The Warlord's Wife

[Guinevère]

Oh, she knew she'd hit on something there--that arrogant smirk wasn't there any more. Whoever he was--for she still did not learn his name--proved he didn't like when he struck back! Her father! Stepping closer still she kept her glare on her, as her drink stayed in her hand. She no longer drank it, for in her anger she all but forgot it to be there!

Her father had been a kind and loving man, who raised her to be a kind and loving woman--and Helios ruined her! He'd been killed by the tyrant king before his tyrant daughter had killed him to take his throne and make Helios begin his intense hunt for more men! THIS man would not defile the one good thing she had--her memories. Her father was her one good memory! She dare not think of him often, for is felt as if she would ruin such a memory here!

She tossed her drink in his face, and then tossed the cup to the side. "You will not speak of my father." She demanded, not even going to pretend that he hadn't struck to the heart of her. "He was dead long before this began!"

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur closed his eyes when she tossed the drink at him, belatedly opening them as his tongue ran over his lips, the taste of wine upon them and now covering his face. It seemed that she had struck a nerve, just as she had struck one within him. Yet, he felt no satisfaction or pride in being able to do so. It was no contest, and he knew his mother would not approve of such words. But then . . . had his mother been alive, he would not be saying them. "Fortunate then," he said in the same stoic tone, clearly not having learned his lesson.

"That he was spared the sight of his daughter in such a role." Arthur stepped past her to reach for the towel upon the table, using it to wipe his face before tossing it at her feet. "I will detain you no further. Carry on with your tasks, and I will continue with my duty." He knew that his words could have triggered another physical reaction, and despite whatever honour he lacked, he would not fight a woman. So with that, he took only a few steps back, still in close proximity to her as he kept his gaze upon her. Yes, his mother would be ashamed of him indeed but he did what he had to. People like Helios, and Guinevère should not live to kill others.

[Guinevère]

If she was the type to kill anyone--he'd be the first she'd do it too! "GET OUT!" She demanded, know KNEW he wouldn't get out so instead she turned and stormed away to the other side of the room and paused at the tub. Looking at her face int he water she glared at it! NO! Her father would never see what she'd become and she was grateful for that! One small kindness in this world that only sought to slowly kill her!

The water was still warm, and she'd not had the chance to was her hair. She should crawl in if only to make him leave. Yet she couldn't bring herself to bare herself more before him. Nor would she hide behind the screen like she wanted to in order to avoid his gaze on her. Instead she moved to the rope and pulled it. Ignoring the man, Guinevère moved around the room as if he wasn't there. A few servants came to remove the small tub, and she wished she could escape down past them. Would the beast really stop her? Instead she set to brushing her hair out before the mirror, and trying to make a plan to escape before Helios could see she was missing.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur knew that on some level, he should feel guilty. Perhaps he did . . . deep, deep, deep down inside. But then, why should he? She was the wife of a warlord. Such behavior automatically condoned. Those who supported Helios were no better than the man himself. Just like the queen. For it was people like her, and like Guinevère who encouraged his acts of cruelty. That was what Arthur had to remind himself of anyway, so that he could justify his murderous plan. His ploy to kill these people. So no. He did not get out. He did step away, waiting by the door, not watching her every move thought at the same time, not letting her out of his sight.

The day passed on as such, night upon them, silence filling the room since there was nothing more than needed to be said between them. A light knock at the door alerted Arthur, and he turned to open it. Quiet voices hardly to be heard between him and a messenger, as he reached for the reached for the small package that was wrapped in a cloth. Arthur closed the door and turned to Guinevère, taking a few steps towards her. The package in his hand may as well have been soaked in blood, for who knew who had to die on order for her to enjoy the spoils of a raid. "A gift from Helios," he said handing it to her, trying not to choke on the words and what it meant for village full of innocent people to be attacked by him.

[Guinevère]

She'd ignored him all day, going out of her way to make sure that she didn't look his way, or hint that she was thinking of him. She did even up thinking of him though, as she needed to find a way to get past him. How deeply did he sleep? How quickly did he sleep? Would he give chance? Could she try to pack a bag while he was int eh room or would that--

He answered the door, and she ignore that too. Childish, perhaps, but she did not wish to be here and often made that known by her silence. Finally he approached her and she looked over at him. A gift. Her eyes lowered to the package and she leaned slightly back from it as if the gift was on fire. She stared at it, Her breathing growing slow. He was a raid. She knew that. Any gift came from the dead. She wanted to burn it, and she wanted to never touch it. Stepping backwards she turned from it, still not speaking as she walked away from it. Helios often sent gifts, enjoying the idea that they were in love or this was mutual for them. She'd even given up the pretense that she was happy. He blamed the baby--claimed she was happy before it died and would be happy once more when he gave her another. "I want nothing to do with his gifts."

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur watched her reaction to the gift, as it was not one he'd been expecting. She turned away from it, and he couldn't help but wonder what she was playing at. Was this all part of her game? Part of her manipulation? Surely the wife of a warlord enjoyed such spoils; one that came at a cost too great. But instead of claiming it, she turned away from it, saying she wanted nothing to do with it. And . . . Arthur found that difficult to believe. Yet, at the same time, there was something oddly . . . genuine about it. Perhaps he was stupid and naive for thinking such. There was surely nothing more than what was on the surface in this hellhole. Helios and Guinevère included.

"I find that difficult to believe," he told her bluntly. "Why else marry such a man." It was both a statement and a question, though more of a rhetorical one for he had no interest in hearing of the story of how they married. He walked to her, standing directly in front of her for he had no desire to keep hold of the gift. "My orders were to give it to you." And if Helios found that he hadn't . . . well, Arthur was not going to give cause for suspicion. Unless of course, he succumbed to the fleeting temptation of killing her before Helios returned.

[Guinevère]

Why did she marry him? Did he really think there was a reason beyond the obvious? Beyond the 'what Helios wants he takes'? She looked over her shoulder at him in a glare, but before she could answer he walked over to stand before her to again gift her Helios' blood gift. His orders. He was concerned with his orders. "And you always do what your told?" She asked, trying to annoy him. Trying to make him sound more like Helios' dog then his man. "What a good boy."

Turning she again walked away from him, ignoring the gift. "I wasn't given a choice to marry him. You should know Helios takes what he wants." She wanted more wine but knew better then to indulge too much. One, she'd seen his men become slaves to too much and need it to live--and she wanted her wits about her. She needed to escape this place before Helios' finished his raids and returned. "And I have no intention of taking his gift, so tell him I refused. He'll be used to it by now." And he always acted as if she'd surprised him. Helios was a smart and cunning man, but when it came to her he was blinded by his need for a son. She knew one day he'd give up and make himself a widower so he can do this to another poor girl.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Did he always do what he was told. No. Though he technically was, it wasn't without higher purpose. So he knew he had to swallow it back, and set aside his pride -- if he even had any left. Perhaps he didn't. But what he did know, was that to be provoked, could risk exposure and the slightest doubt in his loyalty to Helios. He had already been in this hellhole for 3 weeks, he didn't want to drag it out any longer than what was absolutely necessary. Though, the most prominent reply on his mind was What other choice is there. Arthur knew that even without his ulterior motives, he would have still be forced here. Forced to fight. Though, he supposed the difference was . . . he would have rather died than serve Helios. His existence would not have lasted long had he not held another purpose.

She turned away once more, telling him that he didn't have a choice but to marry her and . . . he couldn't help but wonder if that was true. The previous question returning of whether she was just playing with him. This entire thing could be a test by Helios to determine whether he could truly trust Arthur or not. But, his gut feeling was telling him that it wasn't the case. Still. Who was he to trust what he had become. "So you stand by a man who you don't support?" He asked, trying to understand. If that was true . . . then maybe killing her was not the best option. "Once again, I find that hard to believe." For surely, she was not idle in such a place and did something to contribute to his terrors. "You can tell him yourself," he said, tossing the gift onto the table. "My task s to guard you. Not to be your tongue. Yours is sharp enough as it is." A bit of an insult; a bit of a tease.

[Guinevère]

STOOD BY HIM? Guinevère turned to look back at her jailer, and wanted to scream at him and tell him how she felt about Helios' but if he was Helios' little dog then she wasn't about to say something to get her killed--something about how they were all the lowest creatures in Albion and beyond! "No one stands by him. He makes everyone stand below him." Magic users had been hunted and feared but she'd rather had been hunted then be here with them! THEY were the great evils here! If she'd known magic, then she could have saved herself! If she'd known the sword, she could . . . . have done nothing. Even still, she wished she'd known and not felt as weak.

His comment about her sharp tongue didn't bother her. She didn't have a reason to find sweet words any more. This place was a house of death and hate--and she was beginning to fit in. "You are so proud of being his good little boy, let me give you some advice," She begin, "The second he is done with you--and the second you show an ounce of weakness he will be done with you. You will be dead."

Besides, something else was starting to become clear. "For a man who aspires to be so close to Helios, you are beginning to sound as if you disapprove of me." Sharpe tongue, how she stood by him. "A bit contradictory." Maybe he was jealous and wanted to be in Helios' bed.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur knew that to be true when it came to the warriors he had here. There was a heirachy, and Helios was at the top of it. Arthur supposed that if it was in fact true that Guinevère was forced to marry him, then no one stood as his equal among the rankings. Still. It did not yet evoke sympathy from him to hear of Guinevère's plight. He did not even know for certain whether it was true or not. He looked at her when she gave him advice, speaking of how once he showed weakness, he would be dead. He would be done with him. "Advice that seems to be relevant to you as well," he told her. Meaning, that if what she said were true, then Helios would eventually be done with her as well.

Especially if she made it a habit to reject his gifts. Upon her next words, he knew he had to speak carefully. The idea of all of this being a ploy against him not yet fled from his mind. Not yet dismissed as a possibility. "I serve Helios, not you," he stated bluntly. "I don't care for whichever women he has warming his bed." Whether there was her, or another. Or multiple. "I serve only him." Here, it was about surviving. He did what he had to do. And he did what he needed to. Just as she did if what she said was true. But among the people, everyone just strove to survive. Few were here willingly. It was quite literally life or death. Though, his words were said with the hope of keeping up pretence. He would have chosen death long ago had he not had a reason to survive. Once that reason was over, he was unsure what would be left in this world for him.

[Guinevère]

No, Helios wouldn't kill her just yet. He was still hoping that she would give him a son. The loss of the last one still strong in his mind. Right now she was safe from death--but not from Helios. One day he would grow tired of this and she would have to worry--but she wanted to be free by then. Gone. Disappeared into the lands so far from here that he'd never have a hope of finding her. Thankfully, not many knew her face, since Helios kept her well guarded and his men so often died. It would be easy to give a new name and keep heading toward the sea. Beyond the sea if she had too.

"It would see you would rather be the one in his bed." She said moving toward him him. Her plan starting to unfold. She wanted make him uncomfortable, and for him to either leave or not watch her as close. Maybe even fear of Helios would make him hurt his back. Moving up to stand before him she reached hr fingers out to touch his shirt, toying with the strings there. "You are more then welcome to warm his bed instead--though I doubt he'd welcome you there. While I care not who is in his bed . . . Helios rather likes a soft body. You don't look very soft."

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur slightly stiffened upon hearing her words. Though, it was not just her words . . . but the fact that she reached out and began toying with the laces on his shirt. Once again, he did not know what game she was playing at. What form of manipulation she was taking on. He knew she was toying with him . . . but to what purpose, he wasn't sure. He had to fight the urge to take hold of her wrist and push her hand away with his own. Yet, something inside of him left him frozen in place, still working to keep that stoic composure. That, calm demeanour. Even at the revolting thought of sharing a bed with someone like Helios.

"I assure you, I am not," he told her bluntly at her latter spoken words. Truth was, he required the distraction from such a subject. Any intimacy with Helios was sickening. And he'd rather not dwell on the conversation. "If you do not satisfy him, I am sure he can find another." NOT him! "For perhaps even you. . . " He began to say while tilting his head to the side, a slight smirk on his face. "Have lost all soft touch." Words coinciding with his earlier ones of how she had a sharp tongue. Perhaps she once held softness . . . but the woman before him was hardened. That much was plain to see. Now if only she would release her touch on his laces, so that they could return to their earlier positions. Distant and silent.

[Guinevère]

"Let him find another, then." He didn't pull away, and she knew this would work. If he pulled away then she would have tried something else, but the fact that he stood still and instead commented on her touch---she understood now. It was not Helios' bed he wanted in. It was her's! There was power in that knowledge, and she needed to use it. It had been years since she'd tried with a man. When Helios first took her she didn't have to try, he wanted her and she took her. He had been her first, and her only.

She didn't plan to let this hateful man into her bed, but if he was really loyal to Helios then maybe he would turn from her and not watch as close. Maybe he would even stand guard OUT of the room. Giving her time to pack a bag.

Her fingers trailed over the hardened vest he wore, until they found the bottom. She let them press under it so her fingers rested on his belly. Men liked touching. She could touch. "Does my touch feel unsoft?" She asked, as if she didn't know the answer. Reaching for his hand, she paused before taking it. Then she brought it to her side. "Do I feel unsoft?"

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur wasn't entirely sure what was happening. Well, he wasn't an idiot . . . he knew what was happening. But, he wasn't certain as to whether she was bluffing. Whether she was testing him to see how far he would let this go. He most likely wasn't the only man she attempted to seduce . . . but how did it end? With her claiming to Helios they had tried to take advantage? With her having a justifiable reason to kill them should she claim it was forced? For her to weed out any traitors against her husband? There were so many possibilities as to what her motives were . . . yet only one thought rung in Arthur's mind. The kind of revenge that could be had should he take Helios' wife to bed.

Yes; Arthur truly had lost all honour. He was too consumed with the need for revenge. To spite Helios any possible way he could and right now, perhaps that was in the form of a woman. That is, if she took it that far. Arthur continued to remain still, continued to remain stoic. Despite her fingers upon his stomach and her moving his hand toward her body. "Something tells me, there is nothing soft about you at all," he said almost teasingly. Tauntingly. His hand slid for a brief moment along her side before he pulled it back, letting it fall to his side. He slightly leaned forward, that same amused smirk on his face, trying to ignore her hand upon his stomach though it felt rather impossible. "Do many men fall victim to your seduction?" He asked, voicing his assumption that he was not the first . . . and probably wouldn't be last.

[Guinevère]

He removed his touch from her quickly, and she began to doubt her plan, though wasn't ready to give up on it just yet. It could be his loyalty more then his willingness holding him back. How many had she tried this on? None before him. Most where orger of men, and sometimes even in numbers. Oh, she'd tried to escape before. None of them worked. This was the first time she'd tried to do it this way.

Her fingers moved under he vest, her thumb brushing over the dip of his belly button. "There haven't been any I've wanted." She told him, tilting her face up to his. "Most men of his are dumb as bricks, and aren't welcome in a woman's bed." She wondered if he would soften to her touch, or if this plan would fail. Guinevère wouldn't give up on this right away, but she would have to watch the line she walked--if he told on her then she would find herself in hot water.

And Helios' rage wasn't one she wanted to be on the end of. She had to escape. "If you have to watch me . . . shouldn't you enjoy yourself?" She needed him to walk away, or want this enough to drop his guard. She needed to escape from here.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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This was not at all what Arthur expected would happen when tasked to guard Helios' wife. The mocking had been unexpected enough . . . but now, there was touching. Taunting taken to a whole other level as her hand moved on his stomach. He fought all instinct, remaining firmly in place. The thought of laying with her more and more tempting . . . but not born of desire for the woman. Not to say she wasn't, desirable. But Arthur's motivations were far darker. Far more geared towards revenge rather than pleasure. And to use a woman in such a way . . . he knew there was no coming back from that. His smirk grew when she told him that most of Helios' men were dumb and not welcome in a woman's bed.

"And I am the exception?" He asked sarcastically, making it clear in his tone that he didn't believe that he was actually the first. Not even pretend to think such a thing. Her latter question, coupled with her hand still upon his skin, and the fact that she tilted her head closer to him . . . caused him to clench his jaw, eyes locked onto her own, still refusing to move. Had it not been so natural, he may have even forgotten to breathe. "What makes you think you're so enjoyable?" He teased, an almost dare or challenge to his voice. Yes. He was going to call her bluff. He was going to see how far she was going to take this . . . and just how deep he was going to fall into this trap.

[Guinevère]

It was his jaw that made her bold. He was trying not to react? She hope that was what it meant rather then that he was tense and trying not to be sick from her touch. This game was playing with fire, and she was either going to burn him--or be burned herself. Helios would kill her for touching him, and him if she escaped. One of them would be killed--and she couldn't let herself think about that right now. That she was killing him if her plan worked.

In stead she reached for this hand again, and brought it back to her side, holding it there. "I wasn't given a choice in the man I married," She began, trying to make him relax so her plan of distracting him would work. "But i have a choice in this." Her life or his. And she wanted freedom from this hell. He was just going to keep going on killing. She choose her. "And this is my choice." Letting his hand go, she reached up to grip the labels of his armor vest and pull him lower (pulling a little harder since she knew that he was stronger) and used her teeth on his lip.

She'd never been so bold--but he would either walk away in disgust (thus giving her a chance to pack) or welcome it and giving her something to hold over him.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Arthur still wan't sure he believed her, about not having a choice. Or, if she didn't . . . that she hadn't fully embraced this life. But, he could not deny that there was at least some resentment she felt towards her husband. Still. It left him knowing that she would most likely tell Helios of what he had done, and Arthur was prepared for the fight that would ensue. It would be worth it. To see the man's face. To see his anger. Arthur was thinking over what to say in response to her teasing words, but there wasn't much time to react -- not verbally anyway.

For she took hold of his collar and pulled him down so that their lips met. He froze, numbed for a moment, as if caught off guard, yet he quickly recovered. Closing his eyes, his hand that she kept on her side slid behind her. Not strong enough to hold her close to him, but enough to embrace . . . whatever was happening. He breathed into the kiss, the sharpness of her teeth felt upon his lips. Yes, he was falling into her games and this was her last chance to call the bluff, to end this . . . before he lost all composure and unleashed everything into whatever was happening between them.

[Guinevère]

His hand stayed on her this time, and Guinevère knew she was pulling him in. This would work. She had to believe this work! That she would escape, and Helios wouldn't know it for a few days! It would give her a head start and with that she could fade away! Try to heal and move on!

He kissed her, and his lips where warm and strong. She wanted for the skin crawl that came with a kiss from a man like him, but so far it was just a simple kiss. She didn't even know his name, but as she was going to leave him here to die she didn't want to know it yet. Her teeth pulled at his bottom lip to nip it and bite, following her tongue to sooth the sting. Not from comfort to him, but because he tasted a little better then she had thought he would. Her free hand moved from his collar to his buckles and began undoing the first one--this she might steal. She could use it to protect herself or sell.

He wouldn't need it if Helios killed him anyway.

Arthur Pendragon

[Arthur Pendragon]

Tag: Guinevère
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Her response started to push away any thoughts of breaking the . . . whatever this was. The moment. The intense lustful action. Whatever it was that drew this. For Arthur, it was the driving thought of what this woman meant to Helios. Though, in addition to that . . . he had to admit that she felt good. That her bite to his lip was a mix of pleasure and pain. And perhaps, this was the first time he felt something -- anything -- other than sheer rage to the man who killed all those he loved. It did not appear that either would back down . . . and Arthur would make it a point to show that he had no intention of stepping down first. Perhaps her earlier words were true: why not have some fun with all this.

Such thoughts were solidified when she began undoing the buckles of his vest. A uniform given to him by Helios. One he would burn when this was all over -- if he didn't die first. His other hand moved to the side his other one wasn't on, and wrapped around her, sliding up her back, fingers running through her long curled locks before twisting into the ones on the back of her head, tightly gripping it. Gripping her. He moved forward a little, and as they were not far from the table, he stopped only when her lower back touched the edge of it. Whatever surprise had consumed him before, had vanished, and his mouth worked against hers, pressing his tongue between her lips in a battle of dominance. As if to silently say, that he was not going to back down either.