"Oh my, are you certain it is really alright for me to have something so precious as this?" a worried countess questioned, holding a crystal music box in her hands with a worried expression.
"Why, please, do take it," a (h/c) haired girl hummed, brushing aside a tear that formed at her right eye's corner, "I'll be so disheartened if you've viewed my gift as insufficient. If you'd like, I will search tirelessly for a gift that better fits your ladyship. I had just thought...that you would enjoy something so unique. But, as I thought, the viscountess is a noble and pristine lady who has likely seen many of these treasures before. Please forgive my failings in my courtesy."
The young lady bowed at the waist, lifting up her skirt to further show her apologies. However, the woman she addressed was very much flustered by the attention she received from the noblewoman that ranked higher than her. Other ladies at the tea party looked on in shock, waving their fans quickly as they murmured to one another. It seems that the countess had unintentionally refused the utter kindness of the young marquess, so much so that she was on the brink of tears.
"No, my lady! I absolutely adore such a gift! You are so kind to gift me such a beautiful object! I just felt that it was so stunning that I couldn't possibly think to take this away from you!"
"Ah, does the countess truly enjoy my gift?"
"Yes, my lady! I will treasure it for all eternity and only ever put my finest jewels in this box!"
The (h/c) haired marquess clapped her hands together and gave an appreciative smile, almost watering up at the enjoyment the countess had towards her gift. She was then quickly hugged by the lady, the both of them truly appreciative of the other. As if to exhibit the countess's adoration for the kind young lady, she sat her down with the other noble ladies and began discussing the things she had seen as of late. The conversation was exciting and not at all dull, everyone looking to speak with the marquess. She was the center of all attention.
"You are so kind, my lady!" the daughter of a baron giggled, eagerly holding onto the young lady's hand, "To show such generosity to lower ranks! You must be an angel!"
The marquess blushed, covering her face with her fan, something that proved to be immensely adorable to the other ladies. They squealed at her bashful nature and remarked that she was sure to be the eye of all the gentleman when she had her official debut. There was even talk that the crown prince himself would even go to war to have her hand for himself. Again, the young lady blushed in embarrassment.
The ladies continued to compliment their angelic marquess, smothering her with attention and affection, but they didn't realize there was a young man watching their occasion with great interest. The man held his eyes firmly on the (h/c) haired girl, his arms crossed against his chest as he leaned against a tree's trunk. A small grin stretched the corner of his lip up as he watched her pointedly, his eyes unwavering with their staring.
"Don't you think you ought to approach her?" a close friend of his shrugged, giving an unimpressed and lazy expression as he tried to fight off the boredom, "If you're gonna stare at her this much, anyway."
"He's got a point, Erebus. If you just grab your balls and go fucking talk to her, she'd be delighted."
The black-haired male ignored the two. In fact, he probably didn't hear what they spoke about, more focused on his observation. His focused gaze seemed to give off the message to the other two that he wasn't interested in them at all, so they obediently shut their traps and grumbled on their own. Or so they had thought, but the more they waited, the more irritated the waiting became, especially when night approached.
"I'm gonna die of boredom if this keeps up."
"Then die," the ravenette snapped, narrowing his eyes while reaching for his sword.
The male who had commented grumbled further and kept his distance from the young man, knowing he really would carry through with that threat. He was only relieved that the (h/c) haired marquess was on her way back home. Tears of relief streamed down his face as she was escorted into the carriage because he knew what it meant. If she was leaving, so was the ravenette. He couldn't very well watch her from that tree forever, after all.
Dismissing his men with a flick of his hand, the ravenette saddled himself on his horse and flicked at its reins, following after the fleeting carriage while being careful to stay a safe distance away. As his companions watched him go off, they could just merely sigh. It was the same thing every single night, and come morning, despite having merely four hours of sleep, he would carry on as usual. Even though he affirmed that it was more sleep than he got during times of war, it still didn't seem enough.
"I don't know what she even did to get his interest in the first place."
. . .
Invited to a banquet of the imperial family, the (h/c) haired marquess gladly accepted the invitation, readying herself for the event. A special dress had already been commissioned for her week prior, and she was all aflutter wearing it for the first time. It fit snug against her skin, the skirt puffing out with lace and ribbons all along it. And though she declined the thought of wearing any exorbitant jewelry pieces, she was nonetheless coerced into it by her adoring maids. They stated she simply must stand out at the banquet, and that nothing would suit her better. So, blushingly, she accepted, becoming a bashful mess.
Even arriving at the event made her shy and nervous, almost trembling at the sight of the noble ladies that just couldn't get enough of her. They led her in with open arms, encouraging her to try the foreign delicacies that had arrived from a newly allied country. Her sweet tooth betrayed her, her face lighting up in absolute enjoyment, the ladies around her smothering her with affection at her cute and innocent nature while gentlemen looked on with pink cheeks. Many tried to approach her, wanting to become a suitor to the young lady, but most of them left with bursting hearts, unable to take her demure speech and actions.
"Look at you, my lady. You're simply the talk of the banquet!"
"Even more kind than the empress herself."
Such remarks were thrown around the young lady, her eyes darting to the ground in bashfulness. She wasn't able to take such affectionate remarks. Whatever had she done to earn such polite compliments? Holding onto her dress with an embarrassed fluster, she was surprised when yet another young man approached her. He bowed and made polite greetings before discreetly passing her a note and promptly leaving.
Curious, the young lady looked down at it, skimming over its contents. The note itself simply told her to meet at the southwest balcony, leading her proactive mind to seek the note giver out. She excused herself from the noble ladies, politely stating she needed a drink. They obliged but told her they would like to speak with her again later. With a pure beam, she gratefully accepted and curtsied before going off to the location specified.
As she stepped out under the sparkling night sky, her eyes looked up at them with admiration, twinkling as if to mimic them. She then noticed a young man standing there with a sash across his chest and numerous badges adorning his gold and white suit, golden epaulets heightening his broad shoulders and rigid stature. He looked at her with sharp eyes and a smirk, chuckling just a bit before bowing his head just slightly.
"Ah! My sincerest apologies! I have been most rude," the young lady panicked, fumbling to hurriedly curtsy to the male, "I have forgotten to bow in the presence of such a handsome - Ah, forgive me once more! I've made a slip of the tongue!"
The ravenette's smirk widened, looking up and down the girl's figure. He then made a dismissing motion, pardoning the minor offense. It was then that a sinister chuckle rumbled from his throat, showing off a scroll he held. Once more, the curious young lamb gave sparkling eyes, her inquisitive mind making her step just a bit closer. With one glance, he knew she wanted to know what he held, especially since it was quite important to her. He, of course, knew of all such things the (h/c) haired marquess desired for. In fact, he rather prided himself on it, turning up his chin with great confidence at the thought.
"The Crusian Duchy," he remarked, throwing the scroll on the ground near her feet.
"The Crusian Duchy?" the young lady repeated, pressing a finger to her lips, "Are you perhaps a duke, sir? Ah! That makes my offense all the more severe!"
"(Y/n)," the male chuckled, leaning against the railing, "Would you like it? If you do, all you have to do is pick it up and it's yours."
The young lady tilted her head with visible confusion, not understanding what it was that the young man was intending to do. A duchy was something almost invaluable, and if you possessed one, you must have had great power and wealth because of it. Why would anyone cede such an important and prized deed of land? It then dawned on her, and immediately, she fell to her knees, tears pricking at her eyes.
"I'm so very sorry, my lord! Out of anger for my impolite actions, you've taken it upon yourself to humble me. I thank you for thinking of me. I will endeavor to become a more conscious lady!"
The brunette gave a scoff of amusement, then a chuckle before he started laughing heartily, holding his stomach while he knelt over. He then composed himself, giving a cough in his fist, his eyes not moving from the younger girl's form. The male then picked up the duchy deed and began toying with it, throwing it barely up in the air before catching it, humming a cheerful tune. He then promptly stopped, kneeling down to grip the marquess's chin, forcing her to look at him.
"You really are the best," he whispered sultrily, his eyes narrowing in affection and interest while he stroked her lips, "Able to deceive everyone with those devilish lips of yours. But, my dear, a wolf in sheep's clothing is still a damnable beast."
The (h/c) haired marquess gripped tightly onto the male's wrist before pushing him to the wall, pinning the hand that dared to touch her over his head. A look of irritation crossed her angelic face, her brows furrowing with anger. However, the ravenette simply looked on with great enjoyment, biting down on his lip and chuckling lowly. Even when she pressed a dagger against his neck, he retained such expressions of satisfaction, even indulgence.
"What are you trying to gain here, waving that duchy around in my face?" she sneered, aggravated by the male's composure even when she was threatening his life.
"It'd be a shame if you got my filthy blood on that dress of yours. But if you did, would you allow me to purchase you a new one? I promise it'll be of the best quality. You have my word."
"Why would I care about a simple dress? Answer my question."
"Because you wanted it, did you not? My offer still stands. Take it and it's yours, my dear. I went ahead and swiped it from underneath the emperor's nose just for you, after all."
The male moved his head forward, narrowing the gap between himself and the lady in front of him. Well, lady was a strong term, but it did so fit her considering she filled the role perfectly if she wanted to. He grinned and beamed at the thought, letting out an eager sigh to see how she would react to his words. After waiting so long to see it, he wanted to see more and more even if she tried biting at him. In fact, if she did end up biting him, he wouldn't mind. He wouldn't mind at all.
"Don't be ridiculous. Do you know how much that duchy is worth? You couldn't just be giving it away to me for free!"
"For free? I never said it was for free."
The (h/c) haired marquess released the young man, watching as he gave an almost disappointed sigh. He seemed to want to be pinned to the wall, but as he observed the small bruise she had managed to put on his wrist, he perked up again, holding it up in front of the stars to better inspect it. With red cheeks and an amused chuckle, he then extended the duchy towards the young lady.
"Take it, my dear. I know why you want it. You want to drag this country down to the pits of hell, don't you?"
"Who are you to question me like this? You must have no fear of death."
"That's the funny part. I'm the one who rescued this ruined country; who reinstated it back to its original glory. Just for the sake of watching it crumble in our hands. My dear, take this duchy and you'll be promising me to help kill the king. I want to take over this pathetic land and drink wealth past the point of satiety, draining this country of everything it has. I want the nobles to lose all standing. I want the commoners to starve to death. I want to crush them all."
(Y/n) held her hand over her mouth, a twisted grin spreading from one side of her face to the other. She never would have imagined there was such an opportunistic man residing in civilized high society. Curious, she raked her eyes over the man once more, taking note of his features with a more scrutinizing gaze. Indeed, she had heard of him before: raven black tousled chestnut hair, piercing lime eyes, a sharp jaw, and a charismatic smile. He had been the one to lead the hopeless country to victory in a war that had gone on for ten years in the span of a month. Many called him the light of the kingdom, but she could tell that wasn't true at all.
"I would be honored, Sir Erebus," she chuckled, curtseying politely while giving a wicked grin, promptly being pulled into a possessive embrace by the war hero, his defined chest firmly against her back.
"My dear, this is the start of a beautiful relationship," he murmured, pressing a kiss on where her neck met her shoulder, "so you may have the sole privilege of calling me Cethin as I hope I may be able to call you (Y/n)."
"Be my guest. As long as you hand over that duchy."
The male smirked and did as the lady requested, placing it in the palm of her hands. She then gave a grin as the ravenette instructed her on what she was to do in order to assist him. He held her close, her back against his chest and his mouth dared to touch her right ear. His hands were placed on her waist and hips, almost tickling her with how gentle and chaste he was being. And all to ensure he wouldn't back out of his promise to usurp the throne, the marquess threw her left arm behind her, hanging herself from his neck. He seemed pleased. Very much so.
"Do be a good girl and perform your part well," he cooed, the young woman walking off with a giggle, "I'd hate to make things dull and take his head simply."
"You're right. Let's put on a good show...Cethin."
"Why, my lady, you're making me want to put another event on our schedule this night."
With a sultry glance, the marquess eyed the man, sending pleasurable and yet terrified shivers up his spine. She was teasing him, walking away after she had sufficiently entranced him. His heart beat quickly as she walked away, his eyes glued to her hips, which she had started swaying for his amusement. With a large chuckle, he pushed his hair back, wondering how he was going to play his own role when he wanted nothing more than to hold her flush against him.
The adored young marquess soon returned to the noblewomen who were eager to see her back, most of them rushing to invite her to sit next to them or the gentlemen they wished to set her up with. However, she was shy and unable to accept the number of invitations she received. It made her shiver with worry, wondering if she had to cruelly reject the thoughtful words of those around her. She then started to sniffle just a bit, unwilling to break anyone's heart. It would have just been cruel.
"Excuse me," a voice rang, the crowd around the younger girl becoming silent murmurs as opposed to excited shouts, "This may be impertinent of me, but please do sit next to me. I would be honored if you could accompany me for the banquet."
The (h/c) haired marquess looked up at the figure who had posed the question, her eyes gazing upon the crown prince, himself. Her eyes shivered with astonishment, and in her awe, she had almost forgotten to bow once more. Curtseying quickly, she uttered her apologies, but the young man firmly refused to hear of it, stating that he had been the one to approach her without any warning.
"My lady, please join the crown prince on his offer. I would hate to selfishly hold you back from such an auspicious opportunity."
"Yes, indeed! Forgive my thoughtless remark."
"A-Are you certain?" (Y/n) questioned, wondering if they truly meant to forgive her, "You've all invited me so lovingly, it feels wrong to simply go with his majesty."
The noblewomen and gentlemen once more swooned over the cute and coy words of the young lady, encouraging her to go off with the prince. He seemed delighted by her innocent nature as well, extending his arm to her to escort her to the head of the table where his father, mother, and sister sat. The male had even pulled out the seat for her and, with grace, seated himself beside her, giving a charming smile.
The royal family seemed as taken with the pure thing as the rest of high society, questioning her about her hobbies. While embarrassed and flustered, the young lady responded to the best of her ability, trying not to offend the esteemed imperial family. Still, despite her worrying, they adored her nonetheless and, when the food was brought out, they allowed her to drink the same precious wine that they did. It was the highest honor for a noble - especially one who had no blood ties to the imperial family.
"My lady, would you be so kind as to join me in a dance after dessert?" the prince asked, pressing a kiss to the marquess's hand.
"Surely you don't mean me, your highness! I couldn't dare to!"
"Nonsense. There's no one here I would rather dance with. Please do accept."
Nobility watched on with awe as the prince placed a kiss on the lady's lips, his boldness shocking many into applause. Though it was mainly to congratulate the young lady for earning the prince's interest and the prince for finding a woman worthy of him, it made for the perfect scene to interrupt. The raven-haired war general stood up from his seat and clapped very loudly, so much so that everyone else halted their applause. Instead, they looked at him with confusion, many echoing their bewilderment to those next to them.
"My, what a sight!" the male chuckled, raising his glass to the sight, "Two pure souls coming together to form a blessed union! What could be better?! Why, it would be me, of course. Me putting all of this civilized bullshit to rest!"
At his words, the doors to the banquet hall were thrown down, soldiers entering the area and surrounding everyone. Though guards were called, they were already with the raven-haired war hero or dead. Tauntingly, he remained standing and took a sip of his glass before dropping it to the floor, drawing his sword. His eyes focused sharply on the prince next to his dear, and though he had intended on killing him first, it seemed the young marquess had other ideas.
"Your highness," she trembled, holding onto the male in horror, "I'm frightened."
"It's alright. I will protect you and everyone else here."
"You're so noble, your
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