10-08-2016, 01:46 AM
Stillwater
For days, he'd waited for her, already chained to her schedule. As he should be, admittedly; she was the one in charge, the one who dictates where and when she would appear to her people. Which, unfortunately, included him. Further unfortunate was that he almost seemed the most respectful of her at times, and he'd never had to interact with her before this night. Not all her people were accepting of her rule, and yet they'd followed in her powerful wake by their own choice. Curious thing.
Their lack of reverence to her was further demonstrated when she arrived. His head was bowed to the earth, passively plucking grasses beneath the twinkling night sky though he was not feeling the pangs of hunger, bored with waiting but obedient to her without command. Dark, blue-gray eyes flickered to her, catching her movement as she gathered herself, straightening to the role she must play, then away again. Were they likable subjects, she'd not have to do such a thing. But it wasn't his kingdom, and he certainly didn't want one.
She called to him softly; friendly, polite. That was unexpected. He froze, his eyes locked on her warily, muzzle just above the grasses he'd been reaching for. The night cloaked them, each as rich black as the other. She spoke, introducing herself. He'd known her, not by name but by her status and the blood she'd mixed in the soil as she worked to build this kingdom of hers. Perhaps her subjects had not seen her determination and struggle as he had, as she slipped on that regal mask of hers and became the Queen before them instead of the slave that made this place what it was.
She was kind. Soft. Inviting. The courteous way in which she spoke to him teased at his mind. Did she not know the manner of the beast? He raised his head and studied her. She gave her name as she continued speaking, and requested his in return. Customs of language. Dreary things, but required of a ruler. But not required of him.
He let the silence grow between them, his dark gaze unreadable. He needed to proceed carefully, or end up weaving his own noose.
Distinguished elegance, and deadly grace hovered about her like an aura felt by all. The predator within her gave her more power and strength than perhaps she realized. She could be vicious somewhere beneath that careful and welcoming exterior, but untrained. Like a kitten with needle-sharp claws, far sharper than an adult's, yet not the experience of the hunt. She would learn in short time, no doubt, and bless the poor souls stupid enough to cross her. He hoped never to be among them.
He reflected briefly on the way she'd pulled the role of Queen upon her shoulders like a skin. Though it was her own skin; did she know that? She was already everything she needed, she only had to use it. Her people that lacked the respect were either too dim to recognize it or too threatened to acknowledge it openly.
Trouble in paradise, princess? he asked blankly, not an ounce of mock or malice tainting his even tone as he addressed his queen.
Their lack of reverence to her was further demonstrated when she arrived. His head was bowed to the earth, passively plucking grasses beneath the twinkling night sky though he was not feeling the pangs of hunger, bored with waiting but obedient to her without command. Dark, blue-gray eyes flickered to her, catching her movement as she gathered herself, straightening to the role she must play, then away again. Were they likable subjects, she'd not have to do such a thing. But it wasn't his kingdom, and he certainly didn't want one.
She called to him softly; friendly, polite. That was unexpected. He froze, his eyes locked on her warily, muzzle just above the grasses he'd been reaching for. The night cloaked them, each as rich black as the other. She spoke, introducing herself. He'd known her, not by name but by her status and the blood she'd mixed in the soil as she worked to build this kingdom of hers. Perhaps her subjects had not seen her determination and struggle as he had, as she slipped on that regal mask of hers and became the Queen before them instead of the slave that made this place what it was.
She was kind. Soft. Inviting. The courteous way in which she spoke to him teased at his mind. Did she not know the manner of the beast? He raised his head and studied her. She gave her name as she continued speaking, and requested his in return. Customs of language. Dreary things, but required of a ruler. But not required of him.
He let the silence grow between them, his dark gaze unreadable. He needed to proceed carefully, or end up weaving his own noose.
Distinguished elegance, and deadly grace hovered about her like an aura felt by all. The predator within her gave her more power and strength than perhaps she realized. She could be vicious somewhere beneath that careful and welcoming exterior, but untrained. Like a kitten with needle-sharp claws, far sharper than an adult's, yet not the experience of the hunt. She would learn in short time, no doubt, and bless the poor souls stupid enough to cross her. He hoped never to be among them.
He reflected briefly on the way she'd pulled the role of Queen upon her shoulders like a skin. Though it was her own skin; did she know that? She was already everything she needed, she only had to use it. Her people that lacked the respect were either too dim to recognize it or too threatened to acknowledge it openly.
Trouble in paradise, princess? he asked blankly, not an ounce of mock or malice tainting his even tone as he addressed his queen.
go down with me, fall with me, lets make it worth it