Come Along, Come Along...

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

With no holds barred or great limits thanks to her father's departure for Twinport, Julia felt more free to pursue the flirtation and lighter topics with a man who clearly intended to do so with her. This little sortie was precisely the sort of behavior for which she was not known, yet held an unmistakable appeal to her at the moment. "Are you composing a list, Your Grace?" She teased back, finding it easier than anticipated.

Drawn along towards the edge, Julia was feeling slightly apprehensive, but gingerly lowered herself to the ground with a mind towards her skirts. The night air was pleasant, and fortunately her shoes were well-tied, though the brief, impish thought of losing them to go barefoot trickled through her mind. It was swiftly banished, however, seated beside Alejandro to appreciate the view over the lake as he spoke once more.

"Indeed," she agreed quietly, "and if you are betrayed, you are far less inclined to seek out someone worthy, more likely to test that worthiness and leave yourself vulnerable. The pain of betrayal trumps the beauty of trust."

Lord Alejandro Cerevotos

[Lord Alejandro Cerevotos]

Alejandro picked up on the fact that she was beginning to, for the lack of a better term, loosen up. It was pleasant, honestly, since it provided an entirely different side of her. He had to wonder if the more austere, stoic part of her was as much of an act was his charming bravado was. Or, at least, he thought it was a charming bravado. "Oh, yes. And let me assure you, my dear lady, that the list is lengthy."

He looked at her for a lengthy moment before he gazed out at the lake. "I was betrayed once," he suddenly announced. He didn't know why he was telling her this, since he had only told a few souls before this conversation. "I was going to marry a woman. A woman from another duchy in my kingdom. And she was such a woman. Full of life, vigor and intelligence. I liked her a great deal. Then, it was revealed she was part of a conspiracy to rob me of power." He shook his head.

"Yet, despite that. I want to trust again."

Lady Julia St. Claire

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

There were few to no expectations on her in this moment beyond his own, no one to see the lowering of the guard or the shedding of the mask Julia wore in near-perpetuity for the sake of her father and sisters. She took her responsibilities as a St. Claire lady seriously, refusing to relinquish the aloof dignity that typified her House name. However, with her sisters scattered and her father off with his potential bride, she was answerable only to herself. It was a heady sort of freedom, one that if Julia did not take care, could lead to a situation with significant consequences.

A faint smile greeted his pronouncement that his list was considerable. "I would expect no less from you, Your Grace. For all your posturing and posing, there are definite standards and principles to you. I can't imagine that you do not have what you prefer well defined." She was still not fully certain how he defined his standards, but was unquestionable sure he knew.

Feeling his eyes on her, Julia made a point of directing her eyes away from his. In the torch and moonlight, too much could be revealed that she was not prepared to do, let alone desired to show. She listened quietly, grimacing as he revealed the woman's betrayal. "I've never understood that, but then I have little exposure to that level of betrayal. And yet... it so seldom succeeds that I wonder she was fool enough to attempt it." A flicker of sympathy traveled to him them, her brows rising at his next comment. "You are prone to more... optimism than I, but then..." Julia shrugged, "My outlook is presently colored by my situation, or lack thereof. It renders me less inclined to trust."

Lord Alejandro Cerevotos

[Lord Alejandro Cerevotos]

"I do have standards yes, but don't we all? Even those who claim that they don't are lying," he shook his more forcefully, "No. Everyone has standards. But then, they are a funny thing." He laughed quietly, "For example, how would you respond if I were to tell you..." He took her hand and looked into her eyes, "Lady Julia, you meet my standards in every way imaginable?" It was a serious question posed and he was quite serious as to her response.

"Oh, power does funny things to people. When you dream of a possibility where you can have a great deal more than you have presently, it... can be very attractive and you will do foolish things to obtain it." He laughed quietly, "I do not approve of what she did, but I do understand it. I will never trust her again, however." He looked over to her. "Do you mind if I ask what has happened to you, Julia? It clearly weighs heavily on your mind."

Lady Julia St. Claire

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

Julia turned a suspicious look on Alejandro, her eyes swiftly searching his face to plumb the depths of his sincerity. He had a facile sense of humor, one that often left her questioning when he was in earnest and when he jested. The look on his face suggested he was serious in his question, the blue narrowing minutely as she contemplated a reply. For once, no pithy retort rose swiftly to her lips, leaving her silent as he continued, the question she dreaded finally emerging.

She continued in silence, averting her gaze over the moonlight frosted landscape spread before them. Explaining herself was no easy task, yet it would be a relief to speak to someone outside the situation to determine if her reaction was appropriate or excessive. Frowning, Julia did not meet Alejandro's eyes as she spoke slowly, framing her reply to balance candor with caution. It was not easy to begin, nor did she know where to begin. Finally, she sighed. "I had a plan for my life. A very definite and defined goal that I have since learned is no longer achievable. It's left me at loose ends, frustrated, angry, hurt... and uncertain. None of which are emotions I like, and I do not know what to do."

A hand rubbed at her forehead as Julia continued, "It has been a long-standing tradition in Demeria that the eldest St. Claire daughter weds the Crown Prince and becomes Queen. I did not want that, and knew a life spent as Queen would be miserable for me as well as Prince Riordan. So instead, I sought to become my father's heir and future Duchess. Now that is being taken from me as well, thanks to his choice to remarry a young woman. He will very likely have more children. A son, who supplants me as heir of Twinport. I... struggle not to resent him for it, because I want my father to be happy. He has been alone far too long, yet this woman is younger than I am. Younger than two of my sisters, even. And I am left with next to nothing. My sister Lynesse is shortly to be betrothed to the Duke of Oakdale. My sister Rosalie is in service to Princess Emmaline. Cecelia..." She shrugged, "is too young to know what she wants or where she belongs. And then there is me."

A wry smile touched her lips then. "I suggested my father allow me to join the Order, but he won't hear of it. Something about he refuses to allow me to squander my life on mere religion. And yet, what else is there for me? My chances for marriage are slim now."

Lord Alejandro Cerevotos

[Lord Alejandro Cerevotos]

In truth, Alejandro was pleased that he was getting this woman to thinking. He had no doubt that she wanted to issue some protest or attempt to dismiss his words, but ... she also knew how serious he was being. It was impossible to miss. Normally, she would have a glib or pithy remark to make but on that point she was silent. Perhaps it was because the current weight on her mind.

He remained silent as she described what was happening in her life. He wondered if this was the first time she had had an opportunity to do so. From her thoughts and the way she worded them, he surmised that was the case. At the thought of her joining the Order, he smiled faintly but then it widened when she cast doubts her own marriageability. "To have your life turned around so quickly, it's understandable you would feel as you do. I know I would. Do you mind if I ask, however, why you feel your chances are slim?"

Lady Julia St. Claire

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

The look Julia bestowed on Alejandro was equal parts astonished and incredulous; did he truly find that a question to be asked, or was he simply not able to surmise the reason she said so? Believing the latter to be the case, she sighed and averted her gaze back over the lands with an uncomfortable shrug. "I am the eldest daughter of a Duke. There are... certain expectations when seeking a marriage. My younger sister Lynesse is shortly to be betrothed to the Duke of Oakdale. To be wedded to a man of lesser consequence when my sister marries at equal or better would be considered a grave insult to myself and cause a scandal."

She added, "Of the five remaining ducal ranks, two are duchesses. One duke is already married, and the other is of an age with my father. My father also... does not especially like Lord Lancaster, so it would never occur to him to seek a match. Though admittedly, Lord Lancaster's heir is a few years older than I, and Lady Rose's son is only a year younger."

Lord Alejandro Cerevotos

[Lord Alejandro Cerevotos]

Oh, Alejandro understood that she needed to marry someone of equal rank to her father's. It all made perfect sense to him, even if he found the entirety of Courtly politics to be a dancing farce. During his late night drinking sessions with Carlos, they had examined just what the nobles so damned special and why they were worthy of the power they had. Alejandro thought it was too easy to accept that the gods had bestowed their power. There had to be something. In the end, they concluded that the system worked because people allowed it to work. It was a frightening thought, especially given how capricious people could be. Julia's situation was no exception.

"Oh, I agree, your chances within this country are slim. What about Dukes from other countries?" The question was asked with what seemed to be a completely casual and simple air. It was as though there were no possible consequences to answering the question openly and freely.

Lady Julia St. Claire

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

It was the role of nobility to intermarry and continue the legacies from which they were descended, but also, they had lofty standards. Julia had her own standards, preferring to remain unwed rather than settle for any mere husband. At his inquiry regarding Dukes from other nations, she sent him a sharp, suspicious look but did not immediately reply. Instead, she considered it carefully, not that she presumed he spoke with any genuine intention. "I imagine it would depend on the duke and whether or not we were compatible. I would have no wish to enter into a marriage where both parties would prove miserable with the passage of time. And it would depend on the alternate country, I suppose."

She continued to study him, curious. Since this was intended to be nothing more than a casual conversation, Julia felt no restriction on inquiring quietly, "Were you in my position, what would you do?"


Lord Alejandro Cerevotos

[Lord Alejandro Cerevotos]

The Duq was not surprised to see the suspicious look on her face at the posed question. "I agree. Entertaining an unhappy marriage would be most dreadful. Can you just imagine it? Sitting at the dinner table in stony silence, parting ways whenever possible and ... a passionless bedchamber? Dear me. That sounds a horrific thought. Then you'd devolve to through metaphoric daggers at each other. Very bloody, and messy." He waved his hand, "The screaming, the yelling... I shall pass on that"

He forced himself to consider her question carefully. "I both love and pity women. I love them because it feels natural to do so. To admire your beauty, your scent, your touches, and all that. I love them because they are a great untapped source of creativity and intelligence. Yet, a good portion of society does not view women that way. I would feel very constrained if you and I were to suddenly trade places." He paused again, "That being said, I would still strike out and take what happiness I could for myself."

Lady Julia St. Claire

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

Compelling herself to relax, Julia smiled vaguely at the portrait his words painted of an utterly miserable pairing, chained to each other by bonds forged stronger than steel. "That is precisely what I hope to avoid. Not necessarily just... in the bedroom," she clarified with a subtle tinge of red appearing in her cheeks, "but that strained, perpetual silence and living separate lives after tempests of a distressing nature. I think perhaps that it is why I am more accepting of no marriage at all than condemning myself to such a marriage as you describe." Surely he could not fault her for her honesty. It was true - Julia preferred to live her life as a spinster than face that living hell.

She listened carefully as he spoke in answer to her question, a slow and pensive nod acknowledging what was said. Alejandro gave a politic answer, without encouraging or dissuading her from making any specific decision. "That bears thinking on, and I shall do so. Thank you."

Lord Alejandro Cerevotos

[Lord Alejandro Cerevotos]

"There is someone for you," Alejandro said confidently. "Someone who would enjoy your company in all matters," he stated it more diplomatically than he did previously. He saw the red on her cheeks and did not wish to make her gasp just yet. Implying that she would be thoroughly enjoyable in the bedroom would likely not be appreciated. Alejandro was in no mood to be slapped. "Someone would enjoy hearing your input and having at his side as a constant companion." The smile was a warm one.

"I hope you do. I have to say, that I rather enjoy seeing you smiling and laughing." It made her lovely, not just physically, but emotionally and personally.

Lady Julia St. Claire

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

His confident tone made her glance sharply at him, her eyes narrowing infinitesimally at him. The longer they conversed, the greater her suspicion that he was up to something and that it involved her in some form and fashion. Julia did not necessarily appreciate the sensation but strove not to overreact until she had greater reason. "You are kind to say so, thank you. Time will determine where I go, I am sure, and what I do."

Deciding to turn it back on him, she made no comment on his enjoyment of her good humor, instead lifting a brow. "Aren't you in much the same predicament? Or is there not the pressure in Linten to select the ideal bride and set up your nursery?" He had already confessed he had no wife, so she could not pry in that direction.


Lord Alejandro Cerevotos

[Lord Alejandro Cerevotos]

Alejandro fought to contain the smile. The look on her face was his reward. She was thinking. She was skirting around the edge of the idea, but was not quite ready to face it fully. Julia was, indeed, a dragon of legend. The dragons were mighty beasts back in the idea, proud and full of power. Yet, some dragons were quite elusive and calculating in their moves. It was not always wise to strut forward in a display of strength. "Time will be your companion," he agreed, "And it will be you that makes that determination. Or whomever set their eyes on you. You never know... you could find yourself completely swept away."

Carlos was going to kill him.

"Hmm?" He rose his eyebrows, "Oh, yes. And it's not just in the Court of Linten. You will not believe the pressure I am under from my servants, especially the head of the household. She never fails to bring it up in conversation at least once a week. 'The duquesa's chambers are so lovely, it is a shame to see them go unused. We have so much room in this home, if only more would come in.'" He slanted Julia a look, "See my meaning?"

Lady Julia St. Claire

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

His words earned him a sidelong look, an odd sense of portent in the content that tickled the back of Julia's mind as if in warning. She doubted Alejandro meant that she would be swept away in anything other than a metaphorical sense, yet still the words lingered with her. "Perhaps, though it would take a rare and bold man indeed to sweep the likes of me away." Julia St. Claire was a thoroughly grounded young woman with feet firmly planted in reality, rather than the more adventurous bent of her sister Rosalie, or Lynesse's dreamy romance, or even Cecelia's sweet shyness.

Her lips twitched against humor, hearing him speak of the pressure. "You do have a responsibility to your title and your house, as they say. Establishing the next generation, some would say, is the greatest responsibility you face, but I take your meaning well enough. A pity you have not been... how did you put it? Completely swept away? Still, as you say, time will reveal your companion to you when the time is right." Sage words she did not truly believe, but they sounded both comforting and appropriate under the circumstances.


Lord Alejandro Cerevotos