Weight off the Shoulders

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"Details, my dear, details. If it's really that important, I'm sure it will brought up again. Perhaps after the third or fourth time, it will finally settle into my mind." He was, of course, joking on that point. Snubbing courtiers could only go so far, and he most certainly would not want that come back to bite him in the rear. That would be painful and rather embarrassing. Yes, it was best to avoid such.

"But if you would like to remind in your particular fashion... I would be most appreciative."

Lady Selena Lancaster

[Lady Selena Lancaster]

Her eyes sparkled playfully at him as she leaned into him for a moment, enjoying the warmth of him pressed to her. The temptation in her rose anew, urging her to cast propriety aside, but... Selena forced herself to rise, but permitted a last touch to his cheek with a wistful sigh. "I am sure I can arrange that. But tell me... do you wish for a lengthy betrothal?" Waiting could be an agony, and she was not feeling particularly inclined to doing so.


Prince Riordan Carlisle

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Oh, now there was a question. The woman was dressed for bed, hints of her figure more obvious than in the day to day dresses people were forced to wear for propriety's sake. Selena was blessed with a lovely form, he knew. Yet, he could not let that be the only deciding factor. It was very hard to think of much else, however. "No," he said honestly, "No, I don't."

He paused, "You're the most incredible person to come into my life, Selena." He said honestly.

Lady Selena Lancaster

[Lady Selena Lancaster]

"I didn't think so." She smiled, letting her head fall to his shoulder and rest there for a few minutes. If she were honest with herself, Selena did not especially want a lengthy betrothal. Not because she did not trust Riordan's word to follow through, but simply put, she was eager to begin their lives together and repair the foundation recently cracked. "I'll speak with your great-aunt and my father, see about setting plans for our wedding."

Glancing up, she smiled softly at him. "I could say the same of you. I am glad to have you in my life as well."


Prince Riordan Carlisle

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"Very good," he smiled at her, "I'm not all that good at planning events, I must say. The best I can probably do is procure the Archbishop, since I am moderately familiar with who he is." The statement had been a teasing one. He would help her in any way that she needed.

Warm, sweet words were met with a matching kiss. The kiss drew out, but he knew he would have to get away from her soon or he'd not be able to help himself.

Lady Selena Lancaster

[Lady Selena Lancaster]

Aware that temptation was threatening to spiral out of control, Selena reluctantly drew back, her fingers touching his cheek as she whispered, "You should go. It is getting late, and you need to rest. We have a busy day tomorrow." Much as she disliked being the voice of reason, both had responsibilities that could not be staved off for the simple virtue of whom they were.

Pressing her cheek to his by means of a last embrace, she slipped out of his arms and stood, offering him a hand up. Someone had to be sensible, however challenging that might be. Riordan had a skill for kissing all sense and reason from a woman's mind, and she did not want to risk losing that grasp.


Prince Riordan Carlisle

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

He understood the need for discretion. Even the mere fact that he was in her pavilion this late at night would be cause enough for a scandal. Neither family would appreciate such, especially at a time like this. It was still hard to go, knowing that her bed was not that far away. No. He would not give in. He was better than this. "Good night, my sweet lady." He whispered back to her, taking her hand to stand.

He slipped out and forced himself not to look back. If he did, he might truly give in.

Lady Selena Lancaster