William Edmund Blackwyd

HER HUSBAND’S WAY OF THINKING was irrevocable. Impeccable, if she might add. That was only one of the many qualities she loved about her King, how rational and reasonable he is, while still remaining his joyful self. They really were quite the pair. “Yes and then we could simply ignore it the next time it chooses to appear. I think you just solved all of our problems, Will.” The Queen said with a gentle, appreciative smile. “Indeed, why should be break ourselves and our heads trying to find a meaning in it. Malice without intent is a meaning on its own. Perhaps that’s what this is, just mindless mischief, intent on seeing us glum on happy occasions.” She mused, when her husband’s words caught her attention again and she inclined herself closer to him. “I doubt anyone would miss us if we make a timely exit. With all these masks, I doubt anyone even recognises us now.”

“If you miss him, we could visit Iatris in the next few days, or invite your brother and the Queen to come stay with us, and bring your nephew along. We can always make time for family and Eyden is still going steadily. I doubt that prolonging out stay from it would jeopardise it greatly. Besides, my mother can always step in, in our absence.” Daphne gently offered. Truthfully speaking, she would’ve gone to Mordu to spend time with her cousins, but Iatris and Mordu were not the same, distance wise. Iatris was less than a day’s ride, the could’ve gone there for a cup of afternoon tea and be home by sundown, while Mordu… She would’ve had to be absent for a few days from her kingdom, with an entire sea between her home and her mother’s old kingdom. “And what of you, are you finding your time here pleasant enough?”

“If only it were that simple,” he said, half to himself. He would love to be able to solve the mystery of the Voice, and the danger that it might pose with one suggestion. In one fell swoop, he could alleviate at least some of their worries. “Although I don’t think ignoring it would help. We tried that last time, remember?” When he had been so forcefully jolly, so determined to keep the party going. He had refused to let the Voice spoil their wedding. 

Malice without intent indeed. But that’s what worried William. That there was some intent behind it. And why now? Hadn’t the Kingdoms had happy occasions before? The Voice hadn’t shown up to any of those. 

The difference now was that the Kingdoms were beginning to get along. 

Maybe that was the point. Maybe it was just someone looking to make trouble, stir the pot, keep the Kingdoms suspicious of each other. If it was, it wouldn’t work. Things were going well, and William was in a position to at least try to ensure they stayed that way.

He choked on the sip he had just taken of his drink. Gods but he loved Daphne’s spontaneity and willingness to go along with his capers. He was tempted to take her at her word and steal her away. They probably wouldn’t even make it to their chambers without him being able to keep his hands off her. And his lips. 

"As much as I want--” cough “--that. I think we should probably stay a little longer. Show the Voice that it can’t scare us, and everyone else that they shouldn’t be afraid. Which--” he paused again, this time to hand his glass to a nearby servant, “--means we should probably dance.” He turned, causing her hand at his elbow to slide down until he could grasp it . He lifted it, and raised his eyebrows.

At her offer, William’s heart swelled. There was something every day that made William appreciate how lucky he was to have Daphne. How lucky he was that she had wanted him when he had been hopelessly oblivious in Iatris. Her kind heart, and understanding made him almost want to weep with emotion and gratitude. She was just so good and sweet. Though she had a kingdom to run, she was offering to inconvenience herself just to make him happy.

He pressed a kiss to her hand. “Duck, that’s--that’s very sweet of you. I would enjoy us going for a visit at some point, and being able to show you all the things I should have the first time.” When he had behaved like an idiot and avoided the question of his marriage much less the actual subject--or monarch in this case. “I promise you that I’m not unhappy in Eyden though,” he hastened to add, eyes searching hers for any indication that she might be upset. He hoped he hadn’t made her think he wasn’t happy in his new home and new role. It was overwhelming, yes, and difficult, but it wasn’t as if William could go back. This was his life now. He had no regrets and didn’t want Daphne to think that he did.

THE NIGHT WAS STARTING TO stretch her nerves and the Voice’s reappearance did her no favours. Was this to be everyone’s fate now? Endure a talking puddle of nothingness to rain on all of their celebrations? She sighed, standing on her own after her cousin Cornelia went off to find the remainder of her family, when her husband’s voice reached her ears and she chuckled, despite the mood that settled in. “It certainly does.” The queen had had only enough time to comment upon it, when a quiet laughter erupted from her. “William! I think it’d be nice to try, but where and how do we address it? For the Voice which seems to crash all our events, wherever it may be. That leaves us with a vast world full of possibilities.” She joked along.

Daphne turned to her husband, looping her arm through his as she beamed at him,, with a smile that said just how happy she was to have him at her side again. “Perhaps we should track it down, ask it to have a drink with us in order to appease it.” She chatted along, throwing a quick glance around them to ensure their privacy, before leaning in to whisper closer in her husband’s ear; “So long as we do not invite it in the chambers with us.” Daphne’s smile turned soft again, as she asked, “Have you seen your brother yet? I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with my uncle and cousins, and despite the Voice being it’s delightful self, I am quite happy to be here.”

One of the things William loved about Daphne was how willing she was to go along with his nonsense. She did not chide him for making light of more serious situations, understanding that he was not being irreverent or rude. It was just his way, and she not only understood that, but took part, expanding on his ideas and playing along. 

Outside of their foolishness, of course, it was like that in Court as well. Though William was but a fledgeling king, he was sitting in on Council meetings and court sessions. He was aware his knowledge was not anywhere near where it had to be, but he was trying, and in the meantime not shirking any responsibilities. Whereas before he had shirked or avoided anything remotely resembling duty, he knew that was not an option now. Damn Erik. It was a faint damning, of course, since without his brother practically pushing him towards the marriage, William would not have Daphne. 

“It claims to know all our secrets. We test it out. If it truly is all knowing, it will hear our general invitation and respond. If it doesn’t, well, then we know it isn’t really as omnipotent as it seems to want us to believe,” he winked at her.

Already her arm sliding through his was a comfortable gesture, natural. Her place beside him was more normal now than being on his own and William could not find it within himself to mind. Though he still did occasionally need his time alone, he found that his anxiety lessened when he was with his wife rather than going off to try to master it by himself.

He knew she was teasing him, and he loved it. Any mention of their chambers excited him and he knew it. “Do you think it’s too early to go test out our chambers now?” he asked, his voice low and for her ears alone. His lips brushed her ear with the words before he straightened again. No, their rooms were for them and them alone, and the Voice along with the rest of the world had to stay out.

“I have,” he nodded, his eyes easily finding his brother’s familiar frame in the crowd again. “And Rowena. Once again, my nephew is left behind,” he sighed, putting a hand to his chest. He was only joking, though. All this travel would not be good for a boy that young, and frankly, it was one less thing to worry about with the child safe at home. 

He squeezed her arm briefly between his own and his body. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” he said truthfully. “It is nice that you are having another opportunity to get to know them better.” 

Evadne enters deeper into the room , content to remain on her own until her queen summons her back to her side & perhaps explore a little of the Noctifera’s palace. eyes linger on the nearest figure standing in her proximity & the lady corrects her path , as she decides to make an acquaintance ; unless the mask appears to be a friend. her nature is quick to return & she asks ; “ pardon me , but can you direct me to the library? I hear Noctifera has the most wonderful library in all the five kingdoms & I would love to see it while I’m here. “

He’s almost surprised she hasn’t found her way to the library before this. Though the woman is more than capable of carrying on a conversation, her interest lies in study. 

William falls into step easily beside her. “No clerks in there you could charm into showing you?” he asks, jerking his thumb back at the ballroom, still teasing.

Following, William purposely made his footsteps loud to alert her to his presence. He held up his hands in a peaceful gesture as he neared. “It’s just me,” he said, palms facing her. “I wanted to make sure you were all right.” 

The question made her think of the past. The lack of safety due to the treacherous nature of the human kind. The prophecy had clearly stated that Mordu shall return then, & only then, when the need of it arises, when the Realms turn less safe, for whichever reason. The Dream that sparked a diplomatic gathering in Iatris was the main reason why Quintessence returned to the Four, more so since every monarch dreamt of the same thing, at the same time; as did she. “I don’t know how well acquainted you are with the Prophecy, but our exile was of the more contemplative sort. & since throughout the centuries we had little to no contact with the other kingdoms, we simply slipped out of memory. Not truly forgotten, but not quite remembered either.” Talya began, clasping her hands together atop the table.

“It wasn’t easy to just sail back in, & as a then-queen, I would’ve had to make excuses to why I was sailing to Siren knows where. It was easier wit my husband in the know & I did visit once, when my nephew was crowned.” She regretted not being able to come home for her brother’s funeral & the thought of it pained her still. But at least she got to see Adrian being crowned; & unlike in Eyden, she didn’t have to be so cold & formal with them - everyone in Mordu had remembered their princess. 

She gently smiled to her son-in-law & nodded. “We are family now, William, & I will help with whatever you may need.” She knew how difficult it was for the prince to come to a new place of power, never having thought of it before - she was pretty much the same; never really expecting she would wed the king. “I was like you once. Quite like you. I know how it feels, the horrors of having a crown suddenly placed on your head. It can be overwhelming.”

He shrugged, arms open, palms facing upwards. “I can’t say I’m very familiar with it,” he admitted.  And it seemed to him like hers was rather a soft answer. As if any Kingdom would withdraw from sight and memory just so the kingdom could...think? But William was not about to argue. Mordu obviously still had its secrets, and despite her long time in Eyden, Talya did as well. Last night had proven that. 

He did have the advantage over her in that respect. William knew he was lucky that he could easily travel back to Iatris without the need for secrecy. It was only scheduling that would keep him from his birthplace. Whatever the reason for the kingdom to hide, William could sympathize with the fact that its necessity made it nearly impossible for Talya to return. 

He exhaled sharply. “It is,” he agreed. “Erik was always the King. I never expected to be a king, never wanted it. Because of course, that would mean something had happened to him,” he hastened to add, lest she think he was complaining about his new position. 

Victor smiled, trying not to choke on the sip of wine he had taken while William had slapped him on the back. Swallowing after a moment, the Adviser cleared his throat and laughed slightly, staring down at his feet for a second trying to draw the right words to explain the woman who had caught his eye. 

“The Lady Elis Caliadne is the woman who has seemed to nab my interest above all others, though there have been many outstanding women that I have spoken to through the course of the night, for example, the Lady Elinor Drago would be one whose friendship I would hold dear. I quite enjoyed my conversation with her.” He was stalling though his words were true. Victor just didn’t know how to express his feelings, he never had been able to well enough anyways even in simple matters.

Another sip of wine before the man attempted again, “Lady Caliadne actually resides here in Eyden, so between visiting you and your new wife I’ll also visit her from time to time. It seems that Eyden has already begun to become part of my weekly trips.” Laurel laughed knowing full well that in the months to come he would be increasingly busy. 

“Well I will do my best to make the acquaintance of these women my friend finds worthy enough to speak about,” William said. His voice was tinged with good humour, but he was also being honest. Victor was not free with his praise of anyone, much less the fairer sex. In fact, they had often escaped the court and matchmaking mamas together, united in their desire to maintain their own free will. It amused William that now that he was caught up in the bonds of matrimony, Victor might also follow suit. Although that was putting the cart before the horse. 

“Of course you will always be welcome here, and have a place with us whenever you wish,” William said, though it hardly needed verbalizing. Of course Victor knew he was welcome any place that William found himself. “I hope that you and Lady Caliadne will be often at court so I can get to know her better.” And to see what a besotted Victor looked like, if it went in that direction.

lips stretch into a smile , head inclines to a nod & the lady Lethe agrees. she is pleased her queen has found someone of intellect ; he doesn’t seem to think idly of his new role & it indicates wisdom. they could use someone else’s wisdom to help their queen even if Daphne rules with grace & justice. a fresh thought could not harm them , but rather it can bring forth new ideas or point out something which might’ve been overlooked. “ that is wise. our library is well equipped with various tomes on Eyden & other kingdoms. “ the four of them , at least. she doesn’t remember seeing anything about Mordu there , but no one seems alarmed by Mordu’s revival & it makes her suspicious of this new kingdom.

“ I don’t think you would be ignorant & neither does Daphne. this is a new setting for you , it be ambitious to think you’d find yourself at home in such new situations. no one is that adaptable. “ Evadne comment with a wave of her hand & offers the king another bow of her head. “ certainly , your majesty. there are many things one can say about this place. is there anything in particular which interests you? “

He likes that despite her own intelligence, Evadne does not seek to make him look for feel the fool. He is being more honest with her perhaps than others, and he doesn’t quite know why. Possibly because he has to admit to his own ignorance in order to show that her assistance is not only wanted but necessary. She is also so far easy to talk to, and perhaps that is what gives William the confidence to be open with her. 

“I’ll tell you a secret,” he says, leaning closer.  “I am rather ignorant. I was not prepared for this role at all. I expected to be a pampered prince all my life,” he says, with a slight laugh to indicate he is at least half joking. He straightens and shrugs, smiling at her ruefully, a schoolboy caught in some wrongdoing and hoping to charm his way out of it. “So I suppose everything interests me in that I want to know as much as I can. But...I guess I can settle for knowing whatever Eyden’s most pressing problem is at the moment? It’s the only thing I can think of. I don’t know what I don’t know,” he says with a surprising amount of unintended wisdom.

HE WAS QUITE THE CHARMER, her husband. But, he was also honest and kind, and he managed to soothe her temper which was an achievement on its own. And she, too, wouldn’t mind spending the rest of her life with him, sharing Eyden and her duties. A Queen and a King, equals in everything. “Well good, because I have no intention on making it easy on you.” She lightly chuckled and slid her hands to rest on his shoulders as she drew her closer. She’s reached her limit of talking about her mother, on her wedding night, so she only hummed in reply. Honestly, they could speak of Talya and the consequences of her secrets in the morning. Or in any of the upcoming days, when they are alone and at peace - when the Voices retreat to the back of everyone’s minds. 

Daphne cracked a small smile at his gesture and lightly nuzzled her nose against his. He was a true gentleman, but she had already known that. A words form Rowena here, or the one from Victor there, told her enough but so did the way he was interacting with everyone else. The queen knew he would never do something she was uncomfortable with, but right now, she wondered if she was uncomfortable with anything. “I want to.” She said in a gentle, but determined tone.

His eyes searched hers. There was only quiet assurance there, and in her tone. This was not a duty for her, or at least not one she appeared to have any misgivings about. He had managed to avoid thinking about it all night, but now that they were alone and Daphne was practically in his arms, it was all he could think about. 

William leaned forward and kissed her again, capturing her lips softly, but with confidence. “I do too,” he whispered, his mouth brushing hers as his lips formed the fervent words. He kissed her again, savouring the sweet taste of her. His other hand rubbed up and down her back in gentle strokes.

IT MIGHT TO HIM GOOD to confide in someone who was not of his kingdom. It might even prove better to confide in a fellow king. William had seemed trustworthy enough and, what he could tell about the queen of Eyden, she was trustworthy as well. Maybe he could learn to trust them in time, and maybe they could learn to trust him as well. The peace treaties in Iatris were enough to open his eyes, to make him truly wish for bettering his kingdom and now the wedding in Eyden provided him with a perfect opportunity to truly make a stand; as subtly as he could for now. 

“None of us is perfect, your Majesty. We all have our fault. Disinterest was mine.” Ethan confided, taking a sip of his wine as he did so. He was disinterested. Dragged too deep in his sorrow for his sister which had resurfaced out of nowhere, it seems. His wife had taken a strong hold of the kingdom, but he saw no fault in it - until recently, when he’d started to notice things behind her beautiful eyes. They might not be close or intimate anymore, but she was still beautiful. But for the first time since they married, he could see that there was something hiding behind her smiles and her batting eyes. “I left my queen to rule my kingdom on her own and I admit that some of her decisions might not have been… the best for Marya. Or the kingdoms surrounding it.” He didn’t really know the full extent of Stella’s politics, because if he did… He wasn’t sure how he’d react or what he’d do, truth be told. 

“I suppose that... the first step as they say is admitting there is a problem,” William hedged. “And in any case--” he added with a sigh, “--it’s not as if I have been much better.” Although, of course, William had just come into the crone. Previously, he had been a prince, and in charge of nothing more than trying to make his family and subjects happy. It was an easy task for someone who had few other responsibilities.

“I will admit to not taking much interest in politics up until now.” Thankfully, William’s wife seemed to be a good ruler. Unlike Ethan’s apparently. “Hopefully you can rectify the situation...as you see fit,” he hastened to add. He didn’t want to imply that he was criticizing the other man or his kingdom. Though he did think it a bit irresponsible to just leave one’s governing up to someone else, especially when it was your kingdom. Your responsibility. 

“It is.” Her reply was short, but it came with a soft nod & a gentle smile. She worried about all of them, the Angmars, the Thessals. They were her family, blood or no blood, & she would’ve done anything for them; as she will do anything to keep them safe, if it is in her power. As of late, she didn’t have any visions which concerned her, but there were odd dreams which terrified her to her core, more so since she couldn’t decipher them. Even Selina couldn’t help, no matter how much her sister tried. But, lady Angmar was sure of one thing & that was when the moment comes, & her visions become clearer, she will fight tooth & nail for her family - & for Mordu.

Nerissa gently smiled, nodding gratefully. “Thank you, your majesty. I can say with certainty that, should you & your queen ever wish to visit Mordu, you are more than welcome to be our guests. I’m certain our monarchs would love to host you, but you will also be more than welcome to stay with myself & my husband at Dragonhall.” It was true; she knew her friends would like to have their cousin around & perhaps she could persuade others with Quintessence blood to come & visit them. She knew Dorian would love to have Talya around again. Lightly chuckling, Nerissa’s smile widened in mirth. “Perhaps she would be so kind as to tour as both around.”

“Again, I won’t speak for her in terms of preference, but I know I am curious about your kingdom. I would like to see it. Though,” he added, looking down with a rueful smile, “I am sure there is more than enough to keep me here at present. What with the coronation and all.” William was a king now and he couldn’t just go hying off to other kingdoms whenever he felt like it. 

“I do thank you for your offer, though. It is very kind, and I’m sure we will take you up on it one day.” Who would pass up the opportunity to see the lost, forgotten kingdom, after all? “I hope so,” he smiled. “She has already spoken to me about all the places she wishes to show me in her--our--kingdom.”

“Yes, Eyden’s known for their accommodating nature.” She replied with a private smile, remembering her own arrival from Mordu. Even if the kingdom didn’t know of her true lineage, apart from her king of course, they were so very welcoming to her. But, they were welcoming to everyone, royal or not, & the Water always boasted with being one of the greater hosts among kingdoms. Maybe it was all a mask of pride, maybe it was sincere, but at least they were consistent in their goodness of heart.  

Talya had known her daughter would confide in her husband. She was glad, because it meant Daphne trusted him enough to confide such a secret in him, & it did make the golden dowager all the more inclined to put her own faith in him. “It takes some getting used to, I’m not going to lie.” She admitted with the smallest of smiles, & at his question nodded. “Yes, I’ve sailed directly to here, across the ocean of Mist.” She remembered her voyage like it was yesterday; through the fog & mist, until she saw the white shores of Eyden. A sad expression flew across her face, as she shook her head. “It wasn’t safe. For Eyden or for Mordu, for me to travel back home. You are fortunate to have your family so close by & coming from a well known kingdom. Iatris will never stop being your home, it will never cease to be home, but you’ll learn to love Eyden as a close second. I did, but even after all these years, when someone asks me what home is, for a moment I get lost in Mordu’s dark shores, & tall, obsidian towers.”

He wondered what she was reminiscing about with her smile turned inward, a fond look on her face. Perhaps her own welcome to court? William would admit that no one had been unkind to him, yet. But his inner insecurities wondered if that was just because they couldn’t show anything else to the new king. Could they be whispering even now behind his back about what a poor match he was for their queen?

Just as she returned to the present moment, so did William. The former queen at least was being kind, and William was glad of it. He did not want to be at odds with anyone in his new family.  “Why...why could you not go back?” he asked. “Why was it not safe?” And what had changed now to make it more acceptable for Mordu to re-enter the political scene again. Or was there some greater danger that required they return from their self-imposed exile. 

“I don’t doubt I’ll learn to love it here, myself,” he nodded. “And I have in part you and your daughter to thank for that.” He didn’t want her to think he was some homesick louse, whining or even thinking about his former home. He would not mope about. Since he was now a king, William would act like it. And a husband.