Beauty and Solitude

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

The Summer Festival was not proving to be as festive as most intended. It had started off well enough, but as time went on, more and more went wrong. The latest, of course, was the sudden disappearance of Prince Nikolai and the dissolution of the marriage agreement. Relations with the kingdom across the sea were now spotty at best. Daven was of two minds on the matter. On the one hand, he agreed with Selena's notion that they should be given a chance, but he also approved of Julia's thinking. The Sarkozsians were in the wrong here and should suffer for their mistakes. Daven had suffered for plenty of his, after all.

It was an odd conundrum. He wasn't all that certain how he felt about it. Instinct had him going with his daughter's assessment, since it is very similar to what he would do himself. But would his way be useful here? Was it the right thing to do? Bah. He couldn't believe he was even contemplating such things at the moment. It made him grumpy. He didn't want an ale and his daughters were busy doing their various activities. That and he didn't think of them first, anyway. The first person that came to mind was Marisa.

Thoughts of Marisa rarely failed to bring a faint smile to his lips. He would never have imagined that a woman that just recently come of age would understand him so well and make him feel quite this way. It may have been his youth, but he had a feeling it was something more. She accepted him for who he was and still enjoyed being with him. A note was sent ahead to warn her that he was coming to visit her pavilion and that he wished a walk far down the lake shore, away from prying eyes.

He dressed comfortably for the visit. He wanted to be able to move with ease and not worry about his appearance. He wanted to get away from these people. He wanted to be with her. Simple enough demands, no?

Lady Marisa de Vere

[Lady Marisa de Vere]

Duly warned that the Dragon was coming for his Maiden, Marisa smiled to herself at the analogy. He might not appreciate it; then again, there was a sly, understated sense of humor to Daven that she knew how to tickle free. Attiring herself in a gown of blue and white, she made sure the sapphire pendant he'd given her was nestled into the hollow of her throat, warming against her skin. Adorning that skin with delicate dabs of perfume to tease his senses, she ensured that the gown was daring enough to draw his attention but not so distracting that he'd be tempted into impropriety.

Some impropriety was expected and encouraged, but until she had an agreement signed, sealed and entrusted to the King's clerks, Marisa intended to keep him at relative arm's length. His daughters were not coming around so well, but she intended to try more one on one with the younger two girls. Julia was a tougher nut to crack, however.

Moving to await him outside of her pavilion, her gown wasn't so fine that it couldn't stand up to forest or sand. It was the rich color she loved best, not the fabric, her hair neatly tucked into a snood and out of harm's reach. For once, Marisa did not intend to keep Daven cooling his heels. She was rather looking forward to a little private time with the Duke. He'd been entirely too absorbed with serious matters lately... and she needed to renew her enchantment over him.


Lord Daven St. Claire

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

It was true, Daven and Marisa had not had much time together as he would have liked, but work was keeping away. The damned matter was consuming too much of his time. Then the other dukes wanted to interact with him, discuss business, be social and all the claptrap. He hated it, but he knew it was important. Fortunately, he had a feeling that Marisa would provide him with a more than suitable distraction.

And distraction, indeed! When he spotted her coming out of the pavilion, he paused in his step briefly to admire the dress she had chosen. The colors complemented her skin complexion and hair perfectly. There was approval and admiration in his eyes as he finished the approach. Her hand was gently taken into his and he pressed his lips to the back of her knuckles. "My lady," he rumbled formerly to her, "I'd enjoy the privilege of your company. Accompany me to the lake?" The sparkle of the sapphire also briefly caught his eye.

[Lady Marisa de Vere]

The brief hitch in his step and the look in his eyes told Marisa she'd chosen adequately. Her smile deepened as she lowered into a curtsy at his approach, her hand given into his keeping to receive the kiss to knuckles. "Your Grace, I would be delighted to keep company with you, and to enjoy a stroll to the lake." Were she the sulking sort, she might have pouted at him for his distraction and focus on the more serious matters; however, Marisa was far too well trained to behave so foolishly. A man like Daven would only find such behavior annoying. "You look well, if I may be so bold. How have you been?"

Walking beside him, she shifted her hand to take his arm, looking for all the world like a gentleman escorting a lady with only the lightest and least of concerns on their minds. The summer day was pleasant, thankfully, making the walk enjoyable rather than a misery due to heat and dust. There was talk that the autumn storms were coming early, but she hoped they'd remain at bay for now. "I would have come to you, but I did not want to impose on you. Still, if there is any way I can be of help, you will tell me?"

It wasn't that she was bored per se, but that she felt helpless in the face of so much adversity. Fiona shutting her out wasn't helping, and she hadn't quite figured out yet how to corner her uncle. She simply wasn't used to feeling useless.

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

Daven was appreciative that she was not the sulking and whining sort. The relationship would not have lasted very long were that the case. "Thank you," he stated honestly. "You preempted my own boldness, though I may go a step further and not ask your permission. You are looking ravishing as always." The banter between them was something else that he had missed. The witty flirtation and displays of power on his part. The dragon within him was most satisfied. "As for how I have been, I have been... too busy for own good. I fear I may become a bigger ass than I already am if I do not enjoy a break."

The walk was enjoyed in silence for a moment, feeling the light breeze caressing his skin. It was a pleasant feeling. At her suggestion, he glanced over to her with raised eyebrows. "In the future, you need not worry about being an imposition. I may be tired from the long day, but that will not prevent me from enjoying your company." Though, he also knew that she was idling. She was not used to idling. She was a very active creature in the Court.

"I'd like to know your thoughts on this whole matter, actually. I'm sure you're aware of what's happened."

[Lady Marisa de Vere]

"I strive for ravishing, rather than ravished," Marisa was feeling the need to stretch her metaphorical legs in a flirting sense. She hadn't had anyone to play with in the longest time, and Daven made an excellent foil for her wit. Smiling up at him, she leaned into him for a moment, the better to continue her assault on his senses with a subtle brush of breast and a waft of her perfume to his nose. "Responsibility suits you well, though. A pity I cannot see you at your most ducal, though, I have the feeling you are a magnificent sight."

Ironically, her compliments were genuine; he might not be the youngest suitor she ever enjoyed but there was something in Daven St. Claire that inexorably drew her and compelled her to her most flirtatious, witty and mature. "Is that so? You may come to regret such a liberal invitation, Your Grace, and grow weary of me. Then where should I be?" Teasing, of course, though she sobered with his question. Of course Marisa de Vere was aware of what occurred.

Taking a few minutes to consider all she knew tempered by details she might not be aware of, Marisa answered with surprising solemnity. "I am of two minds. There is a part of me that is relieved that the Prince has proven himself the genuine fool I suspected him to be. While this places Princess Emmaline in an unenviable position for a brief time, a woman of her beauty, grace and skill was wasted on him. He was not man enough to handle her." A firm nod lent emphasis to her words. "The rest of me is torn, I fear. As a Demerian, I am angry and wish no further negotiation with Sarkozsy. I would rather see us focus on renewing more vigorous agreements with Linten and Treniata."

She glanced up at him. "What are your own thoughts, my lord?"

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

The actions were appreciated. The perfume she wore was wafted up into his nose, bring to life his senses. Smell was a powerful scent for Daven. He didn't much confess to such, but he did have a rather strong sense of smell. Not only could he detect the perfume, but he also noticed the soap she used to wash herself. Beneath it all was the natural scent that exuded from her skin and hair. It was a pleasant and enticing combination. When she added in the subtle brush of her breast, he felt another surge within him but controlled himself. "Oh, you will see such a sight soon enough, my Lady. I can promise you that."

"Weary of you? I didn't know such a thing could happen. Wear me out, perhaps, but become weary of you?" The smile was a teasing and rather dangerous one. The flirtation was resuming between them as though it had never stopped. Daven needed to get this woman away from the court to enjoy, but he was also poignantly aware of something. She would not allow it to come to fruition without a promise. He could not blame her for such an approach. It was only prudent, after all. That didn't mean it wasn't damned frustrating.

Marisa's thoughts on the matter were truly interesting to him. "I initially thought the same thing. That we should no longer be in negotiation with them, but I have the feeling that our future liege does not wish to take that approach. He wishes to be more forgiving. I worry that it will make Demeria appear weak in front of the rest of the world. The Sarkozsians had one chance and they failed. A harsh, but necessary lesson." He raised a finger, "However, Lady Selena suggested that we go ahead and arrange a long betrothal between Katya and Tristan. She will, politely, be our hostage to dictate terms. Lady Julia does not feel our royal family is worthy of theirs. I .. see her point."

He grimanced, "It's a Triad damned mess."

[Lady Marisa de Vere]

Long, dark lashes dropped over sparkling blue eyes, alight with humor. It was as if they'd never spent time apart, bringing an absent vivacity back to her face and a spring to her step. She'd missed their banter and time spent together, and it was a welcome relief to know she hadn't lost her touch with the Duke. Business had him distracted, but he had yet to lose interest in her. Marisa felt things might be looking up. "Be careful what you wish for, my lord. You might get it."

Might was the operative word there, but they understood each other well enough. Marisa knew how to keep him close enough yet far enough away that the game continued. Until there was an agreement in place, one whereby she achieved what was needed, and perhaps somewhat wanted, he would go unsatisfied.

"I'm disinclined to support a marriage. If this is how they treat the jewel of Demeria, why should we allow another royal into their grasp?" Marisa spoke bluntly, shrugging lightly. "Granted, a betrothal is not a marriage, but Tristan is also young. A better offer might come along, and betrothals are broken all the time. I suppose there is no harm in contemplating a betrothal."

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

Oh, he knew exactly how he was going to truly get it. He wanted to enjoy her as a man enjoys a woman, but there were practical matters to consider. To make things worse, he still needed to talk to her about the matter of heirs. How would she feel about Julia being the heir instead of any of Marisa's children? That troubled him for a moment, but he quickly dismissed. Why couldn't he simply enjoy her company for a short while? "You tease me, my lady. And I enjoy it, but you know how dragons are. We always take what we want in the end."

"No, I don't suppose their is. I believe I am going to watch the two girls very closely. I want to see this Anya and Katya in further action. If they can adequately prove to me that they can handle the rigors of being royals in the eyes of Demeria, then perhaps there is hope for their homeland after all. Hell, at this point, I think the Tsar himself should come over and present the case himself."

[Lady Marisa de Vere]

The smile lingered as he accused her of teasing, rightly so, but she nodded. His words were not a threat, merely a promise. He knew her price; if he wanted her, truly wanted her, he would find a way to meet it. It was just that simple, the terms made clear both by her patron and her liege lady. Carissa knew her only too well, and understood how to manage her into compliance.

Marisa sighed quietly, fully able to feel his righteous indignation towards the Fyodorovs. "I can't imagine that the entirety of Sarkozsy is composed of such ill mannered people, Your Grace, but I can't disagree. This matter may require a more direct visit from the Tsar if he truly wants this alliance. I just..." She paused, then glanced at him uncertainly. He wasn't going to like what she suggested. "If the Tsar does insist on a marriage, what if the chosen spouse was not one of the Carlisles, but one of the ducal houses?"

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

The words spoke more true to him than he realized. As of late, he had been so worried about losing his relationship with his daughter Julia over this matter. It was an impossible question on the surface. What was more important? Being alone or having a relationship with his daughter? Both were primal needs. But then, if Julia became Duchess, there would be more challenges. Marisa would tell him no and go on with her life. Julia would have great difficulty finding a husband willing to give up his name. Then what would happen to the St. Claire family?

He chose not the dwell on it for the time being.

"Hmm," he toned thoughtfully at her suggestion. "Would that have the same impact? Would Sarkozsy be willing to accept that, even in facing starvation?" That was a silly question and he knew it. "I wonder which House would be willing to accept such an arrangement?"

[Lady Marisa de Vere]

Marisa observed Daven peripherally, aware she'd given him food for thought that he might not have nibbled upon just yet. Her suggestion certainly included one of his daughters as a very real potential spouse, despite his notorious predilection for chasing off suitors from his little Golden Dragons. Certainly it hadn't escaped her notice that none were betrothed, let alone wedded, a circumstance that would need to change if she were in fact to become Duchess. She was wise enough not to press the subject, instead keeping her peace until he spoke once more.

"I do not know, but I think it is a far more... palatable option at the moment. I believe the Lady Serah Lancaster could be a viable option, as could the Lady Katalin. I don't believe any of the de Vere girls are of sufficient age, and Lady Selena is all but spoken for." She refrained from speaking of his daughters; that idea best came from him.

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

"Mmph. They might be acceptable. Lady Katalin seems peaceable enough, but I doubt the King is going to be willing to let go of his prized physician. She has done a great deal for him, from what I can see." He shook his head, then, "No, like as not, the physician stays. Lady Serah is certainly possible. And ... " he grumbled for a moment, the idea coming to his mind. "Perhaps one of mine." The idea, though, made him scowl.

"But to send one of my daughters into that nation from whence a coward came? Bah. My dragons would scoff at such a display and consider the men beneath their notice." Granted, he wasn't certain how gentle and sweet Cecelia would view such men, but Daven was going to assume the most draconic line reasoning possible.

[Lady Marisa de Vere]

Marisa shrugged lightly in turn. "There are others who are unsecured as yet." She meant herself, as well as a few others. "Your niece, Lady Lisette, for instance. Lady de Vere herself is unwed and there is that second son who has arrived. Presuming, of course, that the King holds any further interest in marriages to seal the agreement. He may not, as it would be a further slight against Princess Emmaline, who is already insulted enough."

Walking slowly, she tilted her head subtly as she considered. "If anything, I think before any such marriage is agreed upon, Emma needs a new suitor. A betrothal, if at all possible. She has to be devastasted, and feeling less than a woman. Poor girl."

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

At Maria's suggestions, Daven's hackles went up but he did not bite her for it. She was speaking of some very fine ladies in Demeria, the finest they country had to offer. "Bah," he grumbled at her, "They are not worthy of our women. I would not consent to any match to the woman you've suggested, even if I have no direct influence on who your cousin and liege lady marries. She can do better." There. The bitter and angry side of him had emerged once again. "Maybe that is the stance I should take. Take marriage off the table completely with no hope for reprieve. We can maintain a relationship in another way."

The man bristled for a moment before sagging his shoulders. He really needed to get away from the Court for a while. He needed a pleasant distraction, but he knew he would not get it until things were more solidified. Solidified with the King. Solidified with Carissa. Solidified with his daughter and Marissa. Bah.

Why could he just be a general and take what he wanted, regardless of the consequences? "Mmph. Maybe she needs something more primal." And then he grimaced. "Forget I said that."