Flutter

Chapter Two: Unwanted Regency

The weeks passed uneventfully, I spent my days being escorted around the grounds by the many visiting Lords, most often by the one from the dinner, and wishing farewell to those that were leaving. Thankfully, I managed to avoid any unwanted advances.
My nights however, were spent in many different positions with Lord Blacktine.

A month later, I'm laying in bed, watching through half-closed eyes as Lord Quinn Blacktine, traces the patterns of light and shadow across the binding markings on my chest, planting soft kisses here and there. I hum in pleasure as he finds an exceptionally sensitive spot, but before things can escalate, the door opens and Ninella's delicate throat clearing breaks the silence. "What is it Ninella?" I ask slowly running my hands through Quinn's hair encouraging him to return to his explorations. "His highness requests that you join him for breakfast this morning." She replies as she busies herself preparing my bath. Letting loose a sigh of defeat I run my hand down Quinn's back and wriggle out from his grasp, leaving him sprawled amongst my pillows, watching me with his hungry, lust filled gaze. Not for the first time do I curse Trystan's name. Turning to face Ninella I stretch my wings and run my hands through my hair before wrapping myself in a red silk robe and taking a seat at my dressing table to brush out my red locks. I throw a look over my shoulder at Quinn's disappointed groan. "Such a shame to cover such magnificence up." he states as he laces his hands behind his head and continues to watch me. "If you're good, I might let you uncover it again later." I reply."Your bath is ready Lady" Ninella calls from the other room. "and I've laid out your gown for this morning" she continues."Yes, yes Ninella. Leave us, Lord Blacktine will assist me this morning.""Lady! That is..." "Leave us Ninella." I am far more stern than I should be, but it has been a long time since I've had such a fine specimen in my bed and I plan to make use of all the time we are allowed. I wait while Ninella gathers her things and leaves the room, before undoing the robe and dropping it behind me as I head towards my bathing room, "Are you coming Quinn? It seems my maid has left and I need assistance to prepare myself this morning".

My wings beat softly behind me as I float down the hallway heading towards the King's private chambers. It's not often I'm summoned there and even rarer that it's before night fall. I left Quinn in my rumpled bed with the promise that I would return as soon as I was able, the water in the bath barely touched. The gown Trystan has chosen this morning is more modest then the scraps I wore last night. A dark blue velvet, trimmed with gold silk, the neckline dipping just enough to accentuate my ample cleavage while the back is just low enough to accommodate my wings. There's no waist high slits this time but as the velvet hugs my every curve, there really isn't a need for them. I'm still draped in silver and gold chains with a giant sapphire jewel hanging just above my breasts. This morning I have also chosen to add a silver diadem to the outfit. Nestled in my hair it has a single teardrop shaped diamond that rests in the middle of my forehead and a delicate silver net with diamonds and pearls contains my hair at the nape of my neck. Arriving at the King's chambers, I wait while the guards announce me. Once the doors open I stride inside and stop to drop a curtsey to the king. "Good morning Your highness" I greet him with a smile on my face that is for once not forced. I may have to keep Quinn around for a little longer. "My dear! How kind of you to join me this morning, come join me in my meal!" He gestures to the table as one of his servants pulls out a chair and waits for me to settle myself before pushing me in. "Thank you Your Grace," I reply helping myself to a variety of the fruits that are laid out. "I must say it came as a surprise to hear that my presence was requested so early in the day." 'What the hell do you want? You disturbed my wonderful morning.' Is what I really feel like saying. "Yes well, things have come to light." he continues, peeling his apple with a dagger. "That lord you sat with at the gathering last month was Prince Ramdell of Adizikar. There had been rumours of him opening his sea route back up and re-building his fleet, rumours that you have managed to confirm. Now, that may not seem like much on the surface, but there is a reason that sea route has been opened after hundreds of years and I want to know what they are. There have been no hints of his ships going in or out his port, but there has been plenty of reports of Molkarian ships entering.""So, you're fearing a war." I state taking a ripe strawberry and popping it into my mouth, hmm now there's an idea. I wonder if Trystan will let me take some of these back to my room. Pulling myself back from those lurid thoughts, I focus on the conversation. "Yes. I fear a war is coming. There have been too many rumblings lately for my comfort." I stare at Trystan, who suddenly looks past his prime and weary. "You're probably wondering what any of this has to do with you." At this he levels his gaze at me and for the first time in a very long time, I am suddenly both frightened and intrigued. "I am taking Prince Emrys with me to visit our outlying neighbours to assure their loyalties and while I am gone I wish for you to rule in our place." I let out a gasp and choke slightly on a strawberry. Whatever I was expecting, this was not it. "You can't be serious! I can't rule! The nobles will never accept me." I exclaim, my wings fluttering in my agitation. "I understand you have taken Lord Blacktine as a lover. Good. Keep him interested and besotted and the nobles will follow his lead Ravenna. Lord Blacktine has been promoted to the Chief Counsellor of the King and will see that any dissent is dealt with. I am also aware of your friendship with the Lady Araminta. She will also be an ally to you. But Ravenna, do not fall for Lord Blacktine. You are not meant to keep him. He is to be but a delightful distraction and a strong ally. I have plans for him after this business is finished." 'clink, clink, clink' I can almost hear all the pieces falling into place. Trystan's choice for my final dance partner, he had been watching me and marked my interest and so orchestrated our meeting. I am unsure if I feel awed or sickened at the lengths this man will go to get what he wants. I sit there stunned, unsure of what to say, watching him slice off a piece of apple and pop into his mouth. Luckily he speaks again before I can find the words. "Now your bindings will still be in place, you are not to leave the palace grounds. Emrys and I should only be gone a month, perhaps two at the most. I plan to make the announcement later this evening. You are to tell no one where we are going or what this is really about. Our travels will be passed off as a search to find a suitable bride for Emrys."I nod, still to dumbfounded to speak, I am to be charge? What in the eight hells is wrong with Trystan?! I can't be put in charge, I have no idea how to run a kingdom! "Now be on your way my dear. I am sure you have more exciting things you are wanting to return to." he winks as he motions his servant to pull my chair back. I stand and curtsey to him, finally finding some words, as inadequate as they are, "Thank you Your Grace, I will do my best not to let you down." I stammer as I back out of the room.