Royal & Sinful

A quick wedding wasn’t something Oskar was opposed to, despite his internal protest at his own day being intermingled with his son’s- for both of their sakes. Though the Emperor did his best not to allow those feelings to taint the joy which he could not help but to feel. While his time with his wife-to-be hadn’t been long, it had been plenty enough for Oskar to understand precisely why they’d been paired together. Their spirits were the same, colliding in the most beautiful of ways with each other to make something the man was certain would last for a lifetime. Ailith looked gorgeous, even more than- gazing upon her truly took Oskar’s breath from his chest. He grinned when she spoke, her teasing obvious yet shrouding what he believed to be a genuine curiosity. “It does, yes. Though that does not mean I favor the other over what we have made here today. You are my wife, Ailith. And I vow to you today, here, and now that no matter what may come, no matter the storms we are asked to weather, I shall remain dutifully, faithfully, and lovingly by your side.” Bringing a hand up, Oskar cupped the side of her face gently, bending to press a kiss to her lips. He’d been eager to say more, to begin solidifying their post-marital plans, though as the air itself began to shift, so did his Queen. Oskar’s eyes widened when she screamed, arms shooting out to wrap protectively around her, supporting her weight against his chest to ensure she would not fall. “I- I do not…” The Emperor’s expression began to darken, a look of realization spreading across his otherwise define and handsome features. “We must call for a Doctor at once, and we must get you into bed. You need to rest, my love.”

it was a little awkward that her new son’s wedding was the same day as her own, but she was glad to have her marriage to oskar done. she could tell he would make a fine partner, her nerves were quieted as soon as he’d fought beside her. his sense of humor, his desire for battle, she could tell they’d have quite the marriage together. ❝ i understand. it is different. . .now. ❞ she wasn’t the young stubborn girl she’d been when she was married the first time. no, she was a hard-headed woman that had raised wonderful children and strong warriors. his words made her smile and she nuzzled her cheek against his hand. ❝ ye took the words out of my mouth, love. no matter what battles or hardships come, i will be with ye through all of it. ye and yer children are as much my family as my own, ❞ she murmured, her hand coming up to press to the back of his. as much as she wanted to discuss what would happen next, she didn’t have the chance. 

“very well.” he muttered with a frown, knowing that it was a conversation that was merely tabled ( one he would passionately bring up with his father at a later date ; the sun king might be content living in arrogant bliss, but anton would not allow any of his people to fall under harm after today ). 

the void yawned awake as several of weaker will around them bowed beneath shadows ( moving at the austrian’s will in an effort to offer the duo even more space to work ). “no? i find it a good test to see how we might work together.” to prove if uniting their houses would be fruitful or fruitless, he thought before angling his body toward the golem before him. “alright you big lug, be a good beasty and clear us a path in that direction, hm? act as sword and shield for any bearing mine or your mothers colors until instructed otherwise and we’ll do just fine.” 

❝ i promise, we will have that conversation. i just need a very large bottle when we do so. ❞ her gaze went to the shadows, smiling at the way the void moved and seemed to live behind him. ailith wasn’t weak, she didn’t bow, she didn’t tremble. in fact, she was fascinated by the sight of  it. 

the smallest smile graced his features- a rare sight that only the king had seen. he nodded his head slowly at his words. “just a gash on my leg but— you know me better than anyone. i can cut down an entire army with just my sword.” he whispered before placing his forehead against his kings. “they are safe, my king. as well as many of our people. i have my soldiers protecting the healers and those hiding in their apartments.” he sighed heavily. “this was foolish. i shouldn’t have let you or the children come…”

“of course i can forgive you. i’ll always forgive you..” he whispered to her before kissing the side of her head. in the kiss, it transferred the flame scales onto her for protection– weakening him. he didn’t care. as long as she was safe. he swept her legs out from under her and into his arms. without a shield around him, he took off through the throne room and carried her through the halls. swords and talents gashed his skin, his silk robes staining with blood. he didn’t care. finally– he made it to their apartment before he dropped her onto the bed and collapsing onto the floor. 

As the wall of stone appeared out of thin air, Oskar side-stepped slightly, chuckling as he went. Sure, he felt a slight weakening of his powers, though he’d entered the battle after the start of the eclipse, therefore remaining a bit more jovial. He paused his pointed movements to offer a slight bow, eyebrows raising playfully as he gazed as his betrothed in the midst of her battle. “At your service, M’Lady.” Righting himself, the Emperor turned swiftly to knock away an incoming attacker, smile widening as the other fell upon the floor. “Ah, my love, I cannot say I am not in the slightest disappointed. I do believe it would have made for a splendid first meeting.” Oskar’s voice boomed above the clatter surrounding them, assuring he’d be heard. His eyes followed her form, taking in her intricacies and appreciating her obviously practiced technique. 

It would have been untrue to say Oskar hadn’t found himself apprehensive about meeting his betrothed, though he’d managed a brave face at the realization that his full cooperation was required, if for nothing other than the sake of his own children. Seeing Ailith now, matching her fluid movements with the stories he’d managed to collect since receiving her portrait, the entire endeavor had begun to feel much more normal. The Queen’s words rang in his ear, her teasing appreciated and accepted with glee. The necessity for Oskar to be matched with someone able to keep time with his own quirky teasing was just that- a necessity- and one he now knew to have been adequately met. “Damn, you’ve caught me!” He beamed, spinning on his heel to stave off an incoming attack. “My Queen, you have made a request which I am more than willing to obey.” With that, he took Alistair by the arm, dragging him easily towards his mother. Extending his hand, Oskar took Ailith’s in his own, grinning madly down at her. “Shall you lead the way, or shall I?”

❝ is this meeting not to yer liking, love? ❞ laughing, she shook her head, glad that her betrothed seemed just as eager to battle as she was. ❝ after ye wash the blood off, love, ye can try and get me into yer bed. i do nae fancy licking someone off ye, ❞ she teased with a wink. flirting was second nature to her, but she was definitely one for retorts. if they were well-matched, all the better. because he was not what she’d been expecting in the least. a pleasant surprise indeed. and while she didn’t appreciate him manhandling her son, she was glad that he was moved out of harm’s way. ❝ together. side by side, ❞ it was how she intended to have their marriage be, neither trailing behind the other. taking his hand, she squeezed it and walked from the battle-filled ballroom with him. 

-

think, you ass. he’d just grabbed daiyu without considering the consequences––her talent was no lesser than his. in fact, right at the moment, it was far greater. auguste blanched at her casual use of the emperor’s given name but reminded himself that propriety wasn’t important right now. “my lady, he is the dragon emperor. i believe he is well equipped to protect himself––and even if he weren’t, he has guards. please, you could be used against him if things turn poorly.” he couldn’t help but think how much faster this would be moving if he could calm her down in his usual way. for now, he had to rely on just his words and no magic. auguste glanced once again towards where he had last seen his brother, noting the golden sword was gone from the wall. 

auguste ducked over to the same wall, taking inspiration and dislodging another saber from a different hanging. he held it at the ready, scrambling back to daiyu’s side. “please, just until things calm down.”

she was grateful she’d held back. the amount of guilt she would’ve felt over burning her love’s betrothed would’ve been great. so it was better that she’d resisted the urge to do so. ❝ fine, i will go with you. i rather not distract him from battle by staying. ❞ reluctantly, she let her flames move around the both of them once auguste had returned to her side. ❝ for his sake. . .thank you, ❞ she murmured, helping him clear the way for them to make an escape. though the fighting had spread, it wasn’t nearly as bad on the outside. 

Mahire blushed with the compliment from the queen and smiled happily. “Oh thank you, your majesty.” She did not expect the queen to end her game to teach her more, and as much as Mahire wished to protest, she thought it better not to. She already could tell the queen was a force of nature and it is better not fight it.  She hurried to her side and fell in step with her, listening intently. “Versailles is beautiful and chaotic and, I have to admit, overwhelming. So many cultures and languages in one place…” She paused, taking a deep breath in her excitement. “I only worry if there will be enough space.” Or peace. “I have met many interesting figures. Though none as interesting as you, your majesty.” Her tone playful. “And my betrothed.” Though she had not yet determine if that was a good or bad thing.  “What of you, your majesty?” 

“why won’t you die!” she yelled at him as she twisted the knife into his thigh before the sword came towards her. she stepped the the side– disoriented, she managed the wrong side. the sword hit her side. but she didn’t flinch, coming at him again with the other dagger to slice his arm. 

The fight raging all around him left Alistair’s head spinning. Of course he’d been trained for such situations, though unfortunately the Scottish Crown Prince hadn’t ever been known for his sword brandishing technique. Dodging left, then right, he paused to take a breath when he glanced up to find himself staring down the approaching sharp-end of a sword. Opening his mouth, Alistair willed himself to move, to scream, to something. Instead, he remained frozen in place, lifting a hand in defense, yet knowing that when it came to battle, his flesh was surely no match for the cold, steel edge of a blade. The Prince braced himself for an impact that never came- from seemingly nowhere, his mother, Queen Ailith, had jumped between him and his attacker, activating her magic to shroud them both with protection. “I-” He began, eyes darting toward the altercation happening to his right. “I’m not running, Mam. Not when so many are-” His sentence paused abruptly as he shifted, another sword making contact with the protective barrier on his left. “-In need. Ye know running isn’t an option, Mam.” A pause, eyes scanning the area. “We need swords. If we move, there appear to be two discarded, just over there.”

      THE MOMENT SAEM REALISES that it is his father beside him, a wave of emotion equal parts gladness and fear washes over him. he’s thankful that his father has thus far emerged from the battle unscathed ; but there’s this pit in saem’s stomach which wells with terror over knowing that his father is still here in the midst of the chaos. “ 아바마마 ( aba mama ; father ) ─── please, i cannot let you protect me at the cost of your own safety. ” the young prince’s voice trembles, and the warmth usually ever-present in the brown of his eyes seems engulfed with fear. “ i can’t lose you too ─── my heart could not bear it… not after losing 어마마마 ( eoma mama ; mother ) ”. and so, despite the strength which feels sapped from every muscle and limb of saem’s body, his heart which yearns to protect those he loves compels him to move. reaching for a sword, dropped and discarded nearby, saem arms himself ; steadying his breathing as he survey’s the battleground. “ i will clear the way for us  ─── i will clear the way for you ; my father, my king. ”