#closedthread

Rayne proved to be one very, very productive mommy at the gala in Valtolia all those moons ago. They had faith in Florian to find himself a suitable suitor, truly, but their finances were dwindling fast. Rayne knew they needed to step in and assist their darling son with the matter. If they had any hope of maintaining their expensive lifestyle.

Why did you have to die, my love...

Admittedly, aiming for the stars with a crown prince did not seem wise, but you do miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Rayne made a concerted effort to meet every single one and float the opportunity of a convenient marriage to them.

Best case scenario? Rayne finds their son a rich husband.

Worst case scenario? Rayne gets dicked down to oblivion and sent home with a rejection on their offer.

Augustus was the first to bite, so Rayne found their way to Medes to discuss business in person... and in private. This sitting room flanked by guards was not ideal, but still better than nothing.

With all on his mind, especially after the events that transpired in Valtolia, to say Alphaeus felt plagued would have been an understatement. Worrying about his future in terms of marriage was one thing, saying nothing of now also having to be afraid for his mortality...

He wanted to talk with his mother. He always knew what to say in times like these. Even more so than Aurelius did. Such was a queen's lot in life — being fiercely eloquent and sensitive in ways their husbands needn't.

Finding Sorian in his bedchambers, where he —what else— primped and preened himself in front of a vanity, Alfi knocked gently, hovering at the door.

"Mother," Alfi begins, "can you tell me the story of how you met father again? I know you are likely bored of it by now, but... I want to hear it. Since I am to be married soon enough myself, and..."

Ram hated lots of aspects about being king, but chief among them were these stupid balls. Inane gatherings of very little substance, wherein he —and his lovely queen— were expected to show their faces to the Metian elite. The pomp and circumstance of it all sickened him. Sure, peace could be a lovely thing, but did he need to travel all the way here to celebrate it?

(Assuming it even lasted to begin with...)

But if these events had any merit to them, they served as opportunities for himself and his spouse to find potential new sexual partners. So, not nothing.

"I would ask if you've had your eyes on the prowl for men of interest," Ram begins, speaking to his low, usual growl in Amrit's ear as they moved together on the dance floor, his hands firmly —not but quite possessively— settled at the his spouse's hips. As much as it annoyed him to perform these little gestures when he would much, much rather be the one they were performed on, people expected a king to lavish over his queen. They all had roles to play.

Cesar Marquet worked alone. He always had and should have continued that way. Except...not for this mission. Cesar did not understand why he was required to have another agent assist him-he didn’t get it. Everyone in their Undercover Agency knew, loved, and even preferred that Cesar always worked alone because of the amazing work he always did. Results and....having pleasure along the way. That’s what Cesar would always do; he would continue to do this also even if he had to work with another agent.

But again, he didn’t understand what about this mission couldn’t be done with just him. Yes, the man understood that if the owners of the pieces of artwork that needed to be retrieved, witnessed a happy couple during their encounters, things would seem less suspicious. The different sets of missions would all appear suspicious anyway because it did require both him and his “partner” to work a way around either stealing the artwork back or purchasing it with other favors those people required. Stealing things back or working out deals to do so were things Cesar was very well used to and enjoyed doing it. But alone. Alone.

Sighing, the man placed his winning smile on his lips as he made his way to their privet jet that was provided to both him and his partner to use during their travels. Pieces of information would be given to them along the way and only the basics of what they needed to know was provided to them this morning. The man only hoped the agency hadn’t sent him a new member of the Undercover on this mission. If she is new, even better Cesar! Easier to get rid of her then. At these thoughts, Cesar actually smiled wide now climbing up the steps of the plane; he would make this work-he had to. Once on the plane, Cesar finally lifted his eyes to meet the woman who would be his “wife” for the next few months.

“Hello love, I’m Cesar. Though, for the next few months, you can call me honey or Mr. Darlington.” He added with a smirk. ( @aprilwritcs​ )