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

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"I meant the one that was stopped by his covert bodyguard," Carolina says. Why do the stories never line up? "I may have to investigate the Brewers if the first encounter goes poorly."

[toavoidcrashing]

'Oh, yeah. I didn't hear as much about that one, it's a new rumor, but I know of it. Two assassins sent after him in the space of a month or two? I wouldn't say that's a good sign.' There had better not be any more while he's here that could put her Lady and home in danger.

'Good plan. Maybe have a few ideas so they can act more quickly if need be?'

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"You'd think my parents would listen to that one," she says. "Maybe these assassins would pay you for knocking him off for them?"

"Get them acting early? I'd be all right with that."

[toavoidcrashing]

'I'd take that money,' she decides after a moment's thoughtfulness. 'As long as you help hide my involvement.'

'Yeah. So think about what enchantments might be useful or necessary.'

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"I'll look into it," she says. She's joking, right?

"Too bad basic love potions are illegal. And a bad idea."

[toavoidcrashing]

Well... 'Get back to me once you have something.'

'You don't need him training after you like a lovesick puppy.' That could almost make things worse. 'There are other options though.'

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"No," she agrees. "I'll keep in touch."

It's not like she won't see Niner around. She had better. If her parents try to cut her off from her women, there will be trouble.

[toavoidcrashing]

'You always do, my Lady.' Her hand leaves Carolina's hair to trail fingers down her arm as she grins.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"You do know how to cheer a girl up," Carolina says. There's a familiar promise in that touch that makes her grin.

[toavoidcrashing]

'One of my many talents,' she says, smiling. Her hand travels back up Carolina's arm to slip around the back of her head and bring her in for a kiss.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

See, that's the kind of cheer that Carolina could use right now. Tipping her head back against Niner's hand, she reaches to pull the other woman close.

[toavoidcrashing]

Niner gladly moves with the tug, getting into a more comfortable position and tilting her head to kiss Carolina better.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

If only this could last. Carolina doesn't know how much time she still has with Niner.

Time to make it count, she hopes. She's far more comfortable in Niner's arms than she would be in the prince's.

[toavoidcrashing]

Niner's been with Carolina long enough to know desperation when she feel it. She tightens her grip around her Lady and deepens the kiss to try and reassure her of her love and presence.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

Carolina moans softly at the kiss. Why can this not be enough? Why don't her parents think that she, alone, is enough?

No. It's easier to throw herself into Niner and forget. She matches the kiss.

[toavoidcrashing]

There's always a burst of satisfaction that comes with getting a reaction from her Lady and it never gets old. Smiling against her lips, Niner reaches up and pushes her fingers through Carolina's hair, holding them closer together.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

Her hands press into the space between Niner's shoulders. It's easier to sit up into the kiss this way.

[toavoidcrashing]

She rolls her shoulders a little to feel the strong hands there and takes advantage of the new angle by deepening the kiss.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

There. That's it. Carolina moans into her lips.

Will the Prince ever kiss her like this?

[toavoidcrashing]

What a good sound that is. Niner swallows it happily and works to tease more from her.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

Why can't she let herself be happy? She swallows a whimper of protest. She deserves better. Niner deserves better. And she will fight them back in the only way she can.

[toavoidcrashing]

She's still tense, Niner can feel it so obviously beneath her fingers. After a few more moments, she breaks the kiss and pulls back a little to look at her.

'Someone's not happy.'

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

"They want to take this from me," she whispers. It's not fair. She leans up to coax another kiss from Niner.

[toavoidcrashing]

The words make her grip Carolina tighter, and when they kiss again, the possessiveness is clear.

'We'll figure something out,' she promises.

[gladtoseeyouidiots]

She needs that possessiveness now. Even if she's only in the mood to kiss, she wants to be wanted. Niner will give that to her.