VIALLE -
Despite the returning long silence between them, when the moment of celebration came for Eric's coronation, Vialle felt Random seek approach to her. She let him, to leave this relation behind in a proper manner. Though, on the flipside, she still felt disappointed at his lack of fighting spirit - for their relationship but above all for Amber. Vialle quickly smothered said disappointment since Random had clearly stated where they stood. She did not wish to, nor should she, put any more energy in a relationship her other half wasn't prepared to fight for. She would lose herself in trying to fight for the two for them. No, it was better…Random could be better. Disappointment once again came up the front of her mind as she thought of the potential he wasted.
Of all this, Vialle was thinking as she vaguely heard the guards twist the lock of their doors and opened the way for them.
"Random. My lady." addressed Caine them both. Smooth like always but fatigue was easily to spot for Vialle. Even after Julian's recovery, Eric wished Caine be permanently present in Arden for the last few weeks to assist his still weakened brother. Besides that, Caine also had to make sure his fleet were given orders as well. Therefore, Vialle couldn't entirely blame him for the prickly way he presented himself. "This way."
Vialle didn't dare to ask how Caine was faring, as this would have quite the explosive, possibly dangerous answer. Protected by Eric or not, Caine would say his piece of mind or rather he would show his piece of mind by means of a dagger. Blind as she was, she would never know he was coming when he kept himself deliberately away and far from her body. Vialle skittered somewhat closer to Random and sought comfort in gripping his familiar hand. His breathing had been a tad quicker than normal too, just before their hands intertwined. Vialle felt pleased that he drew strength from her proximity like she did. He had cared somewhat then, about her company for these past few months. If only he wished to carry through...
Slowly, the unrecognizable whispers and chattering became louder as they continued to the bustling great hall, though still muffled behind the wooden doors. It was only when they were opened by Caine, that a wave of sound washed over her. Vialle gasped and shrunk slightly back. Combined with the radiating warmth from the dozens of candles and roasting meat on the fire, it was over stimulating her senses. Instead of taking a step forward, Vialle took one backwards only to be met with a wooden spear at her spine.
"Vialle..." She felt Random squeeze her hand and her feet found the ground once more. "You got to move forward."
With a nervous smile and a deep breath, Vialle stepped into the violent sea of sound and warmth that was the great hall. The people parted a path thanks to Random, being two steps ahead as to guide her. It was only when they had arrived at the tables that Vialle released Random of her vice grip and seated herself. The table that had grown somewhat quieter at their arrival, and Vialle became flushed at their gazes upon them.
Luckily a servant came by to put distract her mind. "Would you like red or white, my lady?"
"No wine for me. Water, if you please." changed Vialle the offer. The table once more burst into conversation, with the sole difference that many whispers were echoed around. Vialle didn't need to know what they were saying to know they were about her and Random. Vialle longed for a conversation of her own, preferably Random but he kept silent as a grave, his previous need for her proximity long gone. So, I am only preferable to speak or comfort you when we're out of sight… You are ashamed with me by my side in public… Vialle just took up her goblet to ease her thickening throat, when Random's hand pushed hers down again. "Wha-"
"Do not drink before the King does." whispered Random somewhat irritated.
"I'm sorry, I did not know." apologized Vialle as her fingers clenched and unclenched around her goblet.
Random sniffed his nose. "You're a lady of the court, how would you not?" His voice was less clearly heard by her, as he was facing away and carrying the sound somewhere else.
"While Rebma is Amber's reflection, that does not mean our values and etiquettes are the entirely same. So forgive me for doing something wrong, I never knew it was wrong in the first place."
"Indeed, you are of Rebma." came Random's stiff clearly spoken answer, still looking away from her. Their conversation had sparked many attention from the rest of their table by now and Random was addressing them, instead of keeping this conversation private. It was with those simple words to remind her where she came from and to simultaneously neglect her in front of all who listened.
Vialle felt her heart freeze over. Fine. Be that way, cowardly prince, if your appearance in society is so important to you. Any doubt regarding their relationship and that it could somehow be mended was being squashed.
The trumpets called, to make all the guests aware of the incoming arrival of the King of Amber and they all stood, Vialle included.
Hail King Eric of Amber!" It was Caine who had shouted the words. "Long live the King!" Both Random and Vialle herself echoed his brother's words, all while feeling Caine's eyes burning holes into their skulls. Vialle quickly gulped down her goblet, mostly because she had become quite thirsty, and asked a servant to refill. The room once more burst into conversation, broken by the occasion bite or drink, but between her and Random, the silence kept hanging like a knife above their heads throughout the whole dinner. Even as the first notes of music began to hang into the air, Random made no avances to ask her on the dance floor and kept deliberately chatting with a girl next to him.
Even before he spoke, Vialle recognized the familiar steps and the clinging of chain mail of her brother in law and smiled in advance. "Lady Vialle, may I have this dance?"
"Julian, it is good to see you have recovered so well. I w-"
"You have no right to ask her the first dance, Julian. You are not her husband."
"i am not. But since her actual husband seems to neglect her the chance to dance, I thought to give Lady Vialle some amusement this evening. That is,-" Julian's voice turned much clear as he adressed her directly, "If she wishes of course."
"Vialle and I are very tired-"
"You do not speak for both of us." Vialle stood up while interrupting Random and offered her hand to his brother. "I would be honored to dance with you, Prince Julian." Vialle felt Julian's rough hand guide her to the dance floor, all while feeling Random's eyes on her. "How are things in Arden?" asked Vialle as Julian began to slowly swirl her around the floor. Vialle's smile widened further at his consideration. She still needed to get used to Julian's more distinct movements, and the fact that he wished to give her time and accommodate herself, was something Vialle could greatly appreciate.
"For now, the Black Road is at rest and it is only an occasional creature that wanders in." replied Julian back with a hinted smile in his voice. "Compared to the skirmishes we've had, this one was easily captured and slain."
"And what was your latest catch?"
"A Chimaera - they are nasty things, but worth the chase and to stop his rampage through the forests." Julian paused for a few seconds.
Vialle frowned. "How do you take out such a creature without the minimum loss of men and hounds?
Julian stayed silent for a little while to formulate his answer. "I don't think a lady should know the details of my disposal of them. I wouldn't wish your stomach to turn over."
"I have to take from this you have never visited Rebma." chuckled Vialle at his attempt to shield her. Julian's groan rumbled.
"I'm not fond of the sea - give me sturdy wood, the warmth of the sun, the smell of leaves and I'll be content."
"Well, a true pity. You'd appreciate the way we dispose of the occasional kraken. We rebmans make quite the spectacle of cutting our meat. Preferably with our teeth."
"Why and how could you ever bite through raw meat?" inquired Julian puzzled at her explanation.
"It is leftover from our ancestry genetics." flashed Vialle a sharp smile to him. "Not many genes survived, safe for the useful ones. I-"
"May I cut in?"
Vialle's blood ran a bit colder when she heard Caine ask her from behind. But seeing this was in the middle of the ballroom, and since Moire was present, Caine wouldn't dare to upset the fragile peace between Rebma and Amber - along with risking both Moire's and Eric's wrath. "Off course." Vialle turned around and felt Caine sweep her away from her previous dance partner. "You wish something to tell me?"
"Always right to the point, aren't you." There was no hostility in his voice, only annoyance. Caine stayed quiet for a few more twirls, before saying: "thank you."
Vialle blinked and gathered her thoughts. "May I know the reason why you are offering those words?"
"For saving my life four weeks ago - now I'm in debt to you. Say how I can make us even."
Vialle thought over her words. "By ceasing your hostility with Random." It was not because she felt she owed a depth to Random she asked Caine this. If there was any small part she could play to make the princes of Amber work together before she left, for the benefit of both Rebma and Amber, she had to try.
"You ask much of me." Caine growled in her ear and Vialle grimaced a bit as she felt his fingers grip hers a little tighter than needed be.
"Why is it so hard to put your wrath aside for my husband?" dared Vialle to ask. Soon-to-be divorced husband, changed Vialle silently.
"Have you any idea what he did to Morganthe?" Caine's voice began to tremble upon the girl's name. Almost as if he knew her and grieved her like a friend... or a lover.
"I do." replied Vialle softly to show she shared his grief.
"Then how can you ask me to spare him?" hissed Caine as his voice recollected itself back to cold steel. "He... RAPED her, left her to DIE -"
"You don't need to say what he did. I won't ever approve of such actions. It was horrible and irresponsible, but I've always been of the opinion that people can be changed if they are given that chance."
"Don't ask this of me - anything you wish shall be yours, but allow me to take revenge for what he did. I admire your belief in whatever humanity you seem to think we possess. But we are too far gone in our schemes, our lies and paranoia to ever change."
"Says a man who has never strayed from his course and stopped battling against the waves."
Caine was silent and Vialle knew he was almost convinced, till…
"I think you borrowed my wife long enough, brother." Vialle cringed inwardly when she heard Random interrupt the crucial tipping point.
"The walz is not over yet." bit Caine icily back.
"But your turn has."
RANDOM -
Random watched Vialle vanish along with Julian in the swirling pairs of dancers. For a few seconds, the youngest child of Oberon watched, then swallowed the last bit of wine and stood up to stretch his legs. Yet despite how many times he let his eyes wander without goal, he always sought out Vialle amidst the crowd. "Let me through." commanded Random as he found no space to squeeze himself through. They did, albeit with a lot of disgust on their faces. He could practically read their thoughts: Traitor prince, cowardly prince, Random passed, though halted when he noticed a familiar figure chained at the table with his legs and hands.
Corwin.
Even though his beard and hair was trimmed and he wore comfortable attire, it wasn't enough to cover how much his clothing was hanging over his underfed body. The lack of sun and proper meals had made his skin pale and his eyes… by the Unicorn, his eyes had sunken in, giving all the more attention to his black and burned out eyes. A lump was forming in his throat, and Random swallowed thickly as he kept on watching his older brother, eating and drinking like his life depended on it. Judging by the sluggish way his hands moved, he had made himself pretty drunk already.
He thought he had been prepared to see him in the flesh after well over two years. After all, he had done everything to stop him continuing on his attempt to take the throne for himself.
He had done everything… except, pressuring Corwin, just a little bit more, to bide his time when he had the chance. Corwin just might have listened to him then, to let Bleys fight his own war against Eric. But the thought, as Random had felt through the Trump contact, that Eric would bear the crown of Amber, was unimaginable for Corwin. No, he would not allow it. So, Random had backed off, though he had often questioned why Corwin had kept pushnig on so stubbornly... and the price for his hubris was to be without sight, put out as a trophy to humiliate and as a warning not to waver their loyalty to their newest liege.
Corwin's pride had brought him here…Yet, what of his own? Random's perspective shifted and suddenly he saw their roles reversed, the fate that could have been his: stripped of his dignity, sanity and every bit of might that a prince of Amber possessed.
He had pushed Vialle away from him, because she had a strength he had come to admire and that he didn't possess. While he and his siblings excelled in building lies, Vialle needed but one word and she could bring the entire structure down. She had no skill in anything else but her word and she was already that powerful. No one in Amber's court had ever known the likes of her… And he couldn't bear it. He couldn't bear to hear the truth any longer. It hurt, just like she said. Oh how it hurt. And he was not strong enough to handle it nor would he ever be. Random couldn't understand how Vialle kept believing and forcing him in a role he wasn't cut out for… And neither could Random understand why he had begun to care for her opinion and wellbeing in these past months. He found himself drawn to act upon her counsel and to make her proud… It scared him as much as the truth she spoke.
And he would lose it all tonight. Random swallowed and sought Vialle's smiling face amidst the dancing pairs. He didn't want her around and didn't wish to let her go. Just like he didn't want to loose his pride, nor wished to loose her strength.
He had to chose.
His pride raged. He did not need to chose, he was a prince of Amber, he was in his right! She betrayed your trust! You don't need-
But he did. Random clenched and unclenched his hand he normally used to guide Vialle around. Vialle kept his pride tempered yet intact, unlike his siblings who only cut whatever self-worth to pieces. Even now, after the way he had been treating her for these past few weeks, she didn't throw his vulnerability around to see him hurt the same way she had been. Whatever strength she had, he yearned to have. And she had been willing to grant him this, if he tempered said pride as a compromise.
Was it truly that bad a compromise? By sharing his thoughts to Eric, Vialle had tried to elevate him in the person Random had long given up to become. If she believed… if Eric believed her…Random's feet had begun to move before he realized and increasing in speed with each step.
It was all up to him now. If he were to set things right, he would have to shed every bit of pride he possessed and ask her to stay at his side.
And what if she refuses? It will be in front of all the nobility… all your kin, began his more careful, cowardly voice to speak.You could make a fool of yourself.
I've already made myself a fool. Random smothered any further doubt and pressed himself through the crowd and all the way up front to the edge of the dance floor. His heart stopped when he saw Caine walz with Vialle and nearly Random took a step back. He can't go up against Caine. He wasn't good en-
He'd been good enough for her. She'd believed in him. Now he would have to believe in her. His feet found the strength to move again and Random crossed the dance floor. "I think you borrowed my wife long enough, brother." said Random as he put his hand upon Caine's shoulder. "And I wish to speak with her in private."
"The walz is not over yet." replied Caine with narrowed eyes.
"But your turn has." bit Random just as icily back, before turning to Vialle. "Vialle, can we... can we talk?" managed Random to say as he put gently his hand on her arm.
- VIALLE -
"Vialle, can we... can we talk?" Vialle blinked in surprise at Random's softspoken plea. It was in such a huge contrast to how he had talked to Caine just a second ago, Vialle was still processing what was happening. Vialle felt Random's hand upon her arm for a second till Caine slapped it off.
"Today is the celebration of your marriage, isn't it?" Caine said, "You think she's going to stay with you?" Caine's voice turned smug and amused as he began to rub more salt over the figurative wound. "By the Unicorn, I pray she makes the right call and leaves you tonight or the days to come. And if you somehow find it in your heart to truly love someone, really love someone, I'll take her away like you took Morganthe away from me." vowed Caine hoarshly.
Vialle had heard Random's breathing go quicker by each poisonous word that Caine threw at him. Any moment she expected him to snap and attack his half-brother. "Vialle," asked Random, "Can we talk, please?" His voice, much like Caine, was hoarsh and shaking from rage. But his hand slowly sought to brush her shoulder again and it rested there. It put a slight pressure upon her body, but it was not push her away. No, his hand was to keep himself locked in place.
"Yes, you may."
"You coward!" roared Caine. It was hard for Vialle to recognize through his scream. After it had died though, Vialle heard the eerie sound of a metal of the knife screeching off the last bit of wood and into the air. "Go and hide behind your wife's skirts - that's all you're good at, anyway!"
"Yes, I am." Random's normally soft voice had taken on a darker edge just then. "Now bother us no more." His hand went from her shoulder to her arm and Vialle decided to close the subject in a soothing manner.
"Please, Caine. I want to-" Vialle's sentence died when she heard a sword being drawn and the next second she felt Random's hand push her harshly to the side.
Several times, Caine's sword hummed in the air, without ever hitting flesh. "Take up your weapon and fight me like a true prince!"
"Fine!" Random's answer was hardly one - it had become a thundering bark while a sword began to sing in his hand as well.
"NO!" Vialle barely had time to press herself inbetween the two. "By Ran, stop this!" screamed Vialle for all the hall to hear. Her voice was cracking and sobs were escaping from ther throat as she tried to voice her thoughts. "Stop and think just for once what you are doing!" Vialle demanded, "Drop those knives. Now. No more. Not tonight!"
"Vialle-"
"DROP IT!"
As if struck by lightening, Random immediately dropped the knife to the ground. But Caine still had his own and now had the upper hand. A very tempting option for him, no doubt.
"You promised." addressed Vialle with her milky eyes staring directly into Caine's.
With a clang, the second blade fell down as well.
"I take this as a comfirmation, my dear, you wish to annule this marriage?" came Moire's voice after a long silence.
"No." Shocked murmurs echoed throughout the hall at her answer.
"No?"
Vialle frowned at Moire's repetition. Yes, there was disbelief, but there was also anger hidden under the lines. As if she was not at all pleased with her answer - which would make sense, considering what Random did to her daughter, but... this was deeper than a simple grudge.
"I will stay married to Random." declared Vialle to avoid any more confusion.
"And I annule this marriage, as it is within my right." Moire's footsteps came closer to her as she spoke. "You have been most dutiful in your vows, Vialle. You are no longer beholding to them, and you are free of... him." adressed Moire Random with the most difficulty.
"Are you deaf, Moire?" retorted Vialle back, causing the whole room to gasp at the offending tone by which she spoke. "I stay married to him."
"By who's vows, hm?"
"That of the Unicorn."
At this the room exploded - a Rebman taking on their religion? It was unheard off! Vialle ignored them all, and turned to Eric. "Your majesty. Will you allow me and Random's vows to be reinstated by your blessing?"
Eric was quiet for quite some time, as he both debated by himself and listened to the whispers in the room that were clearly in favor of Vialle's changing of religion.
"If you allow this, the treaty between Amber and Rebma will be void."
"You would let your grudge against me be more important than our mutual enemy?" Random had found his voice again, though still full of shock and growing disgust at Moire.
"You were not supposed to be talking to me, let alone breathing."
"Excuse me?"
"She wanted you dead." realized Vialle out loud. "That night, when he learned the news about Corwin... I was wondering how he could sneak by so easily to the Pattern, with an armed crossbow no less. You let him."
"I did." bit Moire back with venom in her voice as she took another step closer. Vialle felt Random's hand clasp hers and push her gently behind his back to shield her - or at least, he tried to, because Vialle kept staying where she stood. "If it weren't for your meddling, i could have fed his head to the fish."
"Guards. Escort Moire and her councillors out." came Eric's order as calm as Moire was livid. "Vialle... Random-" Eric paused as he spoke his brothers name, as if he wanted to say more, but decided against it. "Kneel." Vialle did as she was told, but frowned when Random didn't follow.
"Is this truly what you want?" asked Random, sounding uncertain for all to see. He was showing his vulnerability, his fear... Vialle swallowed - but her lip trembled on her own, and she was on the verge of crying.
"Yes." brought the blind woman out, her voice hoarsh from emotion. "Yes, this is what I want." Vialle felt her heart beat out of her chest as Eric bound their hands together.
"Look upon one another and repeat my words." Eric asked, before continuing the vows:
I vow you the first cut of my meat, the first sip of my wine,
from this day it shall only your name I cry out in the night
and into your eyes that I smile each morning.
I shall be a shield for you back as you are for mine,
no shall a grievous word be spoken about us,
for our marriage is sacred between us and no stranger shall hear my grievance.
Above and beyond this, I will cherish and honor you through this life
and into the next.
You may kiss."
This kiss was incomparable to the first one. It was soft, gentle... true. Vialle felt his hands pull her closer, and on instinct, she sought hold of his arms. She honestly never thought she would ever feel so safe... Vialle laughed and cried all at once and she could feel Random's relieved breath tickle her ear.
- RANDOM -
They had quickly retired to their chambers and laid themselves to rest in the beds they had joined together as one. The next morning though, they were rudely awoken by someone banging on the door. "Yes, yes what is it?!" snapped Random as he pulled open the door to reveal a man in Rebman colors.
"Lady Vialle, there is a letter for you."
Random raised his eyebrow when the guard held it in front for Vialle to accept. "Why should she take, what she can't read on her own?"
"Random."
Said man scowled and glanced at her milky eyes, who seemed to sense his look. "There is no need to shoot the messenger for the news he brings."
"He would rather be shot for the idiocy he possesses." muttered Random under his breath before cringing as Vialle's face hardened even more.
"Forgive me for my husband - he's very prickly as of late."
Random held the snarky remark that had been burning on his tongue and kept staring bullets at the nervous man.
"Please, read it for me."
The messenger opened the seal and cleared his throat before reciting: "I, Queen Moire, henceforth ban Lady Vialle irrevoccably from Rebma. Her befalling her religion as well as conspiring with her husband and Prince Random of Amber, deem her a traitor of our realm, and will be judged as such should she ever set foot here again. Signed, Qu-"
Random snatched the letter from the man's grasp, as he thought it to be a sick joke and began to examine the seal. "It is authentic." affirmed Random out loud, before crushing the paper in his hand. "That foul bitch, I -"
"can and will do nothing." interrupted Vialle him before addressing the pale faced messenger. "Thank you, for bringing this news to me. Tell Queen Moire I have received her letter and have taken note of her warning." After the door was shut, Vialle immediately turned to her bedroom, but before she did, Random could see tears at the edges of her eyes. For a moment, Random was at crossroads: either giving his condolences to her, or leave her alone for a little while to grief on her own. The fact that he didn't quite know how to comfort her, made Random decide for the second choice. Besides, she didn't need to be reminded let alone be comforted by the man to who she sacrificed everything for. Random winced, as he imagined their roles reversed and HIM never being able to return to Amber. To never be home again... The knife began to twist even deeper when he heard Vialle softly cry behind the door that separated them. Random blinked and frowned when he felt something wet drip from his cheek.
Tears were falling down and his lip was trembling. Weak! began his mind to scream. Look how weak you've become, crying for her- Random gritted his teeth and shut his eyes, but it only caused them to cascade even quicker. Weak, weak, weak- The accusing, taunting mantra was gone once Random stood up from his chair and opened Vialle's door.
"Vialle?" Brought Random out in a shaking voice. As his eyes accustomed to the dim light, the prince could make out Vialle sitting with her head on her knees in the corner, her hands keeping herself curled up in a little ball. He didn't know if she had heard him, so he gently touched her arm.
She looked up then, and her milky eyes were surrounded by red. The sight didn't creep him out as he thought it would - instead, Random only felt his throat tighten even further and he slowly bend down on one knee to be on her eye level. "Vialle, I am so, so sorry. You don't deserve your home to be taken from you, along with your freedom. I'll.. I'll ask Eric that he annuls our marriage, so you-"
"No. Actions have their consequences - this was my choice, therefore it is mine to bear." answered Vialle with a thick throat.
"You shouldn't even be bearing this in the first place!" raised Random his voice in anger. "I will not see you banished from Rebma because of my doing!"
"Having Eric annule our marriage will not change one thing for Moire, Random. For her, it is set and nothing will change her mind." Vialle took another shuddering breath to get herself somewhat back in control, before saying, "I am glad though, I've come to change my mind about you in all those months together. Seeing you share my pain..." Vialle reached for his cheek and wiped his tears. "It eases my own more than words ever could."
"You don't deserve this." repeated Random again as he caught Vialle's hand that had on his cheek. "I won't let Moire get away with this - I will take her home and family away as she did with yours."
"No, you will not." refused Vialle sternly.
"Vialle you can't ask me to just let her-"
"Yes, I ask this of you, because this is exactly what I want: for you to be my husband, not a prince of Amber walking the road of revenge." Vialle must have felt Random's hesitation, for she continued, "This is the wedding present I want from you, Random."
A long, very long pause followed. "Alright. I give you my word as a prince of Amber.. and as your husband." It costed him the greatest difficulty, but as he said those words, Random could feel himself become lighter, less trapped by his emotions.
"Thank you." Vialle gave him a broad smile and before Random realized it, her arms were arround his neck.