| Logs |
2010 October 04
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Taps Logs |
Howling at Her Beauty
Part of being a leader in the sort of world that has emerged after the disaster is diplomacy, and diplomacy sometimes means travel and shmoozing. Though Roy doesn't like to leave his dear city or his river, it is sometimes unavoidable. For this particular event, the king of Baton Rouge heads northeast to the lake city of Chicago for negotiations about river crossings for the cattle drives and for the shipping of the dried and cured beef created in the slaughterhouses. Normally the king would prefer the negotiations to be on his home territory, but the Lord of Chicago is also celebrating the marriage of his youngest daughter, making the week a time when there will be many dignitaries present. With him on the trip Roy has brought Jacko, Alan, and two other guards, as well as a young lady of his acquaintance and her small entourage. The woman with Roy was chosen strictly for her charm and her looks, though not for her intelligence.
Roy insists upon traveling up the riverways rather than overland. He's more comfortable on boats anyway, and he feels safer on the water. Still, the trip is not a short one. By the time his entourage arrives in town Roy is tired and he's grouchy and he's wishing he'd just gone stag. Melanie is a sweet Southern girl, and she's easy on the eyes and quite tractable in bed, but she gets to be dull after a while.
Unbeknownst to Roy, Suraksha's caravan is in Chicago for the wedding as well. They've brought a lot of the goods for the wedding preparation, such as the silk for the bride's gown, and have been engaged for entertainment as well. Amongst the wedding guests is a minor landlord that has been a client of Sulochana's for several years; since he is invited to the party, he has engaged her services as Hetaera. He, like Melanie, is a perfectly nice gentleman and pleasant to look at, but a bit boring.
Suraksha is delighted at how well the caravan is doing: fully hired in several capacities. Not only did they carry in contracted goods, and does she have an escort contract... but they also provided traveling protection for the minor nobility and politicians of several small nearby cities who wished to attend. She's also glad they've arrived safely and early. That's allowed them to settle in the best camping spots for the vehicles, as well as easily provide entertainment -- and get paid for it. Further, it means her minor landlord has time to make sure they're suitably attired in matching outfits. She's always pleased when that happens; her clients look that much better, she's clearly appreciated, and she usually gets a new outfit in the bargain.
Once Roy's boats have put ashore at the river port, Roy slips away, which is a habit that rather drives Jacko crazy. But Moynahan was accurate when he called Roy the river-rat king: the man likes to prowl the docks and pick up the feel of the city from there. Unshaven and disheveled from the long voyage, it's easy enough for him to blend in.
It's thus disguised and prowling that Roy unexpectedly spots a familiar face at the docks. He has seen Ohkwari a time or two more on Sulochana's visits, and so he's surprised to find the big man talking with some of the dockhands that are unloading a large cargo ship. The king's lips curl up into a grin. Where Ohkwari is, Sulochana is not far behind. It's been several months since Roy's seen the Hetaera, and her company would be well-appreciated if they both have the time for it. Wanting to surprise her, he hangs back, intending to follow her packmaster.
Roy trails Ohkwari quite well -- well enough that the bear-man is impressed, even though he can smell the king of Baton Rouge following him. He doesn't go to any pains to lose the man, simply leading him to the caravan. Sulochana isn't currently in residence, since she's fulfilling her contract, but Ohkwari thinks Roy might enjoy seeing the caravan. Accordingly, he grabs Daniel on his way past the perimeter and mutters orders to let people know the strange man is safe.
Roy does his best to be unobtrusive in the camp. It's not hard to do with so many coming and going, but he's a bit surprised they're paying him as little attention as they are. He's not, however, surprised to see several people in Sulochana's caravan are not wholly human. Then an acerbic voice directly behind Roy buzzes tartly -- almost in his ear, "If this is your idea of suitable courtship attire, you are in desperate need of a competent valet."
Roy grins, turning around and knowing he'll find Lady Sna'tha behind him. He sweeps her a very courtly bow, which looks completely out of place in his traveling clothes, "M'lady. How nice to see you here. I wasn't 'spectin' ya'll."
The tall, insectile woman is standing very thin and tall behind him. One set of arms is folded, the other with her hands on her hips, and her wings are spread. Her lips quirk at his courtliness, and she looks him slowly up and down before she murmurs, "Clearly not. Please tell me you will take a bath sometime soon. You smell like boat tar." She adds tartly, "Further, you are clearly dodging your guards. Frankly, you are fortunate I am not one of them, as I would be happy to demonstrate even a king can still deserve a spanking." For all her sharp tongue, however, Roy can hear the hint of amusement in her voice.
Roy snorts. He has great respect for Sna'tha... especially since he knows who she is now. Scratching his beard, he says, "Yeah. I'm gonna have a bath and a shave soon. Came t'town for some negotiations and a weddin'. Gotta look like a king when I head up to the Lord's house." His eyes scan around the caravan, "What's brought ya'll to town? Didn't think Chicago was part of your normal route?"
"We have business here, of course. Did you not see our entertainers, deeper in town? Ohkwari led you right past the main courtyard on the way back here." Sna'tha looks around, coming to a decision, "My godsdaughter is somewhat of a softie at heart, I fear, and would never forgive me if I allowed you to come to harm here." She shimmers, her glamour clothing her in more human form, and waves a hand, "Come, I will escort you back to your guards."
Roy's brows go up and his grin broadens, "That so? I wasn't payin' that much attention to anyone but Ohkwari." He rubs his hands together, "Is your goddaughter around? I thought I might pay her a visit... after I've bathed, of course."
The glamoured sidhe tch's at him, tucking one hand firmly into his arm, "Your training has been simply shocking -- if any of my apprentices were ever so blind to their environment while trailing someone, I'd smack them." She glances amusedly at him, adding, "Don't tempt me, young man."
Roy chuckles and lays his free hand over hers, "Then I guess I'll just have to let you take me back to my boat, won't I?" He leads her through the maze of docks and alleys back to the two boats that brought them upstream. The tall, thin sidhe is dressed like a scout: simple tunic and breeches in forgettable colors. She intends to deliver Roy to his boat, and wait until his guards have the king in hand, before she departs. Roy waits until they're well on their way before he says, "Do you think Sulochana will have free time in the next few days? I would love t' see 'er." He's careful to keep his voice cheerfully neutral and makes a face of irritation, "I have some business to take care of, so I'm pretty booked, but..." He lets it trail off.
The sidhe woman tilts her head as she glances at Roy from where she strides briskly along next to him; it's just this side of disturbing to see her almost insect-like body language peeking through occasionally. She murmurs amusedly, "You have not yet started courting her, have you."
Roy clears his throat and says, "Well, ma'am, as I understand it she feels like it wouldn't be fair to anyone if we were to get too involved with one another."
Sna'thaid just stares at Roy for a long time as they walk -- she's apparently quite capable of moving in one direction while looking in another. As an insect-eyed woman that makes sense. On a human face it's a little startling! Her voice is very dry as she murmurs, "Dear me. Perhaps you should try communicating again, Roy."
Roy says, "I also have a young woman with me that I will need to be paying considerable attention to, since she just traveled nine hundred miles with me." He doesn't seem enthusiastic about this.
Sna'tha's laughter has a soft buzzing undertone to it when she's not worried about a perfect glamour shield. She smiles amusedly at Roy, "Oh, yes, this is going to be entertaining."
Roy arches a brow, "Not particularly." They have come to the docks where Roy's boats are anchored. The king has one of the few working steam-driven, rear-mounted paddle-wheel riverboats still plying the Big Muddy, and it's here that he brings Sna'tha, "I ain't real fond of anybody involved."
Sna'thaid pats Roy's arm lightly, "I was actually speaking for myself, Roy." She looks at the boat, checking for Jacko or Alan as she murmurs with a smile, "Do try to be on your best behavior for her." She has one hand firmly tucked through Roy's arm, as if she suspects he'll try to make a break for it again. Jacko isn't visible, but Alan is, standing at the top of the gangplank. He's scanning the crowds and catches sight of the two. He'd just seen his king before Roy went walkabout, so the guard recognizes him. He is looking very put-out as he stands on deck. Sna'thaid waves to attract the guard's attention, and continues marching Roy back to his boat. Her glamour is perfect by the time she gets to Alan, "Good afternoon! I believe this is yours, yes?"
Alan smirks and says, "In a manner of speaking." He turns to Roy, "We had wondered where Your Majesty had got off to."
Roy grins and says, "Went walkabout. Found some old friends. Seems Sulochana and her folk are in town. If we can slip away from all the bullshit at Hizzoner's place, there might even be some pleasant time while we're here!"
Sna'thaid raises a very amused eyebrow at the king, then gives a small, courteous nod to the guard. She shoos Roy up the gangplank, adding in cheerful tones to Alan, "Do please contact me, should you or Jacko decide you've had enough of this escape artist's naughtiness. I am available for training in... shall we say, containment, and we can charge my salary to him as a bit of poetic justice." Her lips are still quirked with amusement as she turns to Roy and nods politely again, "Your majesty."
Alan looks down at Sna'thaid with furrowed brows and says, "You seem to know His Majesty pretty well, ma'am. We might just take you up on that." Roy snorts laughter and moves to kiss her hand, "If you please, Miz, I'd like to surprise your god-daughter. When will she be back at the caravan?"
Sna'thaid nods firmly to Alan, "You should. Trust me on this one." To Roy she raises an amused eyebrow and murmurs, "You do realize your charm will not deter me from doing my job, if so hired, Roy. Also, I strongly recommend you give some thought to my advice." She's clearly quite amused by this point, as she steps back, waves to Alan and calls, "Good luck!" then swiftly heads off into the crowd.
Roy spends some time mollifying his bodyguards and promising, completely insincerely, not to worry them like that again. Then he gets himself presentable. There's a big reception that night which he's expected to attend, and he spends the rest of the afternoon putting his mask back on. By the time evening arrives he's as clean-shaven as he ever gets, his hair is groomed, and he's dressed immaculately. Chicago has a different style than Baton Rouge, and His Majesty has made sure Melanie is dressed to the nines. He's more cheerful, and actually more playful with her, than he has been over the last few days of the voyage. The thought of seeing 'Chana has him quite chipper.
That night Roy escorts Melanie, dressed in a slinky hand-beaded black dress, to the reception. Roy has on his most charming and roguish face -- it is, after all, expected of him. Jacko and Alan accompany them. Roy has to make several promises to a thunder-faced Jacko to not go running off, and he makes every one with great good cheer.
The reception is small compared to what the wedding will be. The mayors, warlords, landlords, and various other leaders have been invited for drinks, music, and polite backstabbing, though the last isn't actually listed on the invitation. It's low-key enough that no one is announced as they come through the door, but everyone is dressed in black-tie and evening dresses. The wine being passed is some of the best on the continent, and several of the best Hetaera in the region are there as well, serving as charming distractions from the tension that happens whenever heads-of-state meet.
Melanie has a Southern sweetness about her that tends to make people smile when she speaks, and there's some sincere vivaciousness about her. Also, she's very excited to have been chosen for Roy's escort to this. It's well-known he's a notorious philanderer, but because he is so equal-opportunity about his seductions it continues to give the folk of Baton Rouge hope that one of them will snag him. Roy himself is charming and just a little irreverent as he greets and renews acquaintances, but his public face is working well. The men appreciate his earthiness, and those given to being attracted to him find him mouth-watering. He knows he's overplaying it a little bit, but a party is like a play. The role is everything.
Suraksha is actually having a rather relaxing night of it. Her landlord client isn't up to the truly sharp-edged, sparklingly witty repartee of some of the higher ranking diplomats here. She's strolling around casually with him as he does the meet-and-greet of the bigwigs, surreptitiously making sure no one picks on him -- she considers it part of her job even though he does not realize why exactly it is he enjoys large parties more with her -- and taking mental notes on current fashions here. She's pleased at her dress; she thinks she's done an excellent job with it. It shimmers in a deep, vibrant royal purple, slit daringly high to draw attention to the landlord's excellent taste in women, and swagged gracefully off the shoulders to accentuate the smooth curves of her bare shoulders and neck, and her elegantly coiffed hair.
Roy is chatting amiably with the host for the night and his daughter, chuckling at a joke that makes him want to roll his eyes -- which is why his attention wanders just a bit across the room and gets caught by the lithe figure in the shimmering violet dress. He's just thinking the petty landlord is either very lucky or very rich to have such a beauty on his arm, when her head turns and he catches her profile -- and for a moment it feels like his heart has dropped to the floor.
Melanie laughs her warm and sparkling laugh at another joke and says, "Roy, doesn't that remind you of something Alcide might say?" Roy blinks, his charming mask having slipped for a moment. He quickly yanks it back into place and says, "It sure does, sugar." He leans down and murmurs to her, "I need to use the facilities. You keep these folks charmed for me." He winks at her before he excuses himself to the others and starts through the crowd.
The thing that surprised Roy wasn't so much seeing Sulochana here, or even seeing her on the arm of another man. The thing that took him totally by surprise was his desire to put his fist through the other man's insipid smile. He can feel his cool slipping, and so makes his way through the crowd and out a door onto an underlit balcony. The reception room has a few of them overlooking the lake, just dim enough for intrigue and flirtation -- and for getting his shit together. Roy is muttering to himself and pacing, "She's workin'. Half the women here are Hetaera. It's what she does. Goddammit, man, you know that. You hired her your goddamn self..." None of it is cooling him off appreciably.
Elsewhere, Suraksha smiles charmingly at George, the landlord, when he leads her to a private balcony; he'd probably like more surreptitious kisses, she thinks. He has a few, but then chuckles and excuses himself for a moment -- he'll be right back. Wait here for him, please? She dimples at him prettily and promises to do so. He hastens off, and she moves languidly to the edge of the balcony. Resting her gloved hands lightly on the stone railing, she looks out at the garden below. It's pretty, and she's a professional... but there's a small part of her that knows this would be more fun with a sharper client -- like Roy. She sighs softly, setting down the delicate wine glass as she stands there... and unwittingly baring the pale nape of her neck.
Just as Roy is thinking over the wisdom of leaving early, he notices Sulochana and her client go out, and only the client come back in. He hesitates just a second, then slides out of his little nook and into hers. There's enough noise that he can silently slide up behind her and stroke his fingers along the nape of her neck, and it takes everything he's got not to make it a kiss instead. Suraksha smiles, tilting her head slightly so her client can see more of her slender neck and the curve of her cheek. She murmurs softly, "Back so soon?"
Roy leans forward enough so she can feel his breath on her ear, "Couldn' stay 'way, cherie."
Suraksha startles visibly, her head jolting up and nearly cracking him in the nose. She's good enough that her surprised voice stays low, though, "Roy?!"
Roy chuckles and does kiss her shoulder before taking a half-step back, "Indeed it is, darlin'." His voice is a little tight with the anger he's working against. He's not used to doubting himself and he doesn't like it. Her smiles at the landlord seemed real, and it gnaws at him a bit.
Suraksha turns around, her face lit up with delighted laughter as she pats his arm, "You startled me! How nice to see you!"
Were this somewhere a little more private, he might feel safer actually talking with her. He says, "I'm a little surprised myself. Sna'tha didn't mention you'd be here tonight when I saw her today." Internally he's fantasizing about all the ways he might get even with the sidhe -- and knowing he won't do any of them.
Sulochana tucks her small fingers into his arm and draws him back into the main room, just inside the balcony doors. She releases and steps back a decorous amount, looking up at Roy with genuine pleasure as she laughs softly and murmurs, "She mentioned you'd slipped your guards and she escorted you back to their waiting arms." She smiles and shakes her head amusedly, "Tsk, your majesty!"
Roy takes just enough of a step to be slightly too close for casual acquaintance, but not so close as to be unbecoming at this reception. He chuckles and shrugs, "Easier to scope out the place if you don't have two big guys glaring at everyone." He finds himself reaching to touch her and pushes his hands into his pockets instead. It's a testament to the skill of his tailor that the line of his suit isn't ruined by that.
Suraksha smiles up at him, her tilted golden eyes knowingly amused at his antics with his poor guards, "There wasn't anything that needed scoping out that badly, surely!" She laughs again, turning towards the room and looking around for George, "I'm so pleased to run into you tonight, your majesty -- I'd like to introduce you to George. Who are you here with? Will you introduce us as well?"
Roy chuckles and says, "See, it's what we don't know about that makes it important to have a look around incognito first." His smile twitches up a little further at one corner, "One of the ladies from the court. Who's George?" He offers her his arm, "If you really wanna meet Melanie, I can take you over."
Suraksha pats Roy's arm with a smile, "I'd love to meet her, your majesty, but I did promise George I'd wait here for him to return." She glances around, wondering if she can pick out an anxious looking lady standing unescorted and watching Roy; part of her feels a bit sorry for this Melanie person!
Roy's smile tightens a little. He really, really doesn't like this George person already, "Ahh. I see." He nods toward Melanie where she stands with the host of the party. She's glancing around the room a bit, but doesn't seem to have spotted Roy, "That's her."
Suraksha needlessly adjusts her hair a bit so she doesn't keep touching Roy, and adds cheerfully, "George is Sir George Flewelling Heckwroth of La Grange, my escort for the weekend and a very nice gentleman." She wonders why she felt she needed to add that last... there's something about Roy's behavior tonight that feels subtly 'off' to her, and she's not sure why. She follows Roy's glance, then smiles in relief -- Melanie is clearly a "nice" girl, with that kind of body language. Roy's not been stood up or anything, thank goodness. "What a pretty girl! She looks very elegant tonight, your majesty." Then she brightens, looking in another direction, "Ah, here comes George! Let me introduce you both, and then we can go reunite you with Miss Melanie, yes?"
Roy's lips twitch again and he says, "Sounds like a plan." He's heard of the guy she's with. Thinks he may even have met him once or twice, but doesn't remember him well, which tells Roy he's not the most impressive person in the world. The king tries to not look disgruntled as he lowers his arm.
Suraksha takes a few steps towards this George person, who has a glass of champagne in each hand, "George, dear, come meet a friend of mine, please?" He smiles at her, handing her one of the flutes and patting her hand as she tucks the other into the crook of his arm, "Of course, my dear." Sulochana leads George back to Roy, rather pleased at being able to introduce her current companion to someone who is well worth knowing -- she's aware networking is everything at these sorts of affairs. She says with sincere pleasure, "George, this is his majesty, King Roy of Baton Rouge. Your majesty, I'd like to introduce you to my companion, the right honorable Sir George Flewelling Heckwroth, landlord of La Grange." She adds with a charming smile to George, "His majesty has offered to introduce us to his lady as well."
Roy's eyes are ice-hard as Suraksha returns with George. He stomps on the urge to assure them that Melanie isn't his lady and says, "Pleasure to meetcha, Sir Heckwroth." He offers his hand, which George takes and says, "Your Majesty! I've heard quite a few things about you. I think we might have met at a ball in New St. Louis once."
Roy chuckles and says, "We might have. I sometimes don't have real clear memories after parties. If ya'll'll come with me, I'll introduce you to Melanie." He turns on his heel and stalks off across the room, not actually waiting to see if they're keeping up.
Suraksha starts to smile at the comment about parties -- but then blinks in surprise at Roy's behavior. This is... odd! Hmm, could the mayor of Kansas City be here or something? She smiles at George, murmuring, "Shall we?" and glides gracefully along with him as they follow after Roy. Conversationally, to cover Roy's rudeness, she adds to George, "What was the ball at New St. Louis celebrating, if I may ask?" George is happy to answer, rambling on cheerfully about economics and various people who were there. It's all charmingly inconsequential, and Sulochana nods with every appearance of interest as she sips her champagne and strolls with her escort.
The mayor of Kansas City is indeed there. In fact, Geraldine is in the group with Melanie as Roy and the others arrive. The king's brows draw even further together and he mutters, "Fuckin' train-wreck..." under his breath as he returns. At the last second he puts on his jovial grin and says, "Why, yerronner, what a nice surprise! Is Jeffrey with you?"
Suraksha raises an eyebrow, suddenly a bit concerned -- for George. It looks like there are quite a few egos running around here! She paces up with her companion, the two of them watching quietly as they wait to be introduced. Sulochana leans slightly to whisper in George's ear, "That would be the mayor of Kansas City, Geraldine Pumphrey."
Geraldine's eyes narrow slightly and she says, "Jeffrey had some family business to attend to." Her words are a little snippier than they really need to be, and she quickly covers by introducing her escort, another young man with just as plastic a face.
Roy shakes the boy's hand and says, "So sorry to hear it. This is Melanie DuPont. Her family runs some of the shippin' down in the gulf. Melanie, honey, I'd like you to meet some people." He gives Sulochana's and George's full names.
Geraldine's eyes gleam with malicious glee as she realizes Suraksha is with someone else here, "Well, how nice to see you again, Sulochana... George." George is a perfect gentleman, bowing over the ladies' hands as he's introduced to them. Geraldine's escort does the same, but a little more clumsily, as if he has to think hard about how to do it right.
Suraksha smiles at Melanie when they're introduced, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Melanie. If you have the time, I'd love to hear who your tailor is, later. That dress is simply lovely on you!" She's being sincere, both because Melanie does indeed look very nice... and because Sulochana is guessing the poor girl is going to need a friend this weekend. Suraksha nods and smiles at Geraldine as well, staying out of the way for George to be his usual courteously proper self. She's already wryly composing excuses internally so as to get George out of here! She doesn't want him caught in the crossfire of Geraldine and Roy.
Melanie dimples at Sulochana and actually blushes a little as the dress is complimented, "His Majesty's tailor has a dress-maker on staff that made it for me." She's obviously quite tickled that the king had clothes created for her and she puts her head fetchingly on one side, "Haven't we met before?" Roy and Geraldine are chatting in that way that seems so polite on the outside, but is really like a pair of expert fencers slowly slicing through one another's armor.
Suraksha raises an amused eyebrow at the couple, wondering if they both actually still really want each other! She grins, turning subtly so she, George, and Melanie are a group next to, but not part of, the increasingly sharp conversation between Geraldine and Roy; there are other people here in the group as well, so it's not hard to do with body language, "I have on a few occasions served as an escort to his majesty in my function of Hetaera. I would guess we were fortunate enough to meet each other then? Have you met my companion, Sir George, previously?" George, just as Sulochana was hoping, rises with solid if unwitting gentlemanliness to her bait, assuring Melanie he would certainly remember such a beauty had they met previously.
Melanie smiles brightly, "Oh! I remember now! You were with him at the engagement party!" She seems sincerely pleased to see Sulochana again, and flattered by George.
Geraldine smiles sweetly and says to Roy, "Why, Your Majesty, I had expected to see the lovely Sulochana on your arm tonight. I had gotten the feeling there was something between you two -- but then, money can be quite as intimate as love sometimes, yes?"
The barb causes rather a remarkable change in Roy's expression. His smile goes slightly brittle and he says, "Well, it's certainly one helluva a lot more reliable, I guess. Melanie, sugar, there's someone else I want you to meet." He puts his hand on Melanie's back and steers her away with perfectly polite 'excuse-me's.'
Suraksha smiles and waves at Melanie, "Lovely meeting you!" then turns to George, "Shall we?" She has no desire to stay around Geraldine, and she suspects the poor woman really wants to be around Roy anyway, not Sulochana. She's faintly amused at Geraldine's barb, and a bit perplexed as to why Roy is behaving the way he is. She makes a mental note: might want to not bring George back around Roy this weekend. Strange.
Suraksha is having a rather pleasant night once more, now she and George are away from Geraldine and Roy. It's not as exciting as times she's spent with cleverer clients, but it is a nice, calm, dependable evening. Her eyes are not sparkling with delight, but her ready smile is sweet and kind. Elsewhere, Roy has to really work to smooth out his gait and to put his charmer's smile back on. He and Melanie move around the room, but it's Melanie that does most of the shmoozing chatter. The king himself just can't quite keep his eyes off George and Sulochana, and Geraldine's barb starts working its way in.
Luckily the reception doesn't include dancing, and so Roy doesn't have to try and be charming to several different women as he does his diplomatic duty. Melanie can tell something is off, but she is the epitome of a Southern belle and is charming and sweet. Eventually she throws herself in front of the bus, suggesting she's a little tired from the journey, and giving Roy an excuse to say his goodnights.
Elsewhere in the room, Sulochana dimples at George in gentle amusement. She knows he's trying to be flirtatious in his stodgy way, and she agrees that it has indeed been a long day, and she would love to get off her high heeled shoes. Perhaps they could retire for the night? Her smile is quietly charming as George happily heads with her to say their goodnights to their host and daughter.
Roy and Melanie converge on the host and his daughter at the same time, and Roy hears George making all the getting-ready-to-leave small talk that he himself is getting ready to make... only better. The king's lips thin as his all-too-active imagination suggests to him just what one does with a lovely, willing woman after such a to-do. He's not even aware his hand over Melanie's on his elbow is just a little too tight until she murmurs, "Is your majesty all right?" He snaps to himself and relaxes, smiling at the lovely and willing woman on his own arm, "Sorry, sugar. It's just been a long day..."
Suraksha hears Melanie's voice, turning her head slightly to see who it is right behind them as they turn away from the host after giving their goodbyes. Her face brightens and she murmurs, "George, it's his majesty and Miss Melanie." It's only after her initial flash of pleasure at seeing Roy that it registers: Roy is looking downright cranky! For a flash of a second there's concern in her eyes -- then she reminds herself firmly: this weekend her client is George... although she does wish she had the time to figure out what's haunting Roy. She doesn't like seeing him so unhappy looking.
Melanie turns her smile on George, and Roy nods to them both, giving vague and polite excuses to let them know he and Melanie are retiring for the night. He barely lets his eyes slide over 'Chana's face before he guides Melanie rather abruptly to say goodnight to their hosts. Suraksha wishes them a pleasant evening and turns to head off with her companion. Poor George cluelessly murmurs, with every expectation of his companion being quite pleased, "I have a small surprise for you tonight, my dear! Do you recall that lovely lace you so admired last time you were here?" Roy, his back already to them, feels the muscles between his shoulder blades clench as images of 'Chana draped in nothing but soft lace flick through his mind. Not trusting himself to speak further, he makes the shortest goodbyes possible without insulting their hosts and does the closest thing to fleeing that he can.
Melanie, while not overly-smart, can definitely pick up on the fact that all is not well with the king of Baton Rouge. She chatters sweetly with him on their way back to the riverboat and contrives to distract him somewhat from his black mood, though she is a bit startled at Roy's... forcefulness that night.
Sulochana is utterly delighted, later that same night, at the lace dress George has had made for her for the wedding. She teases him gently, as she tries it on with the seamstress in attendance and George proudly observing, about how sheer it appears, which causes the slightly portly gentleman to flush and stutter a bit. She reassures him with a kiss that she doesn't mind at all! She's just pleased he was so kind as to pick out such a lovely and flattering dress style for her. He beams, and she quietly makes sure to thank the seamstress later -- she knows where the excellent advice truly came from.
George enjoys himself greatly that night as she shows him in bed how sweet she thinks he is. It is much later that night, while George is asleep, that Sulochana rises, pulling on a silky wrap to stand by the window. It looks out onto the lake, although not much can be seen there in the darkness. She sighs softly, wondering how Roy is doing. Poor man... what could be eating at him so?
The next morning Roy and Melanie, accompanied by Jacko, make a trip to the city's shopping district for the lady to have a chance to get a leg up on the rest of the belles of Baton Rouge, and for Roy himself to get an idea of what's going on in one of the other large ports of the country. He spends more time than he would have liked sitting in plush chairs and watching Melanie get measured and fitted.
He manages to keep his cool and his civility right up until they visit an upscale lingerie boutique. Melanie had arranged the visit because of Roy's well-known admiration for silky, lacy little things on his bed partners. The king is fine until Melanie emerges from the fitting room in a lacy white peignoir and robe, eyes twinkling as she swirls around -- only to find him gone when she comes to face the chair again. Jacko, who was watching the front door of the shop, is irritated to hear the monarch is gone, when a distraught Melanie comes to find him.
Roy, of course, has slipped out the back door and gone in search of a bar. This isn't his city, so he's able to settle in with anonymity at the first joint he finds. It takes a couple of whiskeys to cool off his surge of temper. Normally, sweet Melanie in all that lace and silk would have been a recipe for him taking her back to privacy, post-haste. Instead, he found himself dwelling rather unhappily on Sulochana and George's possible uses of "that lace" she so liked. By whiskey number three, he has relaxed enough to feel he should go back to his guards.
Meanwhile, George rather shyly asks if Sulochana would accompany him to the park to "take the air" -- by which is meant to wear lovely clothes and be seen by the other people. Suraksha is delighted to do so! She knows George has a small crush on her and loves being seen with her. She doesn't mind, and she's happy to make sure he's quite nicely dressed. She does her best to make sure he just feels more sartorially elegant, clever, and popular when she's around. She laughs and gives George an impulsive hug and a quick peck on the cheek when she discovers he's also arranged for a lovely little barouche (or open carriage) drawn by a smart matched pair of horses!
Jacko convinces Melanie to continue on with their planned stops, indulging himself in fantasies of precisely what he's going to say to Roy when they find him again. Melanie is a bit distressed and asks Jacko if they can just go have some quiet time in the park. Jacko mulls this over and then realizes if Roy doesn't want to be found, he's not going to be found. The Captain of the Guard feels sorry for the young lady and courteously escorts her. It's there that Sulochana and George see her as they are having a lovely carriage ride. George leans over and says, "My dear, isn't that the young woman who was with King Roy last night?"
Suraksha looks around at George's comment, and her eyebrows go up, "So it is! George, how distressed she looks! May we stop and see if we might be of assistance?" George is more than willing to indulge Sulochana in this, since it's such a small request and he rather enjoyed Melanie's company the night before.
Melanie is sitting on a bench very properly in the shade and doing her best to not look upset. She's too nice a girl to be good at that sort of facial deception, however. Suraksha waits until the carriage has spun over and halted before she leans over the side and calls, "Miss Melanie, is that you? Is something wrong?" She glances at Jacko worriedly as well, figuring she'll get more honesty from him -- even if it is simply mouthed to her.
Jacko is looking a bit put-out and makes a "poof" gesture with his hands where Melanie can't see it. Melanie, hearing her name, does her best to snap out of her worry and stands up, "Miss Sulochana! And Sir George! What a nice surprise!" She laughs and lays her hand on her chest lightly, "Oh, I'm just not used to this climate and I'm feeling a bit off. We've been shopping..." Jacko is standing a bit behind her and his face is as steely as he can make it without seeming actively off-putting to people that might wish to speak with his current charge.
George, ever the gentleman, says, "Why, my dear, if you're feeling unwell we'd be happy to take you back to your quarters."
Suraksha gives Jacko a commiserative roll of the eyes, then smiles at Melanie, "Let us offer you a lift somewhere, Melanie dear!" She turns and smiles at George, "Is that all right? Perhaps we could stop for ices together at that nice little shoppe at the edge of the park?" She's making sure George gets his wish to be seen, since the shoppe is currently where the height of fashion goes when it's hot -- and poor Melanie is not left alone.
George's face lights up at that suggestion; he says, "That's a wonderful idea!" He steps down from the carriage to help Melanie up and to help Jacko strap the bags and boxes down. The guard arranges to meet them at the shoppe and lets them get on their way.
Suraksha makes an effort to chat with Melanie, drawing her out of her (quite reasonable) funk. The Hetaera surreptitiously searches verbally for something George and Melanie have in common, and by the time they arrive at the little sweet shoppe she's justifiably proud of herself: George and Melanie are happily chattering together about cargo transport. She makes sure Melanie is comfortably ensconced on George's other arm when the girl tries to hang back and not be in the Hetaera's way, and she has to cover her small smile as George puffs up a bit with pride at being allowed to escort two such lovely ladies! Much as she expected, he's the consummate gentleman: holding chairs for both ladies, ordering for them, and (with well-meaning if somewhat staid humor) doing his best to make Melanie smile. Sulochana is rather proud of him.
During the time they're there, a gentleman whom George knows approaches; the two men excuse themselves for a moment to talk shop, leaving Melanie and Sulochana at the table. Suraksha leans forward and gently pats Melanie's hand, murmuring quietly, "Pardon my French, but was his majesty a jerk? Did he run off again?"
Melanie looks distraught for a moment, and then pulls herself together, "I... oh, I don't know what I must have done to offend him!" She covers her mouth with a handkerchief and lowers her voice, "He's usually so sweet. A bit of a rogue, but sweet."
Suraksha adds with sympathy, "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, Melanie -- but I doubt you did anything wrong at all! Sometimes he just..." She shakes her head, then adds to Melanie, "Here, let me prove it to you." She beckons Jacko over, "Captain, would you do us a favor, please? Miss Melanie wasn't aware that sometimes his majesty simply... takes off for a while. Would you verify that for me, please?"
Jacko's smile is tight, "Yes, ma'am. His Majesty is a bit... impetuous sometimes. He's already slipped off twice this trip. I'm sure he's not upset with you at all, Miss Melanie."
Suraksha nods firmly, patting Melanie's hand and smiling at the girl, "You see? There you go."
Melanie catches her breath and presses her hand to her chest, relief showing in her sweet, honest face, "Oh! Oh, thank you. I thought..." She lowers her voice and says, "I... I was afraid I had offended him with... with a trip to a certain... intimate... boutique." The idea of Roy being offended at a lady in lingerie makes Jacko smile.
Suraksha laughs softly, patting Melanie's hand again, "He's a fool if he left you there, and he owes you quite the apology!" She leans back in her chair again, cheerfully adding, "If he tries that again, you should send word to me, and we'll go do something fun together without him!" She grins ruefully at Jacko, adding, "My godsmother mentioned she'd suggested specialized training to prevent this. If you're thinking of taking her up on it, I can highly recommend her abilities."
Melanie's relief is evident in her eyes. Jacko mutters, "I'm thinking we may need to contract with her. I feel rather the fool, letting him get away like that."
Suraksha smiles and shakes her head to Jacko, "Don't. He's a wily old thing, and I had to use Alg's tracking abilities more than once to keep tabs on him." She smiles and takes Melanie's hands in her own, adding gently to the girl, "Truly, my dear, you should not let his majesty's, er... escapades affect your mood. You deserve better." She looks up as George returns, smiling at him as well, "George, dear! You're back. Miss Melanie and I were just wondering if, when she is free, the three of us might go do something delightfully frivolous." She dimples at the gentleman, adding, "That is, if you can bear to be seen with two such frivolous ladies!"
The little group are sitting at an outdoor table, and so Roy is able to spot them easily. His face doesn't look like a thundercloud any more, but he certainly doesn't look happy -- especially when he notices Melanie sitting with Sulochana. As she makes her suggestion, Roy makes his way over. He's not drunk -- it takes a lot more than three whiskeys to get him drunk -- but it is obvious he's not entirely sober just in the looseness of his limbs.
Suraksha notices Roy relatively quickly; she's fond of the way he walks, after all. Her tilted golden eyes widen a bit, and without releasing her comforting hold on Melanie's hands, she murmurs softly to Jacko, "There, Captain." Jacko nods and steps away from the table, heading over to his employer and liege. His voice is low, but it's obvious Roy is not enjoying what is being said to him. The guard captain isn't so stupid as to actually try and lay hands on the king, but he does try to use body language to encourage him to not go over. It doesn't work.
Sulochana is, in the interim, carefully trying to keep the attention of her companions on her, giving Jacko all the space she can so he can hopefully persuade Roy to behave. "Miss Melanie, it's such a lovely day. Would you be willing to put up with myself and dear George for a quick spin in the park before we return you to your quarters?" She pauses, thinking, then adds curiously, "How did you arrive, if I may ask?"
Roy's lips are tight and his fists curled, but he nods tersely to Jacko and walks with the captain of his bodyguard over to the table. Melanie is smiling, charmed by Sulochana and by the stodgy but sweet George, "We hired a carriage. It's engaged to meet us after we have dinner, and return us to the Proud Mary." Her eyes flick over and she sees Roy; relief floods her features. She starts to stand and the king says, "Please don't, sugar." He puts a hand on her shoulder, gently urging her to sit back down.
Suraksha smiles quietly at Roy, encouraged by his endearment to poor Melanie. She hopes he remembers to apologize to her later as well. "Good afternoon, your majesty."
Roy smiles in a chilly way at Sulochana, "Miz Sulochana. Sir George." He inclines his head to each of them, then turns to Melanie and takes her hand, going to one knee. Her eyes widen a bit at the gallant gesture and he takes her hand in both of his, "Miz Melanie, I do heartily apologize for disappearin' in that way. It was caddish of me, especially when you were bein' such a sweetheart and lookin' so very lovely." It's a bit over-dramatic, but Suraksha sighs in relief at it anyway, her expression softening a bit as her smile gets rather fond.
Roy grins up at Melanie wickedly and says, "I do hope you bought that lovely bit of a thing?" Melanie's cheeks are coloring quite a bit and she ducks her head slightly. She's a good girl and thinking about such naughty things in public is making her rather uncomfortable. She stammers that she left it behind and Roy says, "Well, let's us just remedy that right up." Melanie stands, still flushing, and murmurs her goodbyes.
George is looking quite disapprovingly at Roy and he says, "Here now, Your Majesty, I don't mean to intrude, but I do believe I smell spirits about you. Perhaps it would be best if you left Miss Melanie with us until you are quite yourself again."
Roy's gaze turns on George and his eyes go flinty, "Sir, I believe it's none of your damn business what I smell like."
Simultaneously Suraksha smiles and rests a hand on George's arm, "I'm sure the Captain will make sure all is fine, dear. Plus, it was a lovely apology; I suspect Miss Melanie may wish to..." She raises an eyebrow at Roy, "Really, your majesty. It was intended as a kindness."
Roy's brows go up and he says, "'Zat so? Sounded awful much like a judgment to me. I don't take kindly t' bein' judged. Didn't like it when I was a boy -- and I sure as hell don' like it now." George is looking completely out of his depth. This, in his experience, is not how a gentleman behaves. Melanie is looking nervous as well. Roy's smile is cold as he turns back to George, "So I believe we'll be goin'."
Suraksha sighs and shakes her head, rising and smiling at Melanie, "Do please keep our invitation in mind, Miss Melanie, yes?" To George she murmurs, as she tucks her fingers into the crook of his arm and turns her back upon Roy, "Shall we depart?"
George's mouth tightens and he says, "Your Majesty, I understand monarchs are used to doing as they please in their fiefdoms. But this is not your fiefdom. Let us step aside and speak alone. This is not conversation for ladies to hear." Suraksha looks suddenly worried as George steps to one side and reaches to put a guiding hand on Roy's elbow. Roy says icily, "You lay a hand on me, mister, and you will regret it."
Sulochana throws a quick glance at Jacko, then almost as quickly realizes he can't stop this either. George blinks, startled. He has never heard such a deadly tone in another man's voice. Sulochana steps up next to George, trying to slip slightly between the two men. Her voice is quietly intense, "Gentlemen, is this truly the time and place for this?" She glances back at George with worry on her face; she likes him, and doesn't want to see him hurt.
Melanie has gone pale and turns pleading eyes on Sulochana and Jacko. Roy's captain steps up behind him and murmurs, "Your Majesty, it would severely harm relations with Chicago were you to have... an altercation while inside the borders..." The big man's tone of voice seems to snap Roy partially out of his daze... helped along by Sulochana's words. Roy's fists clench and he forces his mouth into a smile, "Perhaps y'all're right. This ain't the place."
Suraksha sighs in relief as she hears those words. She's facing George, one hand resting on George's arm and the other behind her to gently keep distance between the two men. Roy turns to Melanie, "Sugar, I am sorely sorry for this. Wouldn't blame ya a bit if ya wanted to jus' go on back to the boat, but I'd take it as a kindness if you'd accompany me for a little longer..."
George is starting to straighten up again. He really doesn't like the idea of Melanie leaving with Roy. Suraksha glances at Melanie, smiling faintly and speaking to catch the girl's eye, "Miss Melanie, it's up to you, of course. What's your preference?" She knows how adept Roy can be at getting women to do things that aren't really good for them, after all. She wants Melanie to make her decision while not staring into Roy's face.
Melanie is still a little pale, but she says, "I believe I'll be quite safe with His Majesty. Won't I?" She turns nervous eyes on Roy and he smiles crookedly, "I give Jacko here permission t' knock me on m'ass if I do anything to harm you, sugar." Jacko looks sort of pleased with that idea.
Suraksha laughs softly, then winks to Jacko. She turns to take Melanie's hands and smile at the girl, "Have a lovely day then, dear, all right?"
George is obviously angry in his genteel way as he says, "Of course, Miss Melanie. Please, feel free to call on me if you need anything while you're in the city." He reaches into his waistcoat pocket and hands Melanie a card, which the girl accepts with a tremulous smile.
Roy nods, "Thank you for your kind offer, Sir George. We'll be on our way." He offers Melanie his arm and turns to leave without saying his final goodbyes to Sulochana, not trusting himself to be civil.
Suraksha raises a slightly perplexed eyebrow as Roy departs so rudely, then gives Jacko a confusedly inquiring glance -- does the Captain know what's wrong? Jacko peers after Roy, obviously confused himself. He knows just how deep Roy's regard for Sulochana is and it's very strange the man would cut her dead like that. The Captain gives her the closest thing to an apologetic smile that his face can make, and then moves off to follow his liege. Suraksha smiles and waves a hand slightly, urging him on. She likes Jacko, and she hopes he takes up the offer from Sna'thaid before he becomes too disgusted with being treated like something to dodge, rather than an honorable bodyguard.
George is looking after them in disapproval, "That is a very rude man."
Sulochana turns back to George with a wry smile on her face, "He can be, yes. He can be quite charming as well." She tucks her hand into George's arm again, adding, "I do not know what ails him currently, but I do hope that was the drink speaking... and that he's better by tonight, at the dance."
Suraksha coaxes George into spending time with her as they enjoy the park. It's not difficult; it's what he'd like to do. She finds it harder to calm him down about Miss Melanie leaving with the tipsy king, and she finds herself wondering with interest if there's a spark growing there in him. Melanie could do far worse than a stolid but kind-hearted gentleman, after all.
Elsewhere, Roy is aware he has, in his mother's words, shown his ass; he does his best to make that up to Melanie. In the course of doing so he buys several lovely things for the girl and spends rather more time shopping and making love that day than he originally meant to. It doesn't do as much as he would like to alleviate his mood, but it does put the young woman into a cheerful frame of mind. That night is another pre-wedding party for the bride-to-be -- this one a dance being given by the parents of the groom-to-be. Roy does his very best to put it out of his mind, and he puts a flask in his pocket for medicinal purposes.
Melanie has also started to realize a couple of things: one, that she rather likes Sir George; and two, Roy's unwonted hostility seems rather a lot like jealousy. Unfortunately, she is wondering if Roy's jealousy is attached to her. Being the good Southern girl she is, she isn't quite sure how to deal with this situation. She resolves to simply stick to her manners, be as lovely an escort as she can for the king, and to enjoy herself. She manages to miss, however, the way Roy's body language changes when she natters about how charming Sulochana has been.
The first part of the ball is quite lovely and Roy is sweet and flirtatious, whispering compliments and making Melanie laugh. Years of practice have enabled the king to be convincingly pleasant when he's feeling anything but. He's proud of himself for that -- right up to the point that Sir George and Sulochana arrive.
Suraksha is looking forward to the dance party; she knows George is not a flashy dancer but he can certainly squire a girl around the dance floor with aplomb. Admittedly, Sulochana does rather adore the breathlessly wonderful challenge of a similarly inspired partner -- but some dancing is infinitely better than none! She laughs and flirts charmingly with him as they head to the party. That night she's wearing a shimmeringly brilliant scarlet dress cut daringly low in back and daringly high in the front -- almost baring her knees! -which seems to make dear George feel quite dashing.
While Melanie is quite gorgeous, and an appropriate foil to Roy in his deep violet waistcoat, her beauty is of the sweet and wholesome sort. It plays up Roy's scoundrel-ish qualities by its very nature; somehow it makes them both seem all that more appealing. Sulochana, on the other hand, glimmers like a flame -- and it draws every eye like they were moths. Roy is no exception, and his mood goes steeply downhill from there.
After twenty minutes of Roy's glowering and taking surreptitious sips from his flask, Jacko attempts to head danger off at the pass and finagles Roy into going upstairs to the gentlemen's salon, where there is a little good-natured gambling and smoking of cigars going on. Melanie is not left all alone, however, since she is a graceful and lovely dancer.
Suraksha is being deliberately sensuous, letting her aura read as splendidness, just as she has done at Roy's court. She hasn't yet spotted Roy; her attention is on making sure her companion is glowingly proud of being the envy of all the gentlemen present. It's a little later that she murmurs, "George, isn't that Miss Melanie? Gracious, she does look lovely tonight." She's looking around for Roy as George replies, "Indeed it is... and I see no sign of his majesty!"
Sulochana nods thoughtfully, pursing her full lips in thought for a moment -- before she gives George a delighted look, as if she's just had a wonderful idea, "George, dear! Let's go see if she's available for a few dances! I suspect she'd enjoy some company, don't you?" The portly gentleman nods and smiles, pleased -- he rather likes Miss Melanie. Shortly thereafter Sulochana is watching with a fond smile as George, in his stodgy but courtly way, dances with Melanie. Or rather, she watches until someone slides up and requests the honor of the next dance!
Throughout the evening Sulochana keeps a careful eye on her "charges," making sure they're both having a lovely time. She's delighted at how well George and Melanie are hitting it off -- as a true romantic at heart, she'd love to eventually see all her clients well and lovingly married... and a new crop of clients coming along nicely for her to eventually get married off as well, of course!
Upstairs, Roy has a little more free rein for his bad mood and rough edges; gentlemen are more lax about such things when there are no ladies present. When the grumpy monarch has won about as much as he would like at cards and billiards, he excuses himself, thinking he may actually be a little more in control of his emotions -- enough, anyway, to truly enjoy Melanie's company rather than faking it. He'll simply give Sulochana the cold shoulder, and whet his appetite for other, more private entertainments with a few dances. He and Jacko head down the stairs -- and Roy's gaze easily falls on the heart-stopping beauty of Sulochana in scarlet...
He takes a steadying breath and forces his eyes away, only to have them light on Melanie, arm-in-arm with Sulochana and laughing as they head into the ladies' room. Even more galling is the pleased-with-himself look on George's face.
Suraksha is a bit annoyed with Roy for abandoning Melanie, but at least he did it at a party where she'll be able to find dance partners. The Hetaera is determined to make sure the poor girl has a good time tonight, and is with friends. The two of them are happily chattering together and powdering their noses before the mirrors, when several other women come in as well. These women are all a-twitter about the arguing gentlemen, and one of them is a fellow Hetaera. She glances at the smiling Sulochana, recognizing her and saying worriedly, "'Chana, darling, I think one of them is yours?" Sulochana goes white, "Roy. George. Dear goddess!" and rushes out of the ladies' sitting room. Melanie, confused and concerned, trails after her.
Roy and George are at least on the edge of the crowd, and their voices are low. The body language is unmistakable, however. Roy, being the taller and more muscular, seems to be quite looming over George. George is doing his gentlemanly best to stand up to the aggressive and un-sober king. Thankfully, nothing too untoward has happened. Voices are not raised, but Roy is obviously snapping at George. Jacko is there as well and speaking very quietly with Roy, who is quite adamantly ignoring him.
Suraksha whisks on over as swiftly as she decorously can, her quick glance assessing -- she's got to get the two men separated, then find out what it is Roy has against poor George! She slips swiftly between the two, taking George's hands and flusteredly saying, "George, dear! I'm so sorry to interrupt, but could you please give Miss Melanie a hand? I do believe the poor girl is feeling faint! I'll speak with his majesty on whatever it is he needs, all right?"
Melanie stares blankly at Sulochana and George, her mouth open, and George turns from looking at her, back to his companion, to say sternly, "She seems-" By that point, however, poor Melanie has finally correctly interpreted the pleading glance from Sulochana, as well as what's going on. It makes her blush hotly to lie, but she does manage to falter out, "I do, actually... er... feel a bit faint?" George gives her another startled look -- then hastens to catch her, "My dear girl!" He looks back at Sulochana, clearly torn and not wanting to abandon her.
The Hetaera smiles encouragingly, murmuring, "My hero. Don't worry about a thing -- I'll stay in eyesight, all right?" She beams at George, who looks slightly dazzled; Melanie leans into his arms and his worried gaze goes back to her. Sulochana takes that opportunity to whirl back to Roy, who looks like he's about to explode. She takes his hands and gives him a pleading look too, whispering, "Please, Roy -- I need to talk to you! Please?" She tugs gently, trying to urge him away a small but still proper distance.
The pleading in her eyes, and the fact that she used his name rather than a title, tugs at Roy's heart a little; he drags his eyes away from Melanie and the chivalrous Sir George. He allows himself to be pulled that little distance and finds, in the way of the magnificently intoxicated, he has a dangerously strong urge to sweep her up right here, right now, and cover those delectably bare shoulders and throat with hungry kisses. With the alcohol in his system, the thought curls his lips and weights down his eyelids.
Suraksha glances back at the rest of the room, making sure she's out of earshot but still in sight -- George is already frowning worriedly after her, at least until Melanie speaks softly to him. Sulochana spares a moment of internal thanks for Melanie catching on so nicely, then turns back to Roy. She takes a deep breath, her hands on her hips, and snaps in a soft whisper, "Roy Lee Beauregard, what has gotten into you?! I cannot believe how rudely you've treated poor Melanie and George -- and I'm not thrilled with your behavior towards me either! What is your problem?"
Roy's eyes go instantly from heavy-lidded bedroom eyes to glowering, as anger and self-righteousness flare up in his never-exactly-cool head. Him? Treating her poorly? -and that milquetoast landlord that's squiring her around! -- and he's already apologized to Melanie... oh, he will show 'Chana! When he's done with her, she'll think she's been flayed with knives rather than words -- and she'll realize just how damned cruel she's been!
Suraksha sighs internally before Roy can reply, her gaze flicking past him as she decides that apparently when it rains here, it pours! She can see Geraldine, the mayor of Kansas City, strolling over with a smug smirk on her face. Sulochana is pretty sure Roy doesn't want a personal conversation in front of Geraldine, so she schools her face to a pleasant smile, even though it does not reach her eyes, and says politely, "I'm so sorry, your honor, but this is a private conversation. Could we trouble you for a few minutes of privacy, please?"
Roy turns his head, already angry, and sees the smirking Geraldine. Her eyes are twinkling with malicious glee at seeing the two in obvious disagreement. Her barb of the night before burrows in, where it was already festering in his emotions, and his lip curls in a derisive snarl. "A few minutes of privacy?" he growls. "And I haven't even paid you fer it. That's awful generous. Usually whores want their payment in advance." Geraldine's mouth opens in delighted surprise as Roy puts his foot firmly in his mouth. Even before the words are completely out of his mouth he knows they are the wrong ones -- his chest feels like there's suddenly a block of ice in it. Roy is not used to having regrets, and he doesn't like the feeling of desperately wishing he could take back every last syllable of those horrible words.
Suraksha's head whips around to Roy again as sharply as if she'd been struck by him. Her lips are parted, her beautiful golden eyes wide with shock and hurt. Her hands are shaking slightly, and she clasps them tightly together before straightening up, taking a deep breath, and lifting her chin. In a voice tight with pain she whispers, "You... deserve each other," then whirls and heads swiftly back towards George and Melanie.
Roy moans to himself, "Goddammit..." and reaches for her in a panic, "No! Wait, darlin'! I di'n't mean-!" But Geraldine is already at his side, putting her hand through his arm and murmuring in a voice that manages to be both sympathetic and cutting, "No, Roy dear, let her go. She's not worth it. She wasn't worth whatever you paid for her in the beginning. You should be with a real lady, not a prostitute."
Roy's face is pale -- he wheels on her with hand half-raised and rage so clear in his face that Geraldine actually steps back, convinced for a moment Roy has been pushed beyond the bounds of all reason -- but the king manages to check the motion before it becomes a blow. His voice falls to the deadly soft purr of real anger as he hisses, "Don't you fuckin' dare, woman. You ain't even fit to speak her goddamn name. Get away from me." He rushes after Sulochana, softly calling her name and cursing himself internally.
Suraksha is striding swiftly towards George and Melanie, although her vision is slightly blurred by tears; she's not really aware of what's going on behind her. George has straightened up and is watching her with a deeply worried frown on his face, while Melanie has a hand to her mouth in silent horror. Roy's strides are longer than hers and he catches up before she can reach George and Melanie, grabbing more roughly than he intends to at her wrist. He doesn't know what he means to say, but he's sure if she'll just calm down and listen he can explain what happened... once he figures it out his own damned stupid self!
Suraksha is accidentally yanked back by the grab on her wrist, her dark hair swirling around her and shadowing her pale face. Even when startled she moves with that same eerie grace -- with a smooth flick of her wrist she continues the swirl, and then she's broken free of his grasp. She stares up at him with feral eyes sparking suddenly brilliant gold with fury, hissing tightly at him, "Don't touch me, Roy. I do not grant you permission!" She doesn't wait, whirling again to stride even more swiftly back towards George. She's so angry there are spots of color high on her cheeks, and she's not noticed dear, stolid George straightening and heading resolutely in her direction. Poor Melanie is frozen with indecision, completely lost.
Roy's heart feels like it stops beating for a moment. Even drunk, he remembers how important touch is to her, and he starts to feel things really unraveling. For fuck's sake! This kind of shit is why he's been avoiding getting really involved with anyone since Jacqueline! He's got to stop this, and if he can just get her to listen to him, to take back what she just said -- to let him take back what he just said...
Roy follows without thinking, reaching for her again, and this time it's stodgy, plain, boring, but sweet and kind George who gets in his way. For all his lack of wit and flash, George has very clear and firm ideas of what is Right and what is Wrong, and he is determined to do Right! Gentlemen do not manhandle or threaten ladies -- nor do they allow others to do so! Especially not others that have as apparently a murky and unsavory background as this king!
Cutting through her whirlwind of tears and hurt and anger, there's a sound of fist impacting flesh at full speed behind Sulochana. The Hetaera blinks, her struggling with tears completely lost at that dreadful noise, and whirls in horror. The cry of 'no-' dies on her parted lips at the scene before her.
Jacko has done his job in an unconventional way: he has stepped between his liege and the hapless but well-meaning landlord. Roy's flying fist has contacted his own bodyguard's solid jaw, shocking them both a little. The king is blinking at his own fist as if it just betrayed him -- while the clearly nervous but determined George is declaring in rather pompous tones that Roy is no gentleman and he, Sir George, will prove it upon this knave's body! George is actually a little shocked to hear himself demanding satisfaction at dawn to defend the ladies' honor.
Suraksha's eyes widen even more in shock and horror, and she darts back, grabbing George's arm without thinking, "No! George, please, no -- don't do this!" Melanie is practically crying as well, having grabbed George's other arm and adding her pleas to 'Chana's. Suraksha's desperate gaze flicks to the bodyguard, "Ja- Captain, are you all right?" She's almost babbling to George in her fear of him getting hurt or killed by Roy, "Please, dear, this really isn't necessary!"
Roy is starting to sober up -- he's blinking at the red-faced George, wondering just exactly where things went so badly off-track. This is certainly not what he planned, and now both ladies are falling all over themselves in worry for the (in Roy's mind) dull-as-paint petty lord. Jacko sighs and says, "I'm fine, ma'am." To George he tiredly adds, "I'm his second. With whom will I be meeting?"
George's thin lips are even thinner as he holds his head up and says to Sulochana, "There are some things that cannot be condoned, my dear -- and this outrage is one of them!" There is a quiet rumble of agreement from some of the gentlemen in the gathering crowd. Some few of the other men offer to be George's second, which helps the slightly nervous George to buck up yet more. Somewhere in his soul is a Walter Mitty, and he's thinking a bit giddily of how dashing and chivalrous it will be to defend the two ladies this lout has offended. Melanie is simply crying now, tears of fright and unhappiness on her face, and George courteously pulls one of his hankies to offer to her, to give himself a moment before making such a momentous decision as to whom his second should be.
Sulochana glances exasperatedly at the gentlemen in the crowd, wishing fervently she could simply smack some sense into them all. She glares at those offering to second George, her mouth opening to try once more to remonstrate with her client in order to keep him safe -- and a hand falls lightly on her shoulder. A voice she knows very well murmurs in amusement, "Calm down, 'Chana, dear. I will second the gentleman for you."
Suraksha whirls in shock, staring at her godsmother, "How did y-" She blinks, realizing it really doesn't matter how the Lady Sna'thaid Mho'r happened to be here just now -- she simply whirls back to George. Clutching his arm, she widens her eyes and murmurs as appealingly as she knows how, "George, dear, please -- accept my godsmother as your second?"
George is certainly not sure about this. A woman as his second? -and one that looks so... so... ethereal? He had intended to choose a chap who he knows is good with a sabre, but at the pleading in Sulochana's eyes and the tears in Melanie's, he relents and agrees to take Sna'thaid as his second. Roy is still blinking like someone just hit him between the eyes with a sledgehammer. It's not that he's never fought. It's not even that he's never dueled. Even to the death. It's that this is just not. What. Was. Supposed. To. Happen. This was supposed to be a tedious but profitable diplomatic trip!
Suraksha glances uncertainly at her godsmother when George asks for the lady's name -- Sna'tha is in an elegant human glamour currently -- and the slender woman smiles calmly and says clearly, "I hight the Lady Sna'thaid Mho'r. A pleasure to second you, Sir George." The reaction on the crowd is fascinating: the young, such as Melanie and some of the gentlemen, look blank. The older and more cosmopolitan people in the crowd, however, draw in sharp breaths -- some step back unwittingly -- and there's a quiet buzz of commentary. The tall sidhe woman lets her gaze rake the crowd (many of them nervously avoiding her eyes), and murmurs with that same serene smile, "How gratifying to be remembered, even after a quarter of a century."
George is staring at the sidhe woman with wide, uncertain eyes, and she laughs softly, "Go on, then, Sir George: you should take good care of the ladies while I go speak with his majesty's second." Roy, meantime, has been blinking at the fist he used to punch Jacko, and wondering just how the hell he's going to keep this from completely fucking over his city.
Suraksha hastily nods at her godsmother, looping her arm through George's and murmuring, "Take Miss Melanie's arm, please, George dear?" The gentleman nods a bit dazedly as he does so, and Sulochana gets them moving away from Roy. The crowd starts to disperse, not without a great deal of fascinated whispering -- and Melanie whispers confusedly to 'Chana and George, "Who was that lady, please?" The Hetaera murmurs, "Tell you in a moment, dear..." and then her voice is too soft for Roy to hear any longer. Suraksha feels almost limp with relief. Sna'tha will know what to do to fix things.
Jacko's voice is quiet as he says, "Your Majesty, I have to say, with all due respect, you have been a regular jackass tonight." Roy stares at him wordlessly, which is a miracle in and of itself, and Jacko turns to Sna'tha, bowing in a way that lets him keep his eyes on her face, "Shall we retire to discuss the plans for the morning?"
Roy rouses, brows furrowing in irritation, "Now, hold on just a goddamn second here..." Jacko starts to look exasperated.
The elegant lady grins at Jacko's clear wariness, stepping forward to loop an arm through Roy's. Her voice is smooth and cultured, "Your majesty, don't you think you've accomplished enough tonight? Retiring to plan for the future, as your worthy captain has suggested, sounds excellent to me." She puts two fingers of her free hand into her mouth, her eyes bright with amusement.
Roy isn't rude or foolish enough to pull away from Sna'tha, and (truth be told) watching her do that with her fingers is interesting to the parts of his brain that have nothing to do with saving his skin and everything to do with perpetuation of the species. When she starts urging him along, however, he snaps out of it enough to grumble, "This is a bunch of horseshit. Lemme go." He moves as if he's going to head off, but in completely the wrong direction.
Even as Roy is starting to protest, and before he's finished his sentence, Sna'thaid grins roguishly up at him. Her hand whips from her mouth to his, her fingers brushing lightly over his lips as she murmurs, "Oh, I don't think so, your majesty."
Roy's tongue flicks out completely on instinct to lick his lips and he blinks blearily at Sna'tha, saying, "Wha...?" -- before his knees start to buckle. Jacko steps in without a word and gets his shoulder under Roy's armpit, keeping his liege upright even though the man is suddenly dead weight. The sidhe lady is already braced, so Roy doesn't simply flop onto the floor, and she says cheerfully to Jacko, "Thank you so much, Captain! I suspect if we put him on that balcony there, he'll soon be right as rain. Shall we?" She suits her actions to her words, heading in that direction with the now rather heavy king. Jacko follows after her lead, half-smiling in admiration. He finds he rather likes this stranger. He'd likely be shocked to find out this is "Gramma Marcie."
Sna'tha carefully settles -- or rather, half-spills -- Roy onto the small stone bench on the balcony, then straightens and smiles at Jacko, "Would you be so kind as to guard the door, so we might have a bit of privacy, Captain?" Jacko nods and backs away -- then, with a moment of thought, turns his back on the woman and his liege. It's a strong signal of trust from the captain.
Sna'tha is peacefully silent for a few moments, relaxing on the bench next to the carefully braced, unconscious king. She admires the lovely evening, listens to the soft music playing within, smiles at the fireflies dancing around in the darkness... then she murmurs softly, "You've had enough time to start to recover, so I know you can hear me even if you can't quite move yet. That will happen in a few more minutes, since the substance I gave you is a very fast acting but mild knock-out drug I... have access to."
Sna'tha grins, her voice smoothly amused as she crosses her long legs and adds, "I thought we might take this moment of, ahh... quality time together to... consider your options. You see, despite your being a charming lout, and though it embarrasses me deeply, apparently my godsdaughter has feelings for you. If you're smart, we're going to make sure there's no duel."
The sidhe woman considers, then murmurs almost absently, "As I see it, you have two paths ahead of you right now, your majesty. The easier one is to continue to act like a spoiled brat and insist on the duel. If you do, I'll serve as Sir George's second, you'll likely hurt or kill the poor man, and you'll have deeply embarrassed my godsdaughter, the lady Sulochana. She'll refuse to see you any more, since that's the standard Hetaera training to deal with violently jealous swains -- plus you've hurt her quite badly already -- and that will be the end of it between the two of you."
Sna'tha falls silent for a moment, listening to the quiet sounds of the night... then continues softly, "As I said, that's the easier way. It's remotely possible, however, you'll be a man and choose the more difficult and, I believe, more thoughtful path. You'll go apologize profusely to the lady Sulochana, Miss Melanie, and Sir George, and humbly ask for their forgiveness. Since he's a gentleman, Sir George won't be able to insist on a duel in the face of your apology, and you will not have further humiliated my godsdaughter." She smiles with a hint of mischief, adding, "and then you will also apologize to your Captain of the Guard, and tell him he should hire me for specialized training for your personal guard... and you'll actually talk honestly with my godsdaughter and start courting her, and we'll all live happily ever after. And for Solstice Father Christmas will bring you a riverboat and a pony."
The lady Sna'thaid rises, looking down at Roy, and grins, "Pardon me; I simply couldn't resist that last one. So. You have a minute or two left before you'll be able to move easily. Try to use the time wisely, eh? You're walking a very fine line here." She brushes past the worried Jacko with a smile and a nod of thanks... and Roy is alone in the quiet dark.
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