Necessitas is the mother of frustration

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

Her parents are actually going through with this. Carolina has negotiated and argued for countless hours now, only to find out that they signed the treaty behind her back. Never mind that she will one day rule the country of Necessitas in her mother's place. She's being married off like chattel to a man who cares more about his profligate affairs with various lovers than about his own kingdom.

Some stories call him a demon. Carolina is already convinced he's a monster.

She won't weep. Not in front of the court. But when she sweeps into the privacy of her own room, angry tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "This is wrong," she whispers.

Comments

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

Maine is very conscious of Delta moving closer and is surprised that he doesn't mind at all. "'m lucky to serve my Lady," he says. "And proud.

"How long have you served your Prince?"

[protective_logic]

"Six years," Delta answers easily. "I was a scribe and tutor, selected to improve his skills in certain areas. I was elevated to his servant later on."

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

Six years is a long time. Longer than Maine has been in his lady's service, in fact. "Tutor? What do you teach him?"

He's not unfamiliar with tutors. York doesn't seem to mind his; Maine finds he doesn't mind Delta, either. Not at all.

[protective_logic]

"It would be inappropriate to give the secret of my Lord's academic weaknesses, ser. You will not have them from me, not even for all the chocolate you possess."

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

"Chocolate?"

He hadn't realized the little mage likes chocolate. Maine is rather proud of himself for getting that right on the first try.

Maybe they can buy more in the city. They've nearly reached the market.

[protective_logic]

"I could go for some now," Delta admits. The thought makes him lick his lips and discover that spot of remaining chocolate. It makes him freeze and blush. "You... you knew that was there and let me have that spot of chocolate on my face this whole time!"

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

"Good bakery nearby," Maine says. Its pastries aren't quite as good as the ones that the palace baker makes, but they'll do.

He freezes at that remark, though. He hadn't meant to offend. And Delta is blushing so prettily that he really doesn't know how to respond.

[protective_logic]

"Oh now everyone we passed will think me foolish," Delta bemoans, truly distraught. He's supposed to be presentable. Poised. Controlled. Dammit.

"I must go back."

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

"Back?" But the stall is right there!

[protective_logic]

"I looked a fool," Delta says, unfortunately self aware.

Self consciousness has reared its head and made delta nervous.

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

"But no one noticed." Nobody really cares. And if they did, Maine would have words with them. "You look good."

[protective_logic]

"I do?" Delta asks, blushing again. Does he? Does he care that the man thinks so?

Demos help him, he does. IT makes him feel warm.

[maine_makes_growly_noises]

"Yeah." He looks far more comfortable in the local dress than most of the men he came with. What's not to find good?

[protective_logic]

"Really?" Delta can't help but say again. He tries to stop the blushing. "Uh, lead on."