Marina

Chapter 18: Media craze

We walked out and went to the front of the palace, where guards were standing. They opened the doors for us and there was immediately a flash
of cameras, and multiple people speaking all at once. My mother stood up from a row of chairs and went to the podium they had set up, motioning for me to sit and she silenced the crowd of reporters.

"Good afternoon, It comes with great sadness and despair in all our hearts that the king of France, my husband, has grown very ill. In preparation for this hardship that has been brought to this country, my daughter, Marianna, has agreed to rule in his place. I know most will not like this decision, but it is what is best for our country, and our people. She has all the passion and leadership that we all need and many plans for the future of this country." She looked at me and I sat up a little more, my voice projecting. I didn't necessarily feel the need to stand, nor did I want to.

"Before the countless questions concerning my relationship with the wonderful woman next to me, Shelby, arise, I will address it." I looked at my princess, who was staring at me with wide eyes, unable to quite understand my French, but still listening intently as always. Knowing I was about to say something about our relationship to everyone.

"My past is still with me, but that does not define any part of my ability to run a country, other than in a positive. I am insistent on change for the better. Even with my... choice of life, I'm not as reckless as I once was, and I understand the hesitation some of you might have, but Shelby here has rounded me for the better, and has taught me to control my emotions and actions, even if she doesn't quite know that. That being said, she was there for me when my country wasn't, and she will continue to be more important than this job, so be pleasant or I won't be. I'm looking forward to great changes and working with everyone here, for a positive instead of negative this time." I paused to let that sink in, as many people who were gawking at me had written bad papers about me, and this was me telling them that that wasn't happening anymore. "Thank you," I finished. There were a few claps but everyone was processing what I had said, never having a briefing so informal, but so to the point. I was only going to be here for a few months and I have some ideas to make reality, and get my name in history; good or bad, we shall see.

I took Shelbys hand and dragged her inside, her happily skipping along because she knew what we were doing now. "Good introduction!" My dad called after us, laughing because he was finally at peace with it and knew I wouldn't burn down the country. It was a new generation, and the country had better be prepared for it.

"I love you, see you for dinner!"

We walked down our stairs and I shoved her against the wall, my hand around her throat and grasping hard. "I've missed my good obedient little slut," I groaned and she whimpered against my lips, unable to keep the noises in any longer.

"I have missed you too, my ruthless mistress." I pushed her down onto her knees and I walked away to get her collar. She stayed still and patient, her hands behind her back and knees spaced enough for me to have all the access I wanted. I grabbed the piece of leather and walked behind her, crouching down and buckling it on her neck, giving it a reassuring tug and then biting her ear softly, my hot breath hitting her skin and grabbing her attention. I unzipped her dress and slowly took it off, the silk material slipping off her skin with such elegance.

Her breathing was all I could hear in our domain, making my attention entirely on her, connected more to her body than even before with the high. "What do you want today, ma cherie?" I asked, caressing her body from behind, my lips kissing her neck, nibbling gently to leave light marks. "We have so many new marks to give your body."

She whimpered softly, "May I look and choose?" She asked. She hasn't fully admired the wall we have now. I was so happy that she was so invested in this life now. "Oui, of course my kitten."