A Noble Invitation

[Vortigern]

-------Well this was going to be a jolly good time. Vortigern had come to Carmelide, only on the insistence of his father who was too weak to travel anywhere himself. So he sent his son to represent the Solerian royal family. Truth be told, Vortigern disliked these happy, pleasant little encounters. This did not strengthen their kingdom. Land; wealth; power; those were what they needed. Not making friends who could do nothing for them. But, he was still obedient to his father, no matter how weak he was. He would still play the role of the compliant son and honor his request. There was of course, the other little detail that his father just had to throw in there: his desire to find him a daughter in law. Vortigern would swear that this was the only reason his father sent him on this so called 'diplomatic' ventures. He always gave that same pitiful line, meant to instill guilt in the young prince: "I wish to have grandchildren before I die. And who knows, how much time I have left."

-------There was of course, a flaw in this logic. Being that Vortigern had five sisters. All of which were married. Now, if one averaged about two babies per woman [at least], that would men ten babies. Ten bloody children! How many grandchildren did his father want?! Then there was that other so pitiful line about his father wanting sons and daughters from his only son, and eldest. There was no flaw in that logic. Vortigern was just growing tired of all this talk about women. Besides, there was something rather disturbing about his father telling him to go check out women in various kingdoms. But alas, he was here. Well, sort of. He was invited by one of the nobles, that the king seemed to hold in high regard, to have a feast in his honor. Great. More socializing. Just what Vortigern loved.

-------But as he was told to be respectful, he would keep a polite smile plastered on his face. He rode into the estate, barley paying any attention to the architect. All he did notice was that it wasn't as big as the castle. It was after all, only a noble family. What a ridiculous waste of time. When he rode through the entrance, he dismounted from his horse, expecting nothing less than the whole royal treatment. The few escorts he had followed suit. He didn't bother wearing his armor, but instead, his more evidently expensive fabric, a clear sign of his abundant wealth. A prince had his vanity after all. Once off the horse, he ignored the servant who tended to it and just walked forward, moving towards the family that was waiting out to greet him.

Tag: Romily de Braose

[Romily de Braose]

Romily had no idea as to why she was to be present at that evenings feast. More importantly she still didn’t know why her father chose to hold things like this when clearly he wanted her out of the way.
There was some Prince coming from somewhere she’d never even heard of and she was expected to stand by her father and greet him. She knew that her father was playing some kind of game. A ‘soften him up a little and then make your excuses and leave’ situation. That way her father had the man in his hand and a daughter out of his way for the rest of the evening.

She smoothed out her dress for the fourth time in a few minutes. Lord Avery was already in the hall with a few other nobles taking full advantage of the wine on offer, and she could hear him even outside.
On seeing the procession move through the courtyard, Romily straightened herself up whilst her father was muttering something to himself about how she needed to look more presentable. How presentable did he want her to get?!

Romily saw the man walking towards them and on instinct curtseyed whilst her father bowed and stepped forward towards the royal visitor.

“Prince Vortigern – welcome to Carmelide” he began, “I am Lord Durwin de Braose”

Romily kept her head down and her gaze rested on the ground, she really hoped that her father would ‘forget’ a formal introduction. Who knows what would be up his sleeve for that evening.

[Vortigern]

-------Vortigern's eyes fixated on the nobleman who greeted him. He did not bow in return. Why should he; they were of a lesser rank than he. But of course, maintained a level of respect. So gave a small, yet somehow polite smile. "Lord Durwin," he spoke, giving a slight nod. It was not a bow, no no. Just a nod. "Allow me express my gratitude in your invitation." Good god. All this respect towards him was going to get tiresome. But at the most, he would spend the night here and leave tomorrow. It would be easy enough to make up an excuse for his hastened departure. "It was very kind of you and your family." With those words, he looked to his side, noticing a young woman who's eyes looked to the ground as she had curtsied.

-------Unable to get a proper look at her, his gaze on her was brief as he looked back to the man in charge, her father. Or husband, depending on how young he liked his women. After all, he couldn't blame the man if he wished to take a woman who was half his age. She looked decent looking enough, just judging from her figure and hair. He couldn't quite judge her face yet. "My father sends his regret in being unable to attend," he added. At least that part of his words were true. No one regretted his father's absence more than Vortigern though for if his father could come, it would mean that he did not have to. A win/win situation. But Vortigern was always a sore loser and in this case, he had lost miserably.

[Romily de Braose]

The Prince gave her father a small nod, the polite and charm did not fool Romily for one moment, she could tell that he didn’t want to be there anymore than she did. At least it seemed that way. "My father sends his regret in being unable to attend,"

Romily wished that she could send her own and then have the ground swallow her into a never-ending pit. It would be much better than having to be pawn in her fathers games, if he had any to play tonight – which could possibly mean that he did. She made a note to herself that she should at least make some excuses and leave early. That way she would have played her own part in her own way and would have shown her father that she wasn’t going to be a puppet on a string.

“I am sorry to hear about your father – I am sure that he would have liked to have attended this evening, but I thank you for coming all the same. The King was worried that you might choose to stay back in Sorelia,” her father was now saying before he turned to her direction. Romily looked up, throwing a glance to her father and then at the Prince.

“Now…may I introduce my daughter to you – The Lady Romily” Durwin said, taking his daughter by the hand guiding her forward a little. And so it began.

Romily gave a small smiled and curtseyed again. “Sire”. It wasn’t a mumble, but then again her voice wasn’t that audible either. “Welcome to Carmelide and of course to our home”.

[Vortigern]

-------Vortigern kept that same smile on his lips, though the man's words were so very tempting to comment on. The king was afraid that he'd stay back? If only life was so kind to him. Why couldn't his sisters do this? Well, he knew why but it still annoyed him that all this visits fell under his responsibility. It was times like these, these very rare moments that he wished he had a brother. So that when his father sent him to represent the family, then Vortigern could send his young brother. "And refuse such a gesture that you extended? I would not dream of it." It was quite the fib. But to be brutally honest would only cause his father shame. When Vortigern was king, everything would be different. He would not have to be so falsely appreciative.

-------When his introduced his daughter...oh, his daughter. Well that was less exciting. Had it been his wife, Vortigern was certain that there would have been a few jokes he could make here and there. Hell, he even wondered if trying to bed her would be enough cause to upset her 'husband', speak to the king, and declare war on Sorelia! But it was his daughter. Maybe trying to bed her would have the same effect. Shame she was not actually a royal. Now that he got a more decent look at her face, she held soft and exquisite features. But Vortigern would never imagine marrying someone lower than his own rank. Keeping these thoughts perfectly concealed, his smile meant for charm grew a bit as he took her hand and kissed the top of it. "My Lady." He did not hold her hand any longer than needed. Just long enough to show respect and make a point of it.

-------"It is a great pleasure to be in the presence of such gracious hosts." Judging from her tone though, she did not seem all too thrilled by this feast either. Or was she just as spoiled as he was and didn't like others of higher rank coming to flaunt their wealth? Vortigern suppressed a laugh. What an amusing thought. "Now, shall we make our way into your home?" Instead of standing out here talking for Vortigern had been in situations before where he had been stuck out here for hours. It was painful. He did not want this to be a similar occurrence.

[Romily de Braose]

Yup, Romily could really tell that Prince Vortigern didn’t want to be here as much as she was. From his words and expressions it was so obvious to her but not to her father, which clearly seemed to be looking through some rose tinted glass.

Vortigen’s gaze on her didn’t exactly make her feel much at ease, and neither did the kiss that he placed rather abruptly on the top of her hand. He seemed a very proud and vain sort of man; lord knew what his father was like! The Prince also seemed to be working out what sort of woman she was in his mind. First impressions could be deceiving and she would make darn well sure that they were tonight.
Instead she gave him a small nod. Gracious hosts? Ha! She had a small smirk on her lips now, “Im sure it is sire”.
She was then met with a small cough from her father – obviously he didn’t want her to step out of line this evening and mess up his plans. It made her just want to deceive him more – that would show him!
Durwin gave her a warning look before turning to Vortigern. “You must forgive my daughter’s comments – she does not know when to keep her pretty little mouth shut.”

Shooting a glance towards her father, Romily said nothing, instead she nodded in agreement with the fact that it would be wise to venture inside. Thank goodness it would make the situation less awkward!
“If you would like to follow me my lord”. With that, Romily gave her father a cold look as she walked past to lead Vortigern into Wolfhall Manor.

[Vortigern]

-------Was she, smirking at him? And was that a hint of sarcasm he detected? How utterly disrespectful. He was a prince, a future king, in the presence of mere nobles. The should be respecting him unconditionally, and while Lord Durwin was doing a fine job, she was most certainly not. He did not appreciate being smirked at by someone so much less than him. Not did he like sarcasm. Well, sarcasm that was spoken to him. He quite enjoyed being sarcastic himself where it suited him. But this was not the time nor place. Evidently, Lady Romily was unaware of that understanding. At least Lord Durwin apologized on her behalf. There seemed to be hope for this family after all. At least the men, or man of it. It was somewhat redeemable, though still slightly inexcusable.

-------When she began to walk into their home, he moved to stand alongside Durwin, beginning to walk inside as well. Though made sure that his words would be heard by his daughter. "No apology is necessary," he began. Well, it really was, but he was trying to remain polite. "Once your daughter is married, she will learn of respect as well as her rightful place." The only presumption that he was making was that she was not in fact married. If she was, then surely her husband would be here. Or she would be absent as she'd be in her husband's estate. He felt it was a fair assumption. And if he was incorrect, then it would only be a greater insult to her. "Until then, I do find it rather regrettable that she can not be more like her father." He was not trying to suck up to Durwin, he had no reason to. But at least the man had not directly offended him, unlike that lovely little daughter of his.

[Romily de Braose]

She could hear them talking about her. Rightful place! A husband?! There was no way that her father would even let a man touch her as well as marry her. He was split personality when it came to the subject of her marrying. One moment he was making her talk to every suitor in the room and the next he was shutting her away.

“It is a shame” Durwin replied, “She has unfortunately inherited her mother’s features. Traits, beauty and tongue.” There was a small sigh, “I do not know what to do with the girl – you are right though, she needs a husband to put her in her rightful place, and I can only apologise again for her behaviour my lord – she is quite vocal when she feels that she is right”.

On reaching the hall where a few other nobles were already gathered, Romily stood to one side to allow Prince Vortigern to pass, and once he had done – her father was by her side.
“You need to learn some respect child – that is the Prince of Sorelia you have just spoke to and in the most appalling manner – what on earth would your mother say if she were here!”

“Welldone?” Romily raised her brows in amusement, “I will not be treated like some puppet just for yours and the Prince’s amusement. However disrespectful he finds me, I have my views”.

“You are a woman you have no views! No rights!” Durwin hissed angrily, “Now get in there and make amends!” with that he pushed her forward into the room, going in the other direction to where another group of noblemen were.

Romily rolled her eyes and headed over to Vortigern. “I apologise for my words earlier sire, I did not mean to cause offence – it is true, I cannot keep my mouth shut when I feel that I should speak up about what I really think”

[Vortigern]

-------Vortigern have an amused smile when Durwin listed off her inherited traits from her mother. He knew how it was. He did after all have five sisters. It was why he had been so eager to marry them off. Not only because it politically benefited them, but he could not stand their over sensitivity, and sympathetic manner. Oh Vortigern, don't imprison that sad looking old man! Oh Vortigern, don't throw rocks at that poor little puppy! Oh Vortigern, don't set fire to that person! Oh Vortigern..." Replaying their annoyingly incessant whiny comments made him inwardly cringe. Keeping a complete composed demeanor he just smiled along with Durwin's words. "Trust me my good man. Once she is wed, then she can fulfill the only duty meant for her: child bearing." He felt no problem expressing the chauvinistic side of him. It was after all true.

-------Vortigern entered the room, noticing that the father and daughter were briefly conversing. He heeded them no attention as his eyes explored his surroundings. A few of the nobles exchanged few words with him, but it was not too long until Romily moved forward. This immediately caught the prince's attention and he turned, half facing her. That amused smile returned to his lips, except it was filled with slight arrogance. Quite frankly, he didn't care for her apology. The offense was already made. When she was finished speaking her fully turned to face her. "How many times have you rehearsed that apology?" He asked. Judging from how quick she had been to speak without thinking, he doubted this was the first time her father made her apologize. "Now that is where you are mistaken My Lady, you should not think. It is not your duty to think." Only to silently obey.

[Romily de Braose]

He was starting to get on her nerves and the man had been here for only 5 minutes at the least! Childbearing! Romily could think of a few other things that she was meant for apart from that. Yes ladies sole duties were to bare children for their husbands, but Romily wasn’t just any lady – and she was sure that Vortigern could see that

“I do worry for her on that part – I do pray that when that time comes, it will not take her as it did my dear wife”. Durwin sighed. “I just want her settled and out from under my feet”Sure he did. Not. Every time a suitor came forward her father would turn them down.

Vortigern was amused by the apology she gave him, of course he would. “You know me too well already my lord” she gave him another smirk, knowing that it would indeed annoy him. “I don’t do rehearsals”. Oh well it was done now so if he didn’t like it then he could lump it – after tonight she wouldn’t even have to see him again if that were any consolation.

“I am bound to serve and obey my lord” she told him truthfully, “I shall do so to my father until the day he dies and also to my husband – if my father will actually let a man near me. He says I am for sale but will not let a man near me – some of the men in this room have already tried but failed – so I wouldn’t listen to my father when he says that he wishes me married off, because it is he that is preventing me from entering such a duty”.

[Vortigern]

-------Well wasn't that something they had in common. Granted, his mother had six children before the last had claimed his life. How many children had Lord Durwin's wife had? Why not ask that very question. "Tell me, do you have any sons to compensate for your misfortune?" Misfortune could be interpreted in two ways. One, and the most prominent in Vortigern's mind, was Romily being this misfortune. The second possibility would be the death of his wife. Either way, Vortigern did not particularly care; he was just trying to further insult his ignorant daughter. Despite her apology, his opinion of her did not soften. When she smirked again, it was clear she only did such things to agitate others. Showing her complete lack of respect for those higher in rank. The first could have been a mistake, but the second time was deliberate. He was not overly surprised to hear that. Perhaps her father had high standards. Perhaps none of her suitors were, wealthy enough.

-------If he had a daughter such as her, having had to suffer her company, why not get a good price to compensate for it. Of course, Vortigern did not say this in so many words. "I am sure he is waiting for someone to offer him a good price for his insolent daughter." Yes; insolent. "And why should he not. Seems only fair as he must deal with your complete lack of respect to both him and others." Lecturing with insults. A favorite pass time of his. Of course, it mostly took place in foreign lands. Back home, it was very different. People did not dare cross him. His reputation was far too well known, filling Sorelians with dread. One day, this reputation would grow to other kingdoms. "I pity the one who must be forced to deal with your rudeness and complete disregard." Going back to the plain fact that she did not know her place. He leaned a bit more forward so that his words would only be meant for her ears. "Poor Bastard." Referring to her future, undetermined husband.

[Romily de Braose]

Now they were talking about her mother. Durwin NEVER spoke about Jayne personally – not even when Romily asked. She’d received all knowledge of her mother from her maid Bonnie. “Unfortunately not – my wife died in childbirth with our son, he also died…” Durwin trailed off. “So I was left to raise my daughter alone”.
WHAT! Oh he hadn't just said that! That was a joke! Romily had practically raised herself along with Bonnie’s help. Her father hardly paid attention to her when she was little and that still remained now!

Romily rolled her eyes, not even bothering to tell Vortigern what she really thought of him. “And any woman who lands up with you must be blind” she muttered. She wasn’t going to hold her tongue just for some Prince, and she wasn’t going to be treated unfairly in her own home either. Only her father was allowed that privilege.

“You’ll soon get to know my father’s true character, and it will not please you at all” she retorted before starting to walk away from him. Something made her stop and look over her shoulder at him, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you” she glared and headed off to speak with Lord Haelan.
Romily couldn’t even care whether she was just insulting their guest more and more. He didn’t want to be here and neither did she – so why didn’t he just make some sort of excuse and leave??!! Leave her and her father alone.

[Vortigern]

-------Vortigern listened to Durwin briefly explain the circumstances of his wife's death, as they had lost a son too. Vortigern was not the overly sympathetic type. He did not display his condolences for such things. What did he care. They were just a small little noble family of no consequence to him. He spoke, only to further insult his daughter, who displayed no personality traits of a real noblewoman. Had he not known better, he would have thought her to be a peasant that he picked up off the streets and raised as his own. She certainly spoke like an uneducated being. "Shame. A son would have certainly honored your family name. Unlike your daughter who tarnishes it." Yes; he was letting Durwin know that his name was getting tarnished. But again, they were of little relevance to him.

-------It also seemed that his outrageously spoken daughter learned nothing. If they were back in Soleria, she would not have so much as dared smirk at him. For his reputation there was great. Sinister; sadistic; cruel; all resulting in the appropriate adjective, of great. He just scoffed at her insult. Vortigern was vain enough to believe that any woman would be lucky if he so much paid them the privilege of a glance. "Blind? No," he stated with a small smirk, and a mocking smile. "Deaf? Perhaps." He was not delusional; he knew his words were ones of insult. Ones that people did not appreciate. Yet, in Soleria, they could do nothing about it. For he was the prince, and they were all his servants, expected to do whatever he so commanded of them.

-------When she told him that Durwin's 'true character' would not please him. Vortigern cared little. He was already displeased with this entire arrangement. He doubted it could get any worse. The sooner tomorrow came, the sooner he could leave and return to the king's castle. Or even home. "Coming from you, I hardly consider that a warning." Why was she warning him? Clearly there was tension between father and daughter. Tension that he did not even care enough to get involved in. He would not be caught in the middle of their irrelevant little family feud. And to place him in the middle of it, was greatly disrespectful and completely unacceptable. When she walked away from him, he obviously did not follow. What he was assured of was that this was going to be an extremely long evening. At least dinner was something to look forward to, for food always helped the time pass by.

[Romily de Braose]

Tarnish! Her! If it wasn’t for not being married yet, Romily was doing her father a favour! He told her that she was the image of her mother and denied any access from a man towards his daughter. He was scared of losing her too and being alone. Romily didn’t bother to listen anymore. She’d had enough.

“I admit my daughter is a little wayward, but I do not think she tarnishes the de Braose name” Durwin replied, “She is strong of mind and will, and yes I shall find a husband to shape her even more – but for now she serves and obeys me just as any daughter should”.

Romily did not care for what type of woman Vortigern went for. If she was stupid enough to marry him then that was a start. Thankfully dinner was announced and everyone headed to their places. Unfortunately Romily was seated in between her father and Vortigern. How very convenient. Had her father actually expected him to like her?!

“Watch your tongue girl” Durwin leant over and whispered to her, “If Carmelide is going to be allies with Sorelia we need to make some sort of impression – and at the moment you’re ruining everything”.

Romily turned to her father, “I wouldn’t want to be associated with the man next to me if my life depended on it”

“So get up and leave…”
“No – I want to sit back and enjoy every moment of this” she hissed and picked at her food. Turning suddenly to Vortigern. “Do you ride my lord?”

[Vortigern]

-------That was the problem when people 'think'. They did not know enough to think. "So the fact that she speaks out of place, is your idea of her obedience?" Surely the man did not tell her to speak her mind. From his understanding of her actions thus far, he appeared to attempt to discourage Romily for speaking out of turn. In which case, she was not as compliant as Durwin said. But again, Vortigern knew little of this family, and he did not want to learn more. Inevitably, he would. Thank goodness dinner was announced. He would not be able to tolerate much more of this causal socializing. At least with dinner, there was food to occupy ones mouth with, and hopefully refrain from Romily speaking, and wine to strengthen ones tolerance of the situation.

-------The seating arrangement made it thus that he was sitting next to none other than the Lady Romily de Broase. How lucky. How bloody lucky. Not only was he not seated at the head of the table [something that he had been expectant of as he was royalty], but he had to sit next to a woman who did not know how to hold her tongue. All women talked incessantly. His sisters had proven that and with his experience, so did all other women. But Romily was not only talkative to the insufferable extent; she was far too bold. Something he greatly disliked. He took a sip of his wine as soon as he heard her ask a question meant to strike some casual conversation. Concealing to perfection his annoyance, he put down the goblet, and turned to her to reply.

-------"Well I did not get here on foot," he said with a smile. The smile was condescending. He tone was not overly sarcastic, though he wished it was. It was polite and meant to be made in good humor. Just a light teasing joke. Had he not been in the company of so many others...no, had he not had his father's words of warning and reminder ringing in his head, then he would have made sure his answer was far more rudely spoken. "What about you Lady Romily. What hobbies do you partake in?" Embroidery? Sewing? Other, womenly things? He really did not care. But as Gildas would say: Remain respectful for you are in the company of respected men and women. He wished his father was not so soft; and he wished he did not hold so many others in such high regard.

[Romily de Braose]

“Well I did not get here on foot,"

Duh! She wasn’t stupid! Instead she gave a small chuckle. “I was only asking my lord. Im sorry if that was such an inconvenience for you”

BAM!

Romily – 1, Vortigern - 0

He politely returned her own question with one just as mocking as he was. What hobbies? She was sure he wasn’t the man who would talk about sewing. Instead she just shrugged. “The usual womanly duties which would bore you – but I also like to ride when I have the time, and believe me, I ride very well”. There went the smirk again. She couldn’t help it.
Next to her, she could hear Durwin groan slightly. She now knew that she was doing something right and the look on her father’s face said it all.

Romily carried on eating for a little while, occasionally talking to her father about nothing too trivial. His affairs were of no concern to her. it wasn’t until Lord Haelan piped up that she should be expected at court that Durwin hit the roof.

“Absolutely not! The idea is mad in itself” he slammed down his goblet.

Lord Haelan wasn’t giving in though, “But she is of an age where she should have been presented at court years ago! How can you expect her to marry if you do not present her my lord Durwin?”. At this Romily rolled her eyes as the Great Daughter Debate launched into full swing. In the end she felt as though she’d had enough and with that slammed her own goblet down on the table.

“Gentleman please! We have a guest here and all you care about is arguing about court affairs!” Lord Haelan immediately shut up whilst Durwin muttered something and went back to his meal. “That’s better” she nodded and took a sip of wine.

After a short time she leant over to Vortigern again. “If I were you my lord, I’d make my excuses and leave before it all kicks off – we both know that neither of us want to be here, and if im honest this war of words could get rather messy”.

[Vortigern]

-------An inconvenience to ask? He was not quite sure what she meant by that, but ignored it. Finding it was not worth replying to, just as this conversation was not one worth engaging himself in. He was far above this; so much better than every single person seated in this room. When she spoke of how she also enjoyed riding, he doubted she was very skilled a it, but again, did not say it in so many words. "I am sure you do," he said in a patronizing way. "And that many can attest to that." Now that remark, held a great deal other implications. He was, suggesting a different kind of riding. Calling her, promiscuous in such a way. Of course, he did not differentiate that by saying 'many' he meant 'many men'. Her father was sitting here after all, even if he did ensure his words had been only meant for her ears.

-------Dinner droned on. The food was not like Solerian food, he was accustomed to higher taste. But, he supposed it was to b expected in the home of a noble family. What he had not expected, was the sudden uproar caused by Lord Durwin. Vortigern did not overly react to it. He just took a sip of his wine, appalled that the people were were so disrespectful! They dared to argue and raise their voices in the presence of royalty?! Is this why the King of Carmelide had sent him here? To witness the madness of his people? If this was his attempt to achieve peace with Soleria, then he was miserably failing. With the slamming goblets, and yelling, and then obscure silence...he was finding this positively dreadful. When she told him that he should leave, he knew he could not. As much as he wished he did not even have to be here to begin with.

-------He was going to have a very long chat with the King when he returned to the castle. For this treatment for royal guests was completely unacceptable. "Do not dare presume to tell me what I must do," he said in a composed, though serious voice. "You all may be frequently rude at the table, but I would only be conforming to you if I abruptly excused my self." Of course, that was not what made him rude; there were far many other things that gained him that trait. "It is clear you do not entertain many royalty, which comes as no surprise, for you are completely oblivious as how to act in front of them. The very nature of this entire family is appalling." He was making no secret of his opinions. He held the highest rank here as a Prince! They were nothing to him.

[Romily de Braose]

“It is clear you do not entertain many royalty, which comes as no surprise, for you are completely oblivious as how to act in front of them. The very nature of this entire family is appalling."

Romily wasn’t going to spoken to like that. Not in her own home. Not standing for anymore of Vortigern’s comments, she calmly dabbed her mouth with her napkin and rose. At the very sight of her, Durwin grabbed her hand. “What is wrong daughter?”

“If you will excuse me father, gentleman…I feel a little unwell”. She told him

Durwin nodded, “Go and rest my dear, I shall come and see how you are fairing later”. On letting his grasp go, Romily headed out of the hall and up to her room. Of course Bonnie was waiting for her – eager to know of all the gossip. On seeing her mistress’ face, her own fell.

“Was it that bad my lady?”

Romily nodded silently, “it seems I have displeased a number of people tonight Bonnie” she eventually spoke and set herself down on the window seat. “I am feeling the start of a headache coming on too”. She was sure it was Vortigern’s venomous image in her mind that had caused it.

“I shall get you a damp cloth my lady” Bonnie jumped up, but Romily held up her hand to stop her.

“No Bonnie – I’d just rather lie down for a while, my father will be coming to see how I am later and presumably to voice his disappointment.”.

Bonnie had her fists clenched a little, “That Prince Vortigern didn’t do anything to hurt you did he my lady?” she asked, “only I saw earlier as I was putting some book back in the library – the way that he looked at you, talked to you – no respect at all”.

“Why should he?” Romily shrugged, “I am a noblewoman and he of a royal status. It’s not exactly best friend material”

“When I see him I’ll…” Bonnie began but Romily once again cut in.

“Do not speak of him like that Bonnie – the Prince made his choice to come here and he didn’t have to. Just sharing a room with my father would be painful.”
Bonnie was speechless at this. “Why are you sticking up for him my lady? After how he’s acted…”

“It is who we are Bonnie. That man downstairs is Prince Vortigern and you have to accept that.” Romily told her and laid down on her bed, her head thumping. “Now…I think you should turn in”

“But my lady!”

“You have done enough today – and I’ll be perfectly fine on my own. I am a grown woman you know”

With that Bonnie headed over and kissed Romily on the forehead. “Goodnight my lady” and with that she was gone, closing the door silently on her mistress.

ooc: Couldnt be bothered to highlight her maid's bits in a different colour

[Vortigern]

-------And there it was. Lady Romily de Braose excusing herself from the table. And here he had thought there would have been some fight and argument left in her. Vortigern did not raise himself from his seated position when she stood to leave. Had she been a princess of queen, he would have. But she was merely a noble and thus, there was no need to give such respect to her. Especially not after the way she spoke to him. He instead, gave a polite smile and a short nod of his head. "Lady Romily," he said in farewell. Whens he left the room, everything continued on, more peacefully than before. The conversation was casual, and rather generic. They spoke of weather, briefly of politics, of approaching tournaments, of sports...nothing overly out of the ordinary.

-------Once it drew to a close, they moved to one of the casual halls to continue conversing. More talking, more socializing, until everyone began, one by one, retiring to their chambers. Until only Vortigern was left. It was well into the night but sleep eluded him. Some nights were such that he could not find sleep. Back in Soleria, he would occupy his time with a great many other things. But here, there was nothing to do. Nothing but to explore the estate. He left the room and just casually walked down the corridors, looking for a room that held enough interest for him to enter, but of course, not overly prying. There was no need for that. Nothing compared to his castle back home. He did see one room of slight interest; the library. So, he entered, the fire from the torches mounted o the walls providing sufficient light. The shelves were lined with many books and Vortigern stood in front of it, his eyes scanning the spines of various ones. If this was the most interesting part of this entire visit, then it was no wonder it was such a bore.

[Romily de Braose]

She hadn’t been able to get any sleep – her headache was wearing off and she was thankful that she could now do some reading by candlelight without being in pain.
Finishing her book, Romily knew that she wouldn’t be able to sleep anytime soon, and that there was a book in the library that Bonnie had forgotten to bring back up for her. Without anymore hesitation, she sat up and got to her feet, taking a candle with her so that she could see. Darkness had now fallen over Carmelide and it was no doubt that everyone had left and her father had retired.

Romily descended the stairs quietly so as not to wake anyone. The last person she wanted ranting at her during the middle of the night was Prince Vortigern. He’d most likely think a bed of nails was more luxurious than the ones in their guests’ rooms.
On entering the library she didn’t see him standing there at first. It was such a surprise to her that she almost dropped her book. Vortigern was there, looking at the spines of what was on every shelf. She hadn’t expected to find him in a library.

“My lord” she quickly bobbed a curtsey to him. “Im sorry if I have disturbed you, I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here at this time of the evening.