Disclaimer: I own none of the Fable characters, they are all property of Lion Head Studios.
Warnings: Mild fighting.
A/N: Ok I'm on a role. Another chapter already? Well, I'm slowly recovering, so I have nothing better to do then sit in bed writing this up on my lappy. Of course, got my friend giving me ideas and pointing stuff out to me. So I apologise in advance if there are mistakes or errors. I'm drugged up on meds, and my friend is hyper. So yeeeer, we make such a team :B And yes, I'm trying to keep this fic as clean as possible for the time being... so... no graphic smexings for you guys I'm afraid.
And a quick shout out to PeacefullyCrazy, whose like... my slave driver or something o.O But if it wasn't for their persistence, this fic would never update 8D
Chapter 4 - A Party to Regret.
Reaver was in a rather splendid mood.
Sitting in one of the reading chairs in his glamorous sleeping quarters, the heat from the open fire warming up his naked flesh rather nicely, Reaver was contemplating his plans for the day. Not only did he have to prepare the party for this evening, but, it seemed the young Prince wanted to see him before then. Why, Reaver had no clue. But, he was promised something interesting that even he couldn't refuse. That alone got Reaver's utmost attention. Which wasn't an easy feat that's for sure.
Reaver was rather curious as to what it could be. The Prince had failed to mention in the letter he had sent the Tycoon, which Reaver currently had in his hand. Maybe information? Riches? Both Reaver would happily take from the little brat as long as they were useful to him. Though he knew for a fact he would have to do something in return. If the Prince was someone else, Reaver would take it by force, but of course, as long as that Hero Queen was around, that could only be a fantasy. He wasn't scared of the woman. Far from it in fact. Reaver would actually like to get into a scrap with the Queen, just to put that woman in her place. The way she turned down his most ingenious plans just because it would harm a few replaceable peasants really irritated him. Really.
He couldn't understand all this goody goody stuff. Especially when it stopped him making so much money.
But he couldn't complain. Even after trying to have the Queen killed all those years ago, she still kept him around. He was actually rather glad those Balverines failed to kill her. Shame about Page though. He really should get around to disposing of that irritating rebel, who Reaver knew for a fact was still trying to persuade the Queen to have him executed.
"Une telle idiot petite fille." Reaver sighed lightly at the thought, moving his hand - which currently held a chalice of red wine - to his lips, taking a sip of the rich liquid. "Maybe I should have Barry get rid of her? Yes, sounds like a grand idea. Disposing of street rats is his specialty. Among other things." A smirk now tugged at his lips, mind wandering to the night's entertainment. Half of which was still slumbering in his bed.
Eyes glancing over to the sleeping forms of two servants, curled up around each other under the sheets, he finally looked back to the fire, watching the flames dance among the large logs of wood. He would have thrown them out by now, but, considering Barry was out attending to other things, they might still prove useful for later. Vent out some of this frustration he was currently feeling before the party. Besides, he didn't feel like sleeping right now, especially after that dream of Oakvale that kept springing up every now and then. Really, even after all these years his subconscious kept bringing it up. If Reaver had the choice, he would never sleep again. But, no matter how much he hated to admit it, his body had limits.
Eternal youth, yes. Eternal energy? Not so much.
No matter how much he drank or how much sexual experiences he had, Reaver would still have these troubling dreams of his. If it wasn't of Oakvale or all the people he had murdered, it was of her. And that was something he could not allow. Just the thought of it made Reaver growl in annoyance, causing the two forms in the bed to stir.
"Master?" A young and rather sleepy voice called out to Reaver, as one of the young servants sat up to look over to the Industrialist, long blonde hair curling around her shoulders as a pale hand rubbed her tired blue eyes.
Reaver looked back over to the two identical twins as the other sat up, short bonde hair sticking up all over the place. "Ahhh... my little doves are awake. Bonne bonne."
The second 'little dove', the brother of the pair, smiled politely to him. "Of course, Master Reaver. How could we sleep if there are more useful things we could be doing for you."
"Wiser words have never been uttered, by a servant anyway." Reaver replied, placing the chalice down, along with the Prince's letter. It wouldn't hurt to spend a little while longer in bed with the two new servants, would help take his mind off these troubling thoughts. The Prince could wait for a little while longer, he and his needs came first. And right now, he needed some alone time with these two lovely young siblings.
*.*.*
It was getting late in the afternoon now, as the sun slowly began it's decent behind the tree line around Millfields, casting an eerie orange glow upon the fields and cottages. Kris, clad in the usual attire of a Prince, was speaking with Reaver just outside the gates to the business Tycoon's mansion, his guard to one side, staying out of hearing range to the pair. "Do we have an agreement then, Master Reaver?" The young Prince asked Reaver, watching the taller man hum in thought to himself.
"Let me get this straight, my cunning young Prince. If I do your task, not only will I recieve this..." He indicated the finely crafted box in one hand, before looking back to Kris, indicating the young boy should finish his sentence.
Kris then grinned rather happily to the older man. "Then Master Reaver, when I take the throne, I shall grant you whatever you desire as well as that gift. It's a fair deal, is it not?" He asked with a small shrug of his shoulders. "All I ask for is this simple favour. I know you're not the kind of man to do such things without receiving something in return. But... I'm offering quite a lot to you."
"Such a generous young man." Reaver chuckled lightly. "If I must be honest, I would have happily done this task for this delightful object alone. But how can someone like me refuse such a delectable offer? My Prince, it would be my unwavering pleasure to fulfil this wish for you. Even if it is on the dangerous side. About time I did something more exciting I suppose."
Kris smirked lightly. "Good. When you return, everything will be ready and waiting for you. But please, Master Reaver, do not mess this up... as much as it irritates me, I am counting on you right now."
"My dear boy, I never mess anything up." Reaver pointed out with a wave of a gloved hand. "It will go according to your plan. Besides, my end of the deal would be far too easy now I think about it. Maybe I should spice it up."
"Do what you like with the goods, just get rid of it by tonight." Kris pointed out, quickly signalling to his guard that they would be leaving soon. "Now do excuse me, Master Reaver. I'm sure you have to get ready for this evening. I'd hate for you to ruin Maria's birthday you know." Kris couldn't help but laugh at his own comment. Like he would ever care.
Yes, Reaver truly believed Kris would make a very fine, and harsh, King. Like old times with both Sparrow and Logan. Even if it reminded him of his ever growing age, Reaver found it entertaining to observe the Royal line, each generation different from the others. He couldn't help but notice a pattern. The males tended to be firmer and rather harsh. Where as the Queen was all lovey dovey, caring for everyone around them, and trying her hardest to make everyone - But Reaver it seemed - happy. Apart from Maria of course.
She seemed to be a whole new breed.
*.*.*
Elegant music was gently playing, causing the finely dressed guests of the party to twirl around the room. Hips swaying, arms coiled around each other, masks hiding their true identities. Maria thought they looked like butterflies fluttering around the room, as she observed the dancing from the side lines. Her own features were covered by a red canary mask, one eye hole covered by a small white rose. Her slim form was clad in the dress Reaver ever so graciously got for her. A snow white in colour, with a red silk jacket over the top which failed to cover her front, elegant patterns stitched into the white silk fabric of the dress. It was a rather splendid piece of tailoring, which made Maria think about what she was going to have to do to make up for such a gift. Reaver was going to have to make do with nothing from her. That was final.
What? She didn't ask for the gift. She was only wearing it because the rest of her frocks looked silly on her. Not that this one looked any better in Maria's eyes anyway. Her usually plated long hair was now in a high ponytail held in place by a red ribbon, her curly locks gathered around her neck and shoulders, going all the way down to the small of her back. This was the first time she had worn a dress for ten years, give or take. And she felt so out of place wearing one.
Sighing softly to herself, she turned her gaze to her mother, who was clad in her usual royal blue and white gown, looking at beautiful as ever, even with the fox mask on that she wore. She was currently conversing with both Page and Ben, Ben happily helping himself to a glass of wine while Page spoke to the Queen in a hushed tone. Most likely talking about some sort of strategy, in case Reaver had to have a bullet put in him. Maria found it rather amusing how much Page hated Reaver, seemed the older woman hated him more then Maria did. Although to Maria's disgust, the Princess found a certain respect in the Tycoon. Why, she didn't really know. And that fact made her hate Reaver all the more.
Talking of Reaver.
"My my, you don't seem to be having a blast at your own party, Princess." A voiced cooed out to her, causing Maria to look over to the man she had shamefully just been thinking of. "If it seems dull down here for you, we can always have our own little party upstairs? I assure you, it will be far more exciting.."
Maria wasn't surprise to see Reaver wearing such a rich outfit of black and reds, contrasting against her own lighter clothing. Reaver was hat less for a change, dark brown hair styled neatly to the side, as his own darker eyes were hidden behind a black bird mask. It reminded Maria of a Raven or a Crow, but then again, both birds seemed to suit Reaver's personality. Picking off all the goods bits on Albion and leaving nothing for the rest.
"As fantastic as that sounds, I think I'll pass." Maria replied with a slight hiss in her tone, long arms curling over her chest.
Reaver tutted in disappointment at her. "Une telle honte. Looks like I'll have to make do with a dance then." He told her, a black leather gloved hand darting out to grab Maria's own hand firmly. "Come along then my dear."
Maria, wide eyed in a mixture of surprise and anger, stuttered lightly as Reaver began to tug her to the centre of the room. "Hang on! What makes you think I want to dance with you?"
"I don't believe I was asking anyway." Reaver replied with a smirk playing on his thin lips. "Or can you not dance?"
Maria pouted for a moment, before a grin appeared on her features. "Ooooh, Mister Reaver. I can certainly dance. I just don't want to embarrass you in front of your guests when you can't keep up with me." She gave off a huff of air as Reaver pulled her roughly against him, one hand still held hers tightly, the other resting on the small of her back. A bit too far down for Maria's comfort zones. Maria squeezed his hand just as roughly as she placed her free hand upon his shoulder, her own gloved fingers digging into the muscle there harshly.
And so they began, subtly fighting to take the lead. The Princess trying to control the Tycoon, and the man trying to control the woman. They twirled around the room, eyes never leaving each others, as if trying to find a weakness in their defences. But neither was backing down, both dancing in perfect unison. Though, in the end, Reaver took the lead by 'cheating' - Maria truely believed it was a cheating move - as he moved his hand slightly more south, before grabbing the muscle there.
This of course took Maria by surprise, stepping out of line slightly, ruining her perfect streak. In her anger, she tried to pull away, rather successful for a moment til she realised he still had a hold of her hand. Reaver quickly twirled her around before tugging Maria back to him, making it look as if her escape was all part of the dance. "I thought you said you could dance, Maria dear."
"I can... I just find it difficult to concentrate when I'm being groped you know." Maria scoffed in return, her back pressed against Reaver's front as they carried on swaying to the music.
She could hear him chuckling lightly at her comment. "A clear sign you enjoyed it I think.." Was his reply, voice a mere whisper.
Ever so tempted to say something in return, she bit her tongue to stay quiet, not wanting to fuel the Industrialist any more then she already had. Instead, Maria watched other guests dance and twirl around them, her mother completely out of site now, and Maria couldn't help but feel rather defenceless due to that. Maybe she did rely on her mother a bit too much. Then again, she was used to being under the ever watchful eye of the Queen when they were back in the Castle. But now... she wasn't in the castle. Not surrounded by the loyal Guards. No powerful walls to keep the world away from her. She couldn't even see her mother keeping an eye on her every movements.
For the first time in ten years, she felt free.
She forgot where she was, forgot the man who seemed to hold her close, forgot everything that reminded her of the Castle. Closing her eye, she concentrated upon the soft music which flowed through the room, body swaying gently in time to the rhythm as she smiled to herself. Damn she was going to make the most of this while she could, because after tonight, she would be back behind the Castle walls. Her mother trying to keep her safe from the big bad world. As much as she loved her Hero mother, the way she did indeed keep her safe, Maria hated the fact she couldn't see the world for what it really was.
"You certainly seem to be enjoying yourself now. Maybe we should go upstairs, hmmm?"
Maria returned to reality as she heard Reaver speak huskily into her ear, causing Maria to frown. "No means no, Reaver. Geez, do you ever quit? There are plenty of other women in here you can spend time with you know."
"Of course my dear, but, they don't have all that magnificent power behind them like you do."
"Oh I see. You get your rocks off on the fact you want to be able to control someone of power?" Maria snorted, before giving off a rather low laugh. "Oh please, Reaver. Don't mix me up in your demented world. I wish for no part in it."
"My world is far more exciting then yours. One day, you'll be begging me to be part of it." Reaver chuckled in return, causing Maria to hiss in anger at his comment.
"Lets get one thing straight, Reaver." She jerked herself out of his grasp, turning to face him now. "Never will I beg for anything from you. Never will you control me in anyway. And never, ever, will I want to be part of 'your world'. Do I make myself clear, Mister Reaver?" She asked, no, more demanded, as she poked his chest to each of her statements.
Reaver seemed to glare at her rather dangerously, though that smile of his never faltered. "You my dear have to learn a very important fact." He then poked her rather harshly back in the chest, causing Maria to take a step back from the impact. "You're just a Princess. A replaceable Royal member at that, especially with your younger brother around, a very promising King I find. Though if you want to stay on the glorious path to the throne, it is in your best interest to stay on my good side. Comprendre?"
Maria sneered at the older man. "I don't need anyone to succeed. Especially not you, Reaver." Was her reply, taking another step back from Reaver as the music began to die down to the end of the song. "I grow tired of your presence. Have a nice evening, Reaver. I'm off to find better company." Turning now, she tried to ignore the low chuckle that emitted from Reaver as she made her way across the room, avoiding the other guests dancing, and trying not to get any attention from the Queen. Right now, she just wanted some time to herself.
Opening the door to a side room, she quickly closed the door behind her, rather glad that it was empty. It seemed to be a study of sorts, various artefacts littered the large room. Including that of a bird like armour. The fireplace was still burning away softly, keeping the room at a nice temperature. Good thing too, Maria had planned to stay in here for a while. Though, the urge to open one of the windows and make a dash for it crossed her mind. But now she thought about it, going out unarmed like this could prove fatal, due to the reports of a large amount of Balverines sighted around Millfields. She didn't feel like becoming a chew toy.
Taking a step forward, she glided her hand over the desk, eyeing up the many books and scrolls laid out. Ever so tempted to read what they could be, she was about to pick up a letter with the royal seal stamped onto the bottom, when she heard the door to the study open and shut rather quickly.
"Someone else to bother me? Fantastic. Can I not get-" She suddenly stop as she felt a strong around wrap around her chest, keeping the Princess on the spot and stopping her from turning around. "What is the meaning of this? Un hand me at once, you bloody-"
Again, she was interrupted as a cloth was forced over her mouth, the smell and taste of a strange chemical invading her senses. Trying her hardest to hold her breath, she pushed back against the attacker as hard as she could, forcing the pair to slam into the opposing wall. She heard the male grunt of pain at the action, though the arm tightened around her body and face. But to her dismay, she could already feel the affects of the chemical, her muscle beginning to relax against her will as her vision became foggy. But Maria wasn't going down without a fight, so she jerked her head backward, back of her skull smashing into the male's nose.
"Weaver undewestimated you.." A rather familiar voice grunted slightly. "Said you would go down without a fight. At least you've made this encounter wather intewesting." Though, with another slam of Maria head, Barry Hatch finally let go, allowing Maria to fall to the ground rather un graciously.
Coughing for air after holding her breath for so long, Maria tried her hardest to stay conscious. "What... the hell is going... on Barry...?" Maria tried to demand, though, her voice was becoming slurred and slow, very similar to that of a drunks. Her legs felt weak, arms shaking terribly as Maria pulled herself away from the servant, tired eye looking for something to use as a weapon.
Barry, now sporting a rather bloodied nose, just smiled to her. "My apologise, young Pwincess. But I have my owders fwom Master Weaver himself. You should just make this easier for youwself and allow this to happen."
"Drop... dead, you little freak." Maria spat.
Barry shook his head in disappointment. "Then I'm afwaid we'll have to do this the hawd way, Pwincess." He replied, and before Maria could weakly protest, Barry was upon her. Sitting on her stomach rather roughly, Barry returned the cloth to Maria's mouth, keeping her still with his free hand. "Just bweath deeply now, Maria. That's a good Pwincess."
Maria tried to scream out, wondering why her mother was not bursting through those doors to save her. She slapped and clawed at Barry, trying her hardest to dislodge this man. But... he was impossibly strong. Especially for his size. Soon, she lost the strength in her arms, as they flopped to her sides, feeling her muscles give out on her. Eye fluttering for a moment, she just about felt Barry's grip loosen on her, as he used his free hand to pat the top of her head, as if praising a dog who did a trick brilliantly.
"See? Wasn't so hawd, was it miss?" Was the last thing she heard, until her vision went completely black, falling into a deep sleep now. Though, there was going to be hell to pay when she awoke from this, that she promised.
Feck, long chapter was long. Sorry about that :c
So yes! That's this chapter out of the way, hurhurhur. Now, I gotta go do a few things. Like artwork for this story, oh, and that costume of Barry's servant uniform I'm making too. Yer, I'm making one, love being a tailor c:
Thankyou for the reviews lovlies! 3
