Masquerade - These Masks We Wear

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

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Hey, do you wanna just have Ivian break the news to the happy couple now? I think if we wait for Eleanor and Nicolae - who doesn't really have any bearing on the Rivaden plot - it'll just drag. 

 

[Channelknight Fadran]

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Yeah sure.

Ivian summoned both Caden and the Raveness.

@The Ward's Guard

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden arrived at the door to the King's chambers, deciding to first quickly inspect the guards who stood at the door before proceeding inside.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

The Raveness - having come from the dungeons - arrived after Caden did, entering without a knock. When she saw the burly general she glared. "Are we discussing the fate of the child who was captured last night?" she asked. "If so, I wouldn't worry. I had a maid give her a room and will be taking care of her needs from here on out, unless you request otherwise."

Edited May 13, 2021 by Shard of Thought

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Not exactly." Ivian turned around to face them.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva folded her arms, shifting her weight to her left hip. "Then what?" Suddenly she smirked. "Is the General getting to visit my dungeons?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

"I have a proposition to make." The words said that he was making a suggestion, but the tone made it clear that he expected to be obeyed.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Ah, well, spit it out, we're big girls, we can handle it. Isn't that right, Caden?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

"I'm glad you think so, Raveness, because I'm offering the General Praetorium your hand in marriage."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

The world fell away for a moment. Riva felt her breath leave her chest suddenly, her heart pounding in her ear. "Excuse me?" she hissed, face pale, mouth hanging open. 

[Channelknight Fadran]

Ivian turned to Caden. "General?"

@The Ward's Guard

Edited May 13, 2021 by Channelknight Fadran

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden cleared his throat, "my lord . . ."

He hesitated, his face becoming a mixture of shock and disgust. "If you wish it, then I will do it."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Ivian, if this is some sort of prank, I don't find it particularly amusing," Riva growled, fists clenched. She strode up to the king. "I am not some noblewoman to be married off for any political gain; I am the Raveness and I could dispose of you - BOTH of you - any number of ways, or don't you remember?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden growled at the Ravenness before turning his attention back to the King. "She can try, my king."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Consider this," Ivian growled, "an opportunity, Raveness, to settle down comfortably for the rest of your days. It's no secret that you've grown old and neglected to choose a successor for your position."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva growled behind her mask. "My age has not hindered me from delivering results and when it does, I will tell you as much. But that is not your concern. I will not settle down, not with that brute of a man!"

[Channelknight Fadran]

"You have no choice in this matter." Ivian looked at Caden. "General, will you accept this as a reward for your services?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden looked away from Ivian, grumbling and growling under his breath. "I don't mean to question, my lord. But is it wise to pair me with that witch?"

 

[Channelknight Fadran]

"You recall what I said to you earlier today?"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva wished for nothing more than to grab the king by the throat and strangle him. Unfortunately, however, she was perfectly aware that if she tried such a thing he would easily be able to throw her to the side. Instead, she threw down her mask, half hoping her ugly countenance would scare off the general. "This is an OUTRAGE! I refuse to marry him!"

Edited May 13, 2021 by Shard of Thought

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden took a deep breath as he closed his eyes tightly before he bowed his head before the king. "Yes, my lord. Your will before mine." He did his best to ignore the Ravenness's outbursts in fear that it might invoke a similar response from him. He practiced every mental exercise he could remember to keep his head level, he just couldn't handle how much that thought terrified him.

Edited May 13, 2021 by The Ward's Guard

[Channelknight Fadran]

"If you would so desire, we could give you a nonpublicized wedding."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"There will be no wedding," Riva hissed, "or so help me you will rue the day you were born."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden took another deep breath. He could feel his blood rushing through his body, despite his attempts to keep a level head. He held his tongue, more in fear of what would come out if it were loosed, then for a lack of something to say.

[Channelknight Fadran]

Ivian turned around. "I'll give you two days to think about it. If you desire to create some compromise, I will gladly hear it out."