few moments of silence between them she chuckled nervously. "Well.. This is awkward."

He closed his eyes again and settled into the bed. "Nonsense. We're married and we've done much more than share a bed..."

"Well, slept in the same bed once.. Everything else was the more." Kianna said as she tried to get relaxed. "I'm glad Tarina's husband is here. She can focus on him instead of you.." She said on a sigh, not really thinking anything of it.

Kailoto chuckled lightly and started thinking about how he used to sleep with her. "Yeah, it's too bad she ended up marrying Jericho. If he hadn't shown up I probably would have started another war. She's been making passes at me and giving me looks the whole time she was here..." he wad breathing evenly and kept his eyes closed as he spoke

"Yeah, I noticed." Kianna said, sounding a little grumpy. "She did everything but strip and present herself spread eagle on the dinning table." This time is sounded bitter and she gave an annoyed sigh next to him.

Her demeanor surprised him a bit, so while turning to face her, he sat up with a scowl. "I don't see you riding my cock anymore! Every time I try to touch you, you shrug me off or 'go to sleep'... then you whine and bitch some more!"

Kianna looked at him gritting her teeth a little. "A little charm from you would go a very long way Kailoto. It's all charm and flirting with everyone else- sometimes multiple people! Except for me. When it comes to me it's 'hey, lets fuck so I can put a baby in there and go back to fucking anyone I want!' Seriously, I get it, there are plenty of other people you want to screw other than me." She shook her head a little as she sat up, looking at him. "Besides, I don't really want you inside of me when you've been fucking someone else that morning..Or hell, even contemplating it.. It just." She grimaced like she'd just stepped in shit. "It's just gross!"

"Ugh, jeezus christ...!" He rubbed his temples and sighed. "I'm not going to yell back Because there are too many ears. Even if I had fucked someone else that day I'm not disgusting enough to fester in my own filth! Hell, since this war started, I've been a pretty decent husband to you; even trying to stay alive long enough to TRY having a kid with you..." he was picking at the sheet out of habit

"War shouldn't be the only thing that makes you decent to your wife Kailoto!" Kianna exclaimed desperately. She took a deep breath so she wouldn't start actually yelling. A tear slid down her cheek, which she angrily swiped away as she stood up. "Tarina doesn't deserve a man like Jericho.." She said as she walked towards the door. She bit her tongue before saying anything about him not deserving her since tonight she would be any better to him. She stopped at the door. "She would have made you a very good wife." With that she opened the door and left the room quietly, not even bother to grab her robe. No one would be out this late. The Queen walked to the sitting room, taking out her hidden bottle of wine as she waited for Davros.

"Fuck off then...see what I care." He rolled his eyes and got comfortable, staring at his ceiling.
   Tarina waited for Jericho to pass out, then grabbed the note she wrote and snuck off to Kailoto's room. 
    He opened his door and saw her sliding the note under his door. "What the fuck are you doing?" He furrowed his brow and watched her stand.
    "Um..." she stood up with the nkte in hamd, blushing. "The queen has been drinking henna powder with her tea..." she gave him the note. It explained what she noticed with the tea and she suspected lord davros of trying to court Kianna.
   "You realize, if this isn't true, I can have you tried for espionage?" Kailoto was trying to deflect his anger. "Get out. I need to go for a walk..."
   Tarina ran off quickly back to bed.

It wasn't long before Davros joined her in the room. He noticed the wine and cringed a little, "Another fight?" He closed the door behind him softly.
  "I don't want to talk about him." Kianna sipped her wine for a bit of courage, setting it aside when she stood. "I want you.." She could feel her cheeks go red, but she wouldn't look down. Not this time.
Davros raised a brow but smiled a little, walking over to her. He wasn't going to waste this opportunity or give her time to think it through. He put his arms around her and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. He broke it briefly, looking around the room before walking her over to a fairly empty table and lifting her onto it. He captured her lips again, pushing her knees apart. His hands traveled along her legs, pushing her nightgown out of his way. Davros broke the kiss and moved to her neck, moving one hand behind head while the other hand slid between her.
  Kianna giggled a little at his eagerness, but his kissing made her forget that, forget her argument with Kailoto. He wasn't as good as her husband, but his passion and eagerness made up for it, quickly turning her on. When his hand slid between her leg she gasped and jumped, her legs tried to close but couldn't because he was there between her legs. Her eyes closed and she bit her lip as he started to pleasure her. "Oh god.." She whispered when he slid a finger into her, moaning when he made it two.
Davros smirked into her neck. Obviously Kailoto had never done this for her, so he planned on making it as good as he could for her. He curled his finger a little inside of her, changing his strokes now and then so she wouldn't know what to expect. When her moans started getting louder he moved her head into his chest to muffle the sound. That only worked until she arched her back as she started climbing to her climax. He covered her mouth with one hand as she started moaning louder. It made him almost painfully hard. He quickened his fingers, chuckling softly when she climaxed, finally moving his hand from her mouth. He replaced it with his mouth, not giving her much time to breath as he stroked her lightly to start building her up again. He was struggling with his pants though. "Fuck.." He broke the kiss and looked down. Once his pants were out of his way, he looked at her in the moonlight coming in through the windows. "You're beautiful.." He said softly, he'd always been sincere when he said before, but there was something about the pink flush in her cheeks and her brightly shining eyes. He moved his hand from between her legs and used it to pull her closer to the edge of the table, kissed her.
  Kianna panted, a cold wave going through her. She couldn't do this. She couldn't become him, even if he damn well deserved it; even if she deserved a lover. A lover, but she couldn't. Quickly she pulled away from his kiss. "Stop.. She whispered, groaning softly when she felt him pressing against him, "I can't... We can't.."
Davros groaned painfully, opening his eyes, putting a hand on her cheek. "Kianna..."

Kailoto found his way to the room and heard Kianna moaning. He figured a couple servers were going at it while they had the time. He peeked the door open and saw Davros. Quietly he chuckled and called him a dog, the noticed it was Kianna kissing him. His blood started running hot with anger, seeing the man he trusted to run things while he was gone was trying to fuck his wife! He finally understood how kianna felt. He pushed the door open and leaned on the door frame, arms crossed over his chest. "Yes, Kianna tell Lord Davros why he can't stick his treasonous cock inside you..." he stared at the back of the man's head

Nothing could make a man go soft quite as quickly as getting caught with a woman he shouldn't be with. He sighed and turned his back to both of them, getting himself situated and his pants closed before turning to Kailoto. "Treasonous? You don't think that's a little harsh?" He crossed his own arms. "You did say you didn't care if her legs were spread for the entire kingdom..." He shrugged a little, "You were drunk I guess." He muttered, raising one brow as he looked at him. He happened to know from talking to Kianna that he had- in a much less crass way- told her the same thing.
    Kianna had gone white as a sheet when her husband came in, moving from the table to stand, though her knees were weak from fear instead of pleasure. She wouldn't look at Kailoto, but she did glance at Davros with his last comment. She cringed and bit her lip. It had stung a little ans she didn't know why, of course he wanted to sleep with her just because he 'could'. She'd known she was just another conquest when he started on her, but she'd put a little more feeling into it when she shouldn't have. Her arms hugged her and she turned away from both of them as she fought tears. There was no reason to be crying.

"No It's not Davros. Courting the queen is punishable by death..." he pulled himself off the wall and stepped into the room. He thought through the things he's said, regretting being so vocal about his thoughts. He shook his head and started laughing. "Fuck her. I dont care. Hell, she's been drinking tea to kill my children anyway. I'll just... turn a blind eye and hope you get killed against the rebels or something." He glared at Kianna before leaving the room and returning to his own. He felt like absolute shit knowing Kianna was messing with a man he trusted instead of servant to get off. She was about to sleep with his Lord of Arms! He closed and locked his door omce back at his room and turned on his side to try and sleep. Sleep never came.

Davros watched him leave and sighed heavily. His attention turned to Kianna, but she wouldn't let him touch her, so he just sighed again and left the room. He went down to the barracks and started waking the men. THey were leaving a little earlier than planned.
    Kianna closed her eyes, head in her hands. It took her a little while to really process his remark about the tea and she frowned. That was at least something she could defend herself on. But not tonight. She went to her room and locked the door, ordering a bath from a sleepy maid. She locked her door when the bath was made; not getting any sleep either.

In the morning Kianna sent one of her ladies to inform their guests that she wasn't feeling well and would hopefully be feeling well enough to join them later in the day. She didn't know that at first light both Kings had been given information to make them skeptical of each other.

Kailoto was out in his miitary uniform, watching the men line up to leave so early in the morning. His mind stayed on Kianna with Davros between her legs; It was bothering him more than he expected. "Stay in line! Who fucking taught you to march! Get with the fucking program!!" He yelled at the men for an hour
  Tarina was up because of the yelling. She stayed at jericho's side, stretchingto get out of bed eventually. She was a bit nervous about what today would hold.

Kianna was sitting in her room, exhausted but unable to sleep still.She was in the window seat, curled up there with one window slightly cracked open to allow a breeze in. she closed her eyes and put her head on her knees. She had fucked up royally, and it had her sick to her stomach. There was no excuses for the affair. Explanations yes, but Kailoto was smart He could figure that part out on his own. Dravros was charming and had delivered on everything that she wanted from her husband. The tea though. Would he believe her when she said she'd never used the tea when they had actually had sex. She hadn't taken the tea until she'd had her cycle again, and only when she anticipated him to be home. She wanted children, she just wasn't ready for it. She wasn't ready and she didn't think he really was either. They had so much to work on at the moment...
   Jericho groaned as the yelling got to his ears and finally broke that peaceful sleep he was getting. He shifted around in bed, stretching lightly. "He's certainly a peppy commander." He chuckled softly.

Tarina chuckled and hugged him close. "I cant imagine him losing this war then! Stay in bed, my love..." she kissed his neck softly.
   Kailoto watched as his men fell in line. He glared at Davros while getting to the front line then quickly looked over the others. " I'll see you men when you come home! Now get going." He urged his horse back to the stable and went back inside the castle, looking around for someone to bring his breakfast in. He sat in the dining hall alone with his thoughts until a plate full of eggs was brought in. He ate quietly as the events from the night before had played over and over in his head. Beneath all his his frustrations there was guilt; from being a rowdy king with a lack of self control, for pushing away the woman who has been made his by gods and his own kingdom sleuthing to starvation. Eventually, he rose from the table and went to hide in his study

He smiled a bit, "I can't imagine it either.." He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into him, "Lazy day in bed? I can do that." He joked. He might be able to for a couple of hours. After that he would want to be doing something. He shifted a little, making it easier for him to kiss her. He was just starting to deepen the kiss when someone knocked on the door before sliding something under it into the room. He frowned and broke the kiss with a sigh.
    There was a note on his desk, well two of them. There was one placed directly in the middle with just his name quickly written on it. In fact, the whole thing seemed to be rushed. A simple message; to not trust King Jericho about how much food he could offer, or that he would pay at all. To be careful. The second note was actually a small scroll, tied carefully with a thin ribbon, and had been knocked to the side, nearly out of sight.

The hand she had creeping into his lap froze. Tarina sighed as well and started to sit up, noting the folded paper on the floor. "Were you expecting a letter?" She shifted around to peer over the bed further.
   Kaikoto sat as he read through the letter, he leaned back and sat it down on the table. "Who would have given me this information?" He'd begun thinking outloud and got up to pace the room and turned around the corner of the desk, lazily dragging his hand along the surface when his hand hit the scroll. His brow furrowed whilenstaring the object down. "Why isnit secret letter week? If I have tondeal with anymore bullshit, I'll scream..." the king shook his head and untied the laced scroll

Jericho sighed and shook his head, "No, I wasn't.." He got out of bed and picked it up. He had a similar warning as Kailoto's. Not to trust him to be there when he was need, that he didn't spare his men for his allies. He frowned and tucked the paper into his trunk, going back to bed. He wanted to talk with her. "It's a warning not to trust King Kailoto..." He said, "While you've been here, have you noticed anything that says he would break his alliances?"
    It was from Kianna, a short request to come talk to her, when he could.
 Kianna sighed heavily. There was no guarantee that he would go to his study. She finished getting dressed and walked outside to the garden, closing her eyes as she turned her face up to the sun. This was her own fault. There was no reason for her to be sulking; she would have to face up to her actions.

Tarina nodded her head in thought but shook her head. "The only time i heard anything of the sort was when Kailoto was working on a coup against the rebels. Other than that, I shouldn't think he would do such a thing." She was eager to stop talking about Kailoto and get back to what they were starting before the letter dropped in.
   His pacing stopped, having taken a seat in his study. He tapped her scroll against the table top. "Come on, let's get this over with. ..." talking to himself

Jericho nodded a little. "Well.. I trust you more than someone who will not give the information first hand.." He pushed it from his mind, as much as he could anyway and ran a finger over her cheek. "Now, where were we?"
     Kianna chewed on her lip as she paced the garden. Maybe she should go to him. In person, "But what if he doesn't want to see me yet.." She chewed harder on her lip, taking a deep breath. "Fuck.."

Her lips curled into A grin as she leans closer. "Somewhere around here..." She put her lips against his, tilting into his hand just slightly.
    Kailoto found himself walking around outside, he went ahead and decided to look for her to get their conversation over with. He wqs just about to come up to the gardens.

He grinned into the kiss, moving his hand from her cheek to her hip.
    Kianna gave up, giving a frustrated sigh. She swiped the tears that had fallen without her knowledge and turned to leave the garden. She walked straight into Kailoto. "Oh.. I'm sorry.." She said softly, meeting his eyes only briefly before stepping back and looking at the closest rose bush to her. One hand went to the new bud forming on the bush while the other went to her dress, picking at the fabric a little.

Each muscle twitched under her skin as his fingers moved down her body. Tarina found her way to the waistband of his pants and slowly worked into them. She started stroking him slowly, as she smirked and broke the string of kisses. "How would my King like to be pleased this morning?" Her words were hushed and seductive, like she was whispering.
    Kailoto caught her, letting her step away on her own without a word. He looked back and saw she was crying by the redness around her eyes. With a calming breath, he spoke. "You shouldn't feel bad. I don't deserve to have a woman like you in my life. It was my karma finding you with Davros. You deserved something to help keep you sane." He bit down on his lip as he looked into her eyes. His own reflecting the regret and disappointment he felt

Jericho groaned softly before leaning in and kissing her. "Your King wants to make up for lost time My Queen." He started running his hand down her thigh, then up along the back of her leg over her butt.
    Kianna's tears started all over again. "I wasn't going for revenge.. I just. It was nice to feel wanted." She sighed softly, shaking her head. "I have not been killing your children." She whispered. "I didn't get pregnant after the last time and then I worried about bringing a child into a home where his parents can't even talk to each other without fighting."

Her body tensed for just a moment, then she shifted around so that she was on top of him. "I would love nothing more..." rocking her hips "than to fulfill those needs"
    That made him feel a little better, hearing the explanation for the tea. But it still bothered him that she went to such lengths to prevent it. Truth was, he knew it was best to wait and he let his pride and the war trudge all over the place. "I suppose I deserve that too." His eyes looked around to make sure no one was actively listening to them. "You got what I wasn't willing to give you... from a man with a reputation that precedes him. But he's genuine, I'm not. Or I can't be. I'll figure it out eventually." He took a breath and turned away again, "I think I want to love you."

Jericho smiled a little, placing his hands on her thighs. "You're wonderful.." He whispered before bucking his hips into her.
    "But he's not my husband.." Kianna said softly. "And he's not that genuine.. He compliments to get what he wants.." She looked down, "And I was desperate.." She briefly place a hand on his elbow. "We'll figure us out.." She removed her hand, "I know I want to love you... But I've got my head in romance novels."

Her breath caught in her chest, a bit of a blush to her cheeks and pulled away her gown. "I have you to thank for that." Tarina grabbed his hands and put them on her breasts, as she leaned in to kiss him and resituated herself so he could thrust inside her.
     Kailoto watched her hand, then wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a loving, passionate kiss. "You don't have to say anymore...." his mind was racing, but he wanted to move on and try to learn to be a decent man.

Jericho ran his thumbs over her nipples, kissing her deeply. Wanting to try something new for her he thrusted up into her as deeply as he could, at the same time pinching her nipples gently.
    Kianna returned the kiss, putting her arms around his shoulders. When the kiss was done she pulled back and looked up at him, brushing her fingers over his cheek. "Right now you have other things to do.. A country to keep from starving."

She cried out softly in surprise and arched her back. "Oh god, Jericho!" Her hand tangled into his hair, thrusting down on him a couple times with the same vigor
    He looked at the ground and stepped back to go meet with Jericho. "Yeah, you have a point." Kailoto went ahead and went off to the castle

He groaned softly, smirking a little and ran his hands down her sides. He gripped her hip with one hand, a little harder than he normally would. He used it to rock her hips when he thrusted up. He used his other hand to sit himself up a bit. When he could he kissed her chest and nipped lightly.
    Kianna closed her eyes when walked away, taking a deep breath. She frowned a little, going back inside after him. She walked slower than she knew he would be. It gave her time to think too. The first thing she wanted to do was talk to the healer she'd trusted with her secret. She didn't suspect her, but she also didn't want to confront Tarina if she wasn't right.

Tarina's body shook with pleasure; each thrust helping build her climax. She could feel a bruise forming on her side but she would ignore it. The hand in his hair fell to his shoulder to help her gain leverage, then she pulled him into a heated kiss
    Kailoto went to his study for a moment to grab the letter and went to adress a councilman

Jericho growled softly, moving his hand from her hip to just having his arm around her while thrusting hard and fast. He moaned into her mouth as they kissed.
    The Queen spoke with the healer, nodding when she had the reassurance that she was hoping for. She also got some information on whether or not Tarina had used it before, and it was what she was wanting when she'd come in to talk to them.

A Pained wimper escaped when His thrusts got harder, but she didn't pull away. She was in heaven with him pounding away underneath her. She pushed him down so he was laying flat on the bed and took over for a moment; lifting and dropping her hips as fast as she could while moaning his name again.
   Kailoto's conversation with the advisor lasted just moments. They tried reassuring him the letter is probably from a disgruntled servant

When she pushed him down he panted and watched her, focusing on keeping the speed. Watching her bounce on top of him was going to drive him over the edge though. He moaned loudly, "Fuck Tarina..." He groaned as he started to cum.
   Kianna left the healer and went to the garden again, asking for some breakfast to be brought to her there. She also let the maid know to send Queen Tarina to her once she was up and had her breakfast.

Tarina dug her nails into his chest and cried out between pants, getting to climax just after him. She leaned down as he came and bit onto his neck to quiet herself.
   The maid found her way to the room and heard they were busy, so she went to the end of the hall to wait

Jericho shivered and groaned softly when she bit into his neck. He smirked a little as he brushed his fingers over her, from her thighs up her sides, around her back and then back down. "Damn.." He muttered when he caught his breath.

Being sensitive to his touch after orgasm had her twitching again under his touch. She sat up slowly as she regained her composure with a smile. "You could say that again!" Tarina giggled softly and kissed him lightly.
   The maid gave them a few minutes longer once it quieted, then she tapped on the door. "MiLady Tarina? Lady Kianna wishes to see you..."
  Kailoto was walking down the hall as the lady spoke to the door, raising a brow. "I'll see to it she finds the Queen. Go back to your duties" He watched the lady bow and take off, then he got comfortable leaning against the wall.
    Tarina groaned when she heard the maid talk. "I don't want to... I want to have breakfast and get you off again." She grinned at Jericho and crawled off of him slowly, wincing as the adrenaline wore off.

Jericho noticed the wince and cringed a little. "I'm sorry that I hurt you.." He said softly as he rolled out of bed. "I think you should take some time to relax." He leaned over to her and kissed her cheek, "And I'll be more careful next time." He promised before straightening up. He got cleaned up and then got dressed. "I have to go see the King. And the Queen wants your company.. We can come back and continue to make up for lost time later."

She smiled at him as she started to put her gown and a robe on. "I like it when you get a little rough, don't be sorry." Tarina kissed him lovingly once she was dressed. "I'll stay here a moment longer to make sure I can walk straight, then when we get back, I look forward to more of this" giving him a wink as she wiggled around a little to make sure she could walk straight.
    Kailoto looked down at the floor and chuckled to himself, just barely being able to hear them through the door. He decided to go stand in the main hall and wait to be joined by Jericho.

Jericho chuckled softly and nodded, "If you're sure dear." He said and gave her a quick kiss before leaving. He decided the best thing would be to go to the throne room, perhaps the dinning room first though since he may be eating. He stopped when he saw Kailoto in the main hall. "Just who I was going to come see."
     Kianna thanked the maid when she set a plate of food in front of her. It was a simple meal of porridge, some of the fresh berries Jericho had brought and bread with butter. She poured tea for herself and sweetened it with a small amount of honey.

"Of course." She let her smile fade gradually as she went the other way to go find Kianna in the garden. When she spotted Kianna, she double checked her hair and slowly took a seat next to her. "You wanted to see me, My Queen?" She fixed her robe over her knees and folded her hands in her lap. Tarina's nerves were starting to get to her; worrying about whether or not Kianna had a problem.
     He offered a light smile as he stood back upright. "Likewise! I uh... I assume you slept well?" Kailoto scratched an itch on the back of his hand as they started to walk slowly towards the throne room. There would only be necessary people in that room; those who were crucial to the well being of Kairion. "Hopefully you slept through those soldiers being sent out... I get a bit carried away at times." He wouldn't tell Jericho about what happened to get him so pissed off

Kianna looked at her, sipping her tea, "Good morning Queen Tarina." She set her tea down. Watching her fidget for a little bit before speaking, "I want to make some things clear." Her brow raised, "If you have a private audience with my husband ever again I'll ruin your marriage." Her voice was cold, she was absolutely serious. "Your husband is a good man. Kind, and he obviously loves you very much. But your past speaks against you, and maybe he's chosen to forget it now.. But just a hint, that's all it takes, a hint of doubt will change everything." She glared at her.
     Jericho nodded and smiled, "I slept great. Thank you." He walked next to him, "You have passion. It's a good thing.."

"W-what do you mean? I've hardly spoken to your King! How dare you threaten my marriage!" She went from a tone of shock to disgust. She got to her feet, "you know what? Kailoto deserves to know that his wife is drinking secret concotions to prevent pregnancy. I certainly hope whatever the reason is was worth it! Jericho is a religious man, practices forgiveness and I TRY to be a good wife; my whoring days ended when I left these walls!" She scoffed and shook her head.
    He chuckled, taking a seat where he belonged and offered him the chair on his right. "If you don't have passion, you have nothing..." He rubbed hi face with a sigh. "Hell, if you had the night I did, you may feel the same."

Kianna rolled her eyes, "Don't try that bullshit on me. Did your whoring days come back to you as soon as you came back into these walls?" She smoothed out her skirt, "I'm not a fool and I'm not blind. Before your husband arrived you were trying to cozy up to mine.." She frowned, "My husband did have a right to know about the tea, or rather the reason I was taking it." She looked at her, "However that was not your place to tell him."
   Jericho frowned, "I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad night My Lord."

She snarled and crossed her arms over her chesr as she started walking off. "If I really wanted to fuck your husband, I would have! He's easy to manipulate if you know how to use him..." tarina stopped herself from going any farther than a few feet. "I had a few moments where I wanted to go to his bed, yes. I reminded myself of my time when I was just a lady in waiting from Australia and desperate for the crown. Then I saw how good a woman you are to Kailoto. How good you ARE for that pig! Seeing my husband made me regret my forwardness..."
   "Ah, it's nothing I didnt bring onto myself." He sighs and clears his throat. "So, to business then!" He smiled weakly. Again he felt the karma of his situation, and thought of the note he recieved.

Kianna was about to mention that if he was so easy to manipulate then Kianna wouldn't be the one married to Kailoto. But the woman continued and she sighed a little. She bounced her foot a little. Maybe Kailoto was rubbing off on her; making threats instead of actually talking to someone. "Jericho obviously loves you.. I envy that." She said softly, "Maybe our husbands are wearing off on us. Yours in a good way, mine... In a different way.."
   Jericho nodded a little, briefly looking at his hand. He wondered if it had anything to do with another alli. He looked up and smiled a little, "Yes! Business.. The most valuable thing for you now is food, though once your own supplies have stabilized I have various other goods to trade."

"Maybe they have." Tarina uncrossed her arms and sat back down beside her. She let her mood change to a more positive one. "I don't think Kailoto knows what he has. Not yet! I am willing to bet he cares for you..." giving the Queen a smile
   "Exactly. Now, my army is large enough that I can send hundreds of men at a week's notice and not suffer the loss. We can make that happen by the end of the month." Kaikoto summoned a server to bring them something to drink. "That is, if you need men that soon." Thr note started playing back in his mind. Should he trust this man and take him at his word? He knows next to nothing about Jericho and was talking about sending away a bunch of men

Kianna smiled a little, "Maybe... I imagine he's wanted to strangle me once or twice, which means he cares about what I say." She chuckled softly. "Tea? There's plenty more breakfast as well." She indicated to the cart they'd brought out to use as a serving table.
    Jericho shook his head, "No, no, it's nothing as desperate as that. Not yet anyway." He shifted, "I can send my page today to give word to my advisors. We can stop sending our excess to market in the next kingdom over and direct it here." He was quiet for a moment. "Maybe one day you can send someone to help me determine which of my men should be farmers and which ones should be soldiers." He chuckled softly, "Perhaps Lord Davros even, once you're done with the rebels?"

"Well of course he does!" Tarina thanked her and poured her tea, then picked at the food a bit. "I suppose I owe you an appology for trying to ruin your relationship. I honestly just wanted to know why? Even as young as you two are..." She was 24 herself. "A child should be looked forward to; we've been trying for month now." Blushing
   Kailoto's eye twitched at the mention of Davros's name. He cleared his throat and nodded his head. "You can have Lord Dsvros for a few months to train your best men I can send him out ahead of the others... and the resources are appreciated, I can't stress that enough! Would you be opposed to us holding on to one of your farmers to teach my people your methods? Should all go to plan, the rebels will be gone in a few weeks." He was trying to figure out a decent way to test the validity of this note.

Kianna looked down, picking at her nails a little. She took a deep breath. "I want children desperately. At the same time, I remember my mother and father constantly fighting.. Those are my earliest memories as a child. My father yelling and my mother sobbing right after.. They worked things out." Kianna frowned, "My mother gave up, I should say. She became a shell of herself in all aspects of her life." She muttered. Kianna blushed when she realized she'd been on a tangent. "I don't expect we'll ever be the couple from a novel. But if we could get our conversations to last at least an hour without arguing." she chuckled, "Then I'll feel more confident in bringing a child into the world." She looked at Tarina, "I'm sure you'll have children soon."
    Jericho nodded, "I'd be happy to send a couple farmers. I'll send a couple from the castle's farming staff. They're the most trained and most experienced." He was thinking now, "I can get a few cases of fish, more berries, some early crop items as well. Potatoes are always in season in our area it seems.."

Taking more tea, she nodded as she listened to Kianna carefully. "I can't say I blame you for being nervous. I'M TERRFIED!" She laughed. "I'm ready, but I think Jericho is more excited about it than I am. Hopefully, and I don't mean to be so bold, the little vacation we're on with you and Kailoto will give us the luck we need."
    "Excellent!" He pat him on the back lightly, continuing to offer his own tips to help get more men interested in serving

Kianna smiled, "Having a child is a little scary.. Or at least the thought of having one." She nodded, "I hope it does help."
    Jericho listened, making mental notes about what he said. The note was still in the back of his mind.

Tarina placed a hand on Kianna's and squeezed gently. "I'm sorry I've been so horrible. This talk has been nice though!"
    Kailoto scratched his head, trying to explain his strategy for sending the men and Davros. "...if anything goes wrong uoon arrival, they're to turn back. No question. None others will be sent until the issue is resolved. I have to drag my happy ass out to speak with you about it."

Kianna placed a hand over hers and gave it a gentle pat, "I haven't exactly been good company either." She nodded, "I have enjoyed talking though. Real talking too. Not lies and false beliefs.." She shook her head.
     Jericho tensed a little, looking at him, "Of course. Are there any issues you foresee? The only one I can see is the delay of sending men when I request them.."

It was good to feel the tension dissolve between them, finally. A sigh left her as she slowly took her hand back. "Should we go check on our men?
    Kaikoto tilted his head in disbelief. "Or if your shipment doesn't arrive when scheduled? What makes you think I would cause that?"

Kianna nodded, "We should." She finished her tea and popped a berry in her mouth. She smiled a little and looked at the maid, "Finish what you'd like dear.." She said gently before walking with Tarina nside.
    "My ships are always on time and baring an accident my shipments will arrive as promised." he scowled a little.

She smiked softly as they walked inside, wondering where the kings were hiding.
    "Then why are we having this discussion? You're accusing me of something I've not yet had an issue with! I still have my father's sailors in charge of my ships." He started to stand

Kianna paused inside, "I believe it's either the throne room or his study.."
    Jericho sighed, "I didn't mean to cause offence, but now I worry if you'd even wait for a discussion in a misunderstanding." He spoke as though he was talking to a child.

Kailoto's hands balled into fists, knuckles turning white, "I think you have, Jericho I'm not a child! When it comes to MY MEN leaving to join forces with an ally, I'm not going to jump the gun and avoid a discussion that would save their lives! That's MY reputation at stake" he was turned to face off with him. "I may be a lot of things, but when it comes my word, I take it very seriously."
    Arguing could be heard from where they stood, so she looks down towards their voices. "Oooh, my. Throne room" giving Kianna a worried look

Jericho stood, "I understand taking care of your men, Kailoto, it is your tone I do not appreciate." He narrowed his eyes, "Are you insinuating that I am not a man of my word?"
  The advisers came over, trying to calm things down.
      Kianna sighed heavily, "I have a feeling this won't end as peacefully as we did." She said as they walked to the throne room, guards opening the doors for them. She raised a brow at them and shook her head, "It must be a misunderstanding." She said softly to Tarina before walking over to Kailoto. "Please, My Lord." She put a hand on his arm lightly, "Perhaps we should end the conversation for now?"

"My tone of voice will be the least of your worries!!" Kailoto had to be pushed back by one of the men as he pressed more and more for a reason for the accusation.
  Tarina whimpered and went to her husband as well. She tried to pull him away and distract him with something else. "... you're both tired. Don't take him seriously "

Jericho ignored his wife, narrowing his eyes, "Are you threatening me?"
  Kianna looked at her husband, "Kailoto please." She had a feeling she wouldn't be heard though.

"Jericho, please..." moving to stand in front of him, placing her hands on his chest.
   His eyes were wide and fixed on the other King for a good, long while before he looked at Kianna. "Get me out of here before I say something else...." his glare returned to Jericho as he shooed the others, except for Kianna, away from him.

Jericho glared back at him before looking to Tarina. "Get your things packed quickly. We're leaving as soon as the carriage is hooked up." He growled before glaring once more at Kailoto. He narrowed his eyes a little before turning and storming away.
   Kianna met Tarina's eyes, her gaze apologetic before she looked at her husband and focused her attention him. Even though she had a million questions running through her head, she didn't ask any of them. Instead she took his hand in hers, "Kailoto.. My lord.." She said until he met her eyes, "What can I do?"

"Of course..." she didn't know what else to say at the moment. She looked at Kianna briefly then went after her husband quickly.
   He gripped her hand gently and started in the opposite direction, looking back in hers a moment. "I dont know..." kailoto stroked her hand lightly as he went to the hall, towards another entrance to the archery range. "Accompany me outside?" He needed a distraction to think more clearly.

Jericho stormed to the stables, sending his page to make sure his and his wife's things were packed quickly and brought down.
   She laced her fingers in his and walked in silence for a moment. When she heard the thunk of an arrow going into a target she looked at him. "I bet I can shoot better." She smiled. He needed a distraction, this could be a good one.

Tarina dressed in an orange gown and awaited need of their departure. She needed to funds a wary to talk to her husband and get him calmed
   Kailoto dropped the bow down and gave her a look, all while fighting a smile. "Have you ever shot one of these things?" He cocked an eyebrow

Jericho was pacing as he waited for the carriage to be pulled around. As soon as it was he went to Tarina as their things were loaded. He could tell that she was a little nervous so he leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Let's go home."
   Kianna smirked and nodded, "Yes actually. I wanted to learn sword fighting.. Archery was the only violent thing my father could convince himself was useful for a woman to know." She nodded to her cousin who ran to grab her bow. "Though I confess I don't think I could handle your bow. I imagine the tension is too strong for me."

She smiled quickly, taking his hand as she met his pace towards the carriage. "Maybe it's just an understanding? Surely he mispoke?" Tarina glanced at him.
    He grinned and brought the bow back up and drew it back, nearly missing the bullseye. "Even my best archer has trouble pulling my drawstring back." Kailoto grabbed another arrow. "If you want to learn the sword, I'll teach you. It'd be my apology for behaving like a jackass our whole marriage so far?"

"We must take him at his word, remember?" Jericho asked ruefully before giving a heavy sigh. He was too annoyed to admit that she might be right.
    Kianna chuckled softly, "You admitting you've been a jackass is apology enough.." She thought about it for a moment, "Though if the offer still stands I believe it would be interesting to learn."

She bit Her lip and hugged his arm close. "I Suppose your right, love. We probably should prepare for.. anything. "
    Kailoto nodded. "Of course it does. I'd be willing to teach you myself, if you want. " he was apprehensive but excited to have something in common with her. "You just can't kill me." A smirk played at the corners of his lips

Jericho kissed the top of her head. "We will. Everything will be alright. I'll send word to our allies that there may be trouble."
    Kianna didn't say anything at first, focussing on getting her wrist shield in place. She took an arrow and aimed for the target. It hit on the outer edge of the bulls eye. She looked at him and grinned mischeviously. "Well now you've gone and taken the fun out of it."

Tarina rolled her eyes and sat up to look at him better. "He's still an arrogant boy when compared to you! I don't think that will be necessary. Not yet" she glanced outside through the curtained portal once inside.
   His bow was drawn up to shoot at his next target, but laxed the string again to stare at her shot. "I dont think you'll need to learn to use a sword..." Kailoto chuckled in disbelief; he'd never known a female archer.

Jericho sighed softly, "He is that.." He frowned, tapping his finger on the side of the carriage as his thoughts raced through his mind.
   Kianna looked at him and smiled a little, "Maybe not. Or at least not seriously." She shook her head, "I was a tomboy as a child.. Hard to think now that I love dresses so much." She chuckled softly, adjusting her stance a little before drawing an arrow back again.

She smiled, as she looked back in his direction. "What's on your mind, my King?" Tarina took and started gently stroking his hand. Tarina was wondering how she was going to help him think through Kailoto's ignorance.
    He walked up to her and adjusted her elbow for her, leaning over her shoulder to check her aim. His nerves were making him act like he was on a first date or something. "Nothing wrong with a woman that has strength. Explains a lot about you, honestly." Kailoto chuckled and stepped back over to his target.

Jericho looked at her, "I would like to avoid war.." He said softly, "I don't know what to do.."
   Her cheeks started to turn pink with her blush when he was so close to her. She took a breath and focused on the shot, nodding in satisfaction when she hit the bullseye. Her chuckle was a bit nervous when he mentioned that her being a tomboy explained a lot about her, "The whole outspoken brat part?" She asked, biting her lip a little. "I know I speak out of turn. I can't seem to help it." Another nervous chuckle.

Tarina shook her head; she hadn't lived through anything more serious than prison riots herself. "Maybe write a letter after we get home and ask them over? Or try to find some common ground and get him to realize he was hasty without calling him out for being an immature king... This is really more your thing, Love." She chuckled nervously.
    He smiled when she hit the mark dead on, then attempted the same; his was slightly off. "dammit... Well you're not a servant or one of my knights or Lords, so I guess I can forgive that." Kailoto bit his lip. "So, Davros, huh?"

He looked at her and nodded, "Maybe." He waved a hand to dismiss the conversation. "It will be resolved one way or another.. We should think of something else.. Like an actual vacation."
    Kianna's next shot went over the targets, bouncing off the stone walls behind the targets. She cleared her throat while running her fingers over the bow string. "I'm still a girl... I liked the compliments. The attention. It was just a game. Or it was supposed to be.." She looked at him, "Harmless flirtation until." She trailed off, "Until it wasn't anymore."

She started to smirk and moved her hand into his lap. "Oh really? Fulfill that promise we made earlier?" she leaned up to kiss him lightly. "Let's go to some isolated place, maybe near home..."
   Kailoto started to laugh softly when the arrow bounced behind the target. He let off a short, thoughtful sigh and put his bow down, walking back up to her again. "Like I said, I don't blame you. But if he had slept with you I would have killed him. I don't insist we keep daggers for nothing!"

Jericho grinned a little, "I have a small manor home in our neighboring ally's land.. It's not far off from the path we're taking now. I can send my page forward to ready the staff there.."
    She looked up at him, biting her lip lightly. "It's not going to happen again Kailoto. I promise." She whispered. Then she took a deep breath, "You shouldn't be angry with him forever. He has a bit of a reputation..." She smiled, "One I imagine you respected until his attentions turned to your wife."

"Please do! I'd love to see this place." she let off a giggle and kissed him lightly.
    His eyebrow went up again, then he turned and went to get a pair of practice blades. "Ah, well I know he's probably slept with every married woman within the village he could get his hands on. I should have been ready for him to try and get under your skirt as well. I'll just have to kick his ass if he looks at you again" Kailoto grinned. "You're mine!"

He nodded, leaning close and giving her a quick kiss. Then he knocked on the roof of the carriage. The carriage rolled to a stop and his page came to them. Jericho gave him his direction and leave to use his personal horse. Once they were rolling again he kissed Tarina again. "We'll stay a few days."
    Kianna smiled a little at his exclamation. "Oh, am I My King?" Her smile turned into a coy grin, "I suppose I can live with that.." She joked, setting her bow down.

"I'm looking forward to it!" She held her lips against his for a short while, then curled up against him again. Jericho was always so warm and she loved how comfortable he was.
    Kailoto stepped up to her and wrapped his arm around her waist. "What's with the grin?"

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The Kingdom of Kairion 2