Standard disclaimer etc etc
Always for my stalker, my muse, my Jester.
By the time they touched down in Tokyo Scarlet was awake, the 'pod' they put her into wasn't necessary, but it was comfortable; but then again it physically separated her from being able to keep a hand on V. What also wasn't comfortable was the looks they were getting from the flight crew during the trip and then the airport staff. Her and V seemed to tower over all those around them and they were all fixated on them as they disembarked the aircraft and walked through the executive's area of terminal. Scarlet was getting dizzy from all the colours of the writing and flashing signs as they walked to their ride. "Is this what culture shock feels like?" V gave her a nod and she tightened her grip of his arm. She tried to appear neutral and not care of her surroundings as Liz suggested before she left but it was all screaming in her face; her senses were overwhelmed. She couldn't imagine the assault it was waging on Vladimir's perceptions but judging by his curtness with those around them she guessed he was not happy. He ushered them past the unimportant people to where a car with heavily tinted windows was waiting. Many wanted pictures and some were so bold to take them without asking, Scarlett was growing more irritated from behind her sunglasses. V had them dawn head coverings, him in his fedora and shades and her in sunglasses and a scarf that was covering her head; it meant that any photos that were taken weren't clear ones she hoped. Vladimir stopped, said a few things to the men waiting at the car; they bowed deeply and looked upset but Scarlett didn't ask. She stepped into the car and shifted herself over for Vladimir. She heard him say a few more words in what she guessed was flawless Japanese and then get in beside her. She pulled out her phone and checked to see if Liz had texted her and there was one wishing her a safe trip. Scarlett felt safe despite the reception they had just gotten with its fanfair. She keyed in a few words 'Arrived well.' And then hit send. She would send her pictures of where they were staying when they arrived. "Oh gosh I didn't even think of how much it'd cost to use my phone here."
Vladimir snorted, she was being funny, he could only assume she was because she wanted to break the tension. "You have an untraceable satellite phone madam and you amuse me with the notion of cost. Communicate as much as you like with your friend if it pleases you." Only he could trace it, he mused. Vladimir scanned over the series of communications from his own security detail on his phone and their destination checked out. Scarletts interpreter was also sourced, cleared and came with an impressive list of credentials as well as the added benefit of a husband who was a bodyguard; the girl herself, he noted, had defensive training as well. "We will not be staying in the city proper but more on the outskirts, closer to the countryside. Our hosts wish us to see the cherry blossoms, or I should say, wish you to. They thought you would appreciate the beauty of the spectacle and I think you will. It's quite lovely and the fragrance is delightful." He watched as she tossed the phone into her bag and nestle up beside him. He always wished to have her travel with him; despite the stress they were both under, he could feel it within her, they would get though this.
"What do they expect from me anyway? I mean, sure, they want to do business with you or whatever but it's absurd that they want to make me happy." With Vladimir's ring on her finger she hoped they would lay off their attempts to flirt or be chummy with her; she really didn't want to interact with them at all. But, big but, this was a business trip for V so she was going to anything he asked her to do at that point so they could get through the few days they were there and then have time alone wherever he was taking her next. "Where are we going after all these meetings are done, back home?"
Vladimir shrugged and put his phone away after he saw the note from Stephan saying he would be with them in a day. "By gaining favour with you they hope you will sway my decisions to their favour." He smirked. "You'd be the only one that could do that but they are weaker than I, so, I do hope that you are on my side?" Scarlett chuckled. "They love seeing strong beautiful women and seek to acquire them only to subdue them into servitude and make them weak, make them nothing." He glanced to her, he could see her eyes looking past the window to the outside world that must have been appearing as one big concrete neon jumble; he felt her uneasiness. "I will be very selfish my love, I will ask you to pay them no mind, be polite and respectful but also very reserved. Make it very hard for them to please you. I wish you to stand tall beside me because it will give them something to think about, other than business, and distract them." She looked up to him. "Their wives think you are an angel and I the devil so make of that as you like. I should be very amused if they speak only about that again."
Scarletts head gave a nod, she guessed he wanted her to have fun with the last little bit. "Only in bed," she pulled her attentions away from the mess she was looking at outside, "in bed I swear you're possessed." She felt herself glowing at him, she knew he wanted her to be easy with this venture; little adventure. That's what he offered her, an adventure and being in this place certainly was. "Had I known about the gossip I'd of suggested something with feathers be brought." She wanted to call him on her little prediction of what he may have brought for her to wear but kept quiet; she wanted to savor the bit of peace they had before they arrived. "Sorry where are we going again, after this?"
Vladimir smirked; she caught him again in his not answering her. "I could tell you but then you will be anxious in being done with this place. Or not. I'm not sure if this next place is somewhere you would wish to go." Scarlett's brow creased at him; he smirked. "Can you give those here a fair chance then?" She gave him a little nod; if anything he knew she would be true to her word. "I am taking you home, my home." Vladimir watched as two long pools of tears formed in Scarlett's eyes like a ridge of water on the verge of pouring over the edge of a dam. "I'm glad you approve." The car turned off of the main road and headed down a path into a valley. The valley itself ran from west to east and had high cliffs; it was a perfect location where he could be out, out of direct sunlight during the day without alarm. Scarlett held onto him; he savoured the several moments before the vehicle came to a stop and the door opened. A line of old men, faces wrinkled with grinning faces as if they won a prize greeted them as they stepped out of the car. She was his prize, he intended them to know it by the time they left and without any question. "Thank you for the invitation."
Scarlette kept her sunglasses on like a shield from the men who greeted them; she gave a similar bow when V did so. She didn't know much about this culture so she followed V's lead and kept quiet, it wasn't as if she could converse with them on her own. It seemed like they were on the side of a mountain and the sun was shining on the opposite one facing them; it did take her a moment to see that V was in no danger of being shawn on. Her eyes did see something else, blossoms, hundreds of them if not thousands. It was then when she noticed the scent from them that she gasped and tightened her grip on V's arm. He smirked to her as they were then lead inside the structure that seemed to flow out of the mountain side. In the reception area there were several more men waiting who needed greetings and so it went on for some time; Scarlett kept her hold on her man and her lips pressed together with a small smile. There was no need, she thought, to say anything yet unless V spoke to her and he wasn't saying a word. She did notice how they kept watching her but for what she wasn't sure. She was determined to be anything he needed her to be, out in the open with them around for him, only him. Her mind did start to wander off and think of where they were headed to next, Romania and that did excite her quite a bit. It was his home, his refuge and where he originated from so it held a great interest to her to help her figure him out, understand him a little more. Scarletts thoughts were then brought back to the present when a little child, eight or nine perhaps, appeared in a geisha outfit and was holding out a large parcel; for her she presumed. The little girl looked nervous as she approached, the business men parted to let her by; she was looking between the two of them not sure of what to make of them so Scarlett gave the girl a warm smile as V spoke. 'They hope that you will accept a small token of their appreciation for your coming here S. They were told on our last visit by Stephan that you disliked traveling and they, well, are very happy.'
So he, the brothers, had been here before after her and they had asked about her; she was getting better at putting pieces together from when she was away from him. "Thank you." She released V's arm, removed her sunglasses and crouched down to the child; she was quite adorable all dressed up in her kimono and her little round face painted white. Scarlett held out her hands and the little girl just stared at her for a moment in the eyes and then set the parcel on her hands, backed away and gave a proper little bow. She rose back up to look down on the child; she did feel tall suddenly. "It wasn't necessary and I'm glad I was able to make it this time." V glowed at her and gave her an approving nod then translated what she said; they were pleased. She held onto the parcel and hooked her arm back around Vladimir's as they were lead into the place; it wasn't a hotel in the proper sense, she quickly realized. Their room was large, it may have been the largest one there for all the space it occupied and it looked out onto a serine pool of still water that was almost covered with lily pads and the occasional flower. It was open to the outside with only a screen seconding it from the main room that was sparsely dotted with furniture. The escort to the room was waiting for her to pull away from the view before she lead them to the bedroom and the adjoining bath area. It looked all odd to Scarlett; she had never seen anything like this in her books but kept quiet. The bed was nearly on the floor and reminded her of an inflatable bed campers use and she was just about to go touch it to see if it were real when V whispered 'I'm sure it'll hold up well enough love.' that made her blush. She cleared her throat and under her breath replied "Is that a challenge?". The look he gave her almost made her want to order the hostess out of the room; thankfully she didn't see him.
"Everything is lovely, thank you for the very comfortable space. If you could have a selection of fruits and berries be sent for my wife that would be appreciated very much." The woman left them and their few bags were bought in and set inside the bedroom area. Vladimir gave them a nod as they left and started looking around the room slowly as he always did. S watched him and it did take her a while to clue into what he was doing as she stayed silent. Fingers felt along hidden edges and he listened for telltale sounds of clicks or slight humming. It was heartbreaking to have found not one but three devices in the bedroom; he'd have Stephan take another look to be sure to find more if there was any. In a very clear voice he stated, "It is most insulting that you listen in on the private matters between my wife and I." Scarlett gave him a questioning look and he held out one of the little square microphones. Anger took over the woman and Vladimir was intrigued; being recorded was one of her tipping points.
"Well, if that's what they consider hospitality then I will never want to come back now." She took the bug from him and set it on the ground and smashed it with the heel of her shoe. "If there are anymore then I expect them gone by the time I come back." She stormed out, past the servant that was bringing her snacks and out past the businessmen who were lounging in the lobby sitting area to outside. There was a small sitting area in the small garden she could see and she headed for it; she knew V would be close behind her.
He loved her angry, this was an honest response, she had edge to her when she was angry and he knew, in this case, she was upset on top of it. Vladimir fished out the other bugs and slowly followed the path S took outside. It wasn't the first time nor the last the humans he dealt with made the same mistake but this time it was invading the privacy of his mate and that would not be tolerated. He came to the group of men in the lobby and set down the bugs on the table for them to see; just in case they hadn't been told that they had been made. "Not how we wished to start our visit. My wife is quite angry and I will do my best to calm her down. We expect the guilty person, persons, to be dealt with swiftly." The mess of voices behind him were heated and by the time he had reached where S had retreated to the one responsible for the invasion was discovered and being stripped of everything he had financially and personally. He watched S struggling with her past, her own demons were just as fierce as his. "The room will be swept and they will be punishing the one responsible… to do this to a business partner is considered financial treason in this country, he has brought great dishonour to his house and I suspect will commit suicide by the end of the day because of it." He straddled the bench Scarlette was sitting on; she was so void. "I believe you needed to know the truth, was I wrong to show you?" There was a bit of thought behind her eyes and he wished to hold her so badly but he resisted; she needed to absolve him of any wrong, if any, on his part.
She hated them, she hated them for them wanting for her to like them. Men were horrible to each other and to her, all except two. All Scarlett could ask herself is for what reason did they need to listen in on them. Her and V never talked business when they were alone, if anything the only thing they did talk about was the past, their feelings, what they desired from the day...if either of them were going out. They'd hear them have sex mostly. She was anxious to have him once they were alone but the thought of that being violated was so disgusting to her. V was beside her as she expected him to be in no time but she was at a loss for words; his words did reach her and she was glad that the guy was going to off himself. He, his life, meant nothing to her. "No. You weren't wrong. I'm glad you told me." The sirens they heard made them both look to where they were coming from. Two cars pulled up with flashing lights and several men came out of them. Scarlette imagined the business men must have had a lot of pull with the authorities to have the police come so quickly. From the one car a box was pulled out of the trunk and brought inside. "Will they find them all?" V gave her a nod and she slid into him where he was sitting; his arms were around her instantly. Shortly after one fella was put into the back of one of the cars and it sped off back from where it came. "Can you hear them all the way over there?"
She was getting better, at least he hoped she was by the feel of her in his arms. "I can. They were quite angry with him. He did tell them of all the bugs but they are still in there checking for more, they are also going to check all the rooms." He felt Scarlett taking in deep breaths, she was calming herself. "He was new to their group and they weren't so sure about where his allegiances were to be honest. This country takes sugh acts of dishonesty very seriously when it comes to business dealings. Its one of the reasons Stephan and I deal with them so much, they self police their own so their reputation isn't tarnished. It's one less thing we need to do, saves us much time." The little nods he was feeling reassured him somewhat. "Do tell me, is there more to your distress than being listened in on love?"
Was this worth the stress, Scarlett wasn't sure but V's listening in to them assured her that they were just as upset as she was, if not more. For all they knew, this little event in their minds may have cost them all their efforts for further dealings with the brothers. "I was scared mostly, scared I'd say something, and you know, it'd be bad." That was the fear, she felt it in her heart the moment she voiced it. She feared many things in the world but betraying the man she loved so deeply was the biggest; it would be the one thing that would shatter her now perfect existence. His arms tightened softly around her, there was reassurance in the motion.
He thanked the gods, they were too generous to him. "That would be a grave thing but let's not think of it now as there is no need, the threat is now gone." He kept listening to the men inside the building; their own wives were furious as they were just being informed of the intrusion. At least, possibly that may give them something else to talk about than him and Stephan. "Come now, let's go back in and give the humans another chance?" He heard a snort and felt her head nod. They walked past the men who were anxious to apologize, ignored them and they went to their room; Vladimir was curious as to how they would attempt to reconcile the issue. Stephan would be amused to be sure when he was filled in. Scarlet, once in the room looked uneasy but he could see she was doing her best to shake off the violation by going to where she had set her gift down and opening it up.
She would give them another chance only because V asked her to and they seemed so pitiful when they walked past them back to the room. The fruit and berries were tempting when she noticed them waiting for her but she didn't feel like eating just then. The gift they had presented her was summoning her curiosity as to what they would deem an appropriate gift. V was watching her as she lifted the dress up, or was it a slip, from the parcel. "Am I to wear this for them you think?" It was beyond exquisite for just a 'gift', the lines of the dress were so fine and there wasn't a flaw to be seen or felt in the slippery material that felt like satin but she imagined it was silk and of the highest quality. She looked to where V was watching her and he just smirked. That couldn't be good she feared and she watched go over to the luggage that was set up on a stand and from it produced what looked like a corset. She was shaking her head at him in an instant when he gave her a look of a displeased parent.
A little fight to get his mates juices running, he'd make her bend ever so slightly to his will he thought. "None of that love, this little item under that is necessary or your perfect breasts will be even too tempting for me to keep my eyes or hands off of." He look a few steps over to where she was sitting on the bed. "This one will let you breath normally and not leave any impressions on your skin." Such a delicious memory flew past his thoughts; the turmoil, the reward of love that night. "I would like you consider it, for me or I will need to have you wear something else and possibly insult our hosts." She was not amused with him or the garment in his hands but she did take it from him to look at and feel it in her own hands. He had packed many things for their trip, this being the last thing he'd think he'd need but just the same he was glad of his preparedness. She was still mad but looked as if she would comply with his wishes. "Good girl. You wear that tonight and I will see to it that it not be on you for any longer than needed as I will be delighted in helping you out of it as soon as possible." There was a smirk from the woman, she liked that proposition much more.
Scarlett wasn't too happy with the thought of doing anything that night that involved leaving the room but this was a working trip after all and the next location would be much more fun. She set the corset down to her side on top of the dress and flicked her shoes off, her feet were starting to demand their freedom and she layed down on the bed. Vladimir watched her intently as she stretched out and rolled on to her side. "Will you always expect me to do as you say?" He shook his head. "Thats right, I can say no." The man gave her a nod. "You amaze me."
Vladimir took off his coat and jacket and set himself down on the bed facing her. "How so love?" He'd have her at that moment, feel her insides as she ruptured but the prospects of a conversation that would reveal her thoughts was more tempting. Her fingers reached over to him, caressing his cheek, the edge of his eye; the innocent contact was intoxicating to him.
"So strong, so powerful…." Scarlett brushed her thumb over V's lip; how many necks had it touched while he fed from them. " yet you tell me I control you...I shouldn't t be allowed to. It just seems so unbalanced to me, me the.." she sighed.
Vladimir watched her eyes as she spoke, the silver and greys of her irises were captivating him. "the what?" His hand caught hers as she was attempting to move it away from him, her contact was much too potent to be taken away from him so quickly; he needed more. "It seems to me that things are perfectly balanced madam. The control you exercise over me is for your own pleasure as well as mine when we are alone and as far as I'm concerned it should remain. You let me," he smirked "take control of you when we make love but it is still you that's in control." He caressed her hand with his and released it; her fingertips were still on him and she wasn't going to remove them now. "Out there your thoughtful quiet company makes everyone think I have a handle on you, or whatever they like to call it, but I know you are content observing and only would grow unsettled if I was not doing as you wish…I am, all that I am, so the balance madam is to make you more than you are and that is just between us." He touched her heart again, he could see it in her eyes. A triumph that only the brutalist of truth could accomplish, this was the only means to do so. "I was serious about letting you tie me up love."
Scarlett burst out laughing and was moving onto Vladimir in a second; his arms were around her in mere microseconds. "I love you." She kissed his chin. "I don't like talking, it's easier for everyone especially anyone that has to listen to my awful ramblings." She was settled now should anyone assume she was his beck-n-call that that wasn't the case at all. "You'd be able to break out of any bindings anyway." She scoffed playfully, she assumed he was joking anyway but he gave her a look that made her think again. "You'd stay in them? H'm, now that's a thought." He had her onto her back before she could blink.
"I would stay in them, for you." He looked down on her, her hair tousled around her face, her eyes alive with joy looking into his; these were the moments he cherished. "As much as I'd like to explore this I do wish you to rest up for this evening." There was that wrinkle in her brow, her desire was brewing; she would want to keep that nights socializing to a minimum as did he. Lifting himself off of her he went to put the contents of their suitcases away as she got comfortable and settled down for a nap or at the very least a good rest. Her eyes watched him as he took a few moments to get everything put away at his stealthy pace. He left the bedroom and set up a retrieved laptop on a small table and started working; clicking away at the keys knowing the sound was a comforting one for his love./ It was several hours later that they found themselves re-dressed and wandering out of their room to where their hosts were waiting for them. Vladimir admired his love, the gown she was gifted was lovely coming out of the box it was presented in but her in it, only she could do it any justice.
Scarlett felt her nerves sharply the moment she woke up from her nap right up until she was face to face with their hosts. She tried telling herself that it was no different than Paris but V didn't give her any instructions on what she should do or how to act so hence, the nerves. He just told her that she would meet her translator, Hana and her bodyguard. The translator she understood but a bodyguard in this setting confused her. She felt helpless and V must have picked up on it because just as they entered the reception area he got in very close to her and whispered 'If you insist on looking helpless then we can go back to the room and I will bind you so you are,' she could feel his smirk on her skin 'but until then, you will accept that you are the most powerful woman in the room.' Her eyes found his and she could feel herself glowing. "Yes sir." V looked ravenous for a split second; she felt triumphant. Her head spun at the what this man could do to her in a matter of seconds. In the next moment he reached into her hair and pulled out a small feather; she immediately saw the 'joke' and blushed hard. He was cunning, she thought, so very sly and manipulative but she knew so well that he was capable of anything. Under her breath she whispered, "They are all so screwed, they should just give you what you want." to which he gave her a nod and they proceed in. She was quickly introduced to Hana and her husband the bodyguard Harry, an 'american' name his parents insisted on so he wouldn't be limited in life, and then on the group of business associates who were anxiously waiting to see her in the gift they had bestowed on her. She did rather like the dress, it was nicely fitted, a lovely shade of deep red that V liked and it didn't restrict her movements at all, nor did what she had on underneath it. The top of the dress was carefully folded layers that wrapped around her body and draped back to form a sorta train behind her; it tapered down to a loose fitting flowing skirt that went down to the floor. The material was pure silk, V told her, but it was not as rigid as the many other dresses she had previously tried on in one of her many shopping trips with Liz. V had her wear a pair of silk slippers; he said he didn't want her to tire of standing if there was no place to sit. For a second she suspected that even he didn't know what to expect but after a few moments in the room she realized he was in complete control.
'Tedious' was the word that came to Vladimir's mind; same faces and their wives that offered little in the form of any amusement. His love's uncertainty, thus far, had been his only source of concern and she was supporting his desire to continue on. Vladimir bowed his head, as the heads of new companies were introduced to him; but he was the dominant in the room so his nod was a mild gesture on his part. Scarlett followed his lead in the required traditional greeting but all things considered, she had more power over him than all of them combined. He mused that her indifference to such authority over him only added to his love for her; she was a rare and precious creature to be sure. She stood by him as her translator kept her informed to the persons she was meeting and their titles; he knew she didn't care of such things, they held no meaningful interests for her. He did however enjoy the many reactions to her presence that his hosts and their hopeful new prospects attempted to hide. Humans were too easy to read; he amused himself with their weakness. One human in particular watched S with a bit too much interest and he was meriting his throat being removed from him as their hosts drew their attentions to him. "Allow me to introduce Mr Oyama. His business is textiles and has a proposal to bring forth.' Vladimir instantly knew what the deal was before the man drew breath. Mr O attempted to touch his Scarlet to which she instinctively pulled away from and into him; the man earned a stern look that nearly sent him running. "My wife is not to be touched sir." 'Apologies Mr Lonescu. I was drawing your attention to the fabric of Mrs Lonscu's gown. My company developed the technology and machines to manufacture this textile, the first of its kind anywhere and we hold a very ironclad patent to its manufacture. What we don't have is a full scale factory to bring it up to full production.' Vladimir held up his hand to stop the human from speaking any further; he knew an opportunity when heard it, he turned to Scarlett, cutting off Hana before she had a chance to translate the man's last sentence. "Love, do you like the fabric that your gown is made of?" The group silenced as she felt the material; she had been around Liz enough to have picked up some knowledge of such mundane things. She gave him a nod. "Has this been released to the public or industry yet, is its existence known?" The man shook his head, 'No sir. We thought it best to approach you first as a solid partner in this as once it's introduced there will be no going back, the facility needs to be at least in place before demand.' Vladimir gave Scarlet a glance and the she instantly suspected he was being devious in some manor. "Since my wife approves of the stuff you have my backing sir. Let's certainly discuss the terms of our partnership in the morning." He shook the man's hand on the deal and there was much rejoicing in the group.
Scarlett wasn't sure what had just happened but she suspected she was the reason for it. Questioning V in front of his business associates seemed wrong; as if she was a nagging insecure woman, and that would be demeaning to him. She looked over to Hana and raised a brow; the woman slowly explained what transpired. "Oh. Okay." Vladimir still had a sly look about him as she let the events of what happened roll around a little in her head; V shook a few more hands and the little group seemed to disperse slightly. "It seems that they used a gift to me, to get to you?"
Truly brilliant as well as beautiful; he picked his mate so well. "Madam, if you say such things to make me love you even more you will not survive the night." Her eyes grew slightly and there were hints of defiance and curiosity but above all, thought. How he wished to know her mind. Hana was listening and he noted her discomfort but didn't care to address it. "Now wife, run along and make friends with their wives and enjoy yourself." He watched her look at the happy businessmen, he noted how she noticed a few of them speaking to their wives; wheels were turning still in her mind.
'Run along.' She snorted to herself in her head, he was clearly up to something. First he tells her she is the most powerful woman in the room and then he goes into a business venture because she gave him a nod. She watched the wives chatting and was dreading any kind of interaction with them so she focused her attention to the decorations in the room and asked Hana what the symbols meant. It was then when she was approached by one of the older women and was motioned over to a small group of them who were reclined around a floral display. She felt awkward, probably looked it too as she went over, sat and insisted Hana sit beside her. The body language from the women was one of them not approving her being nice to the 'help' but she didn't care; she needed this woman's ears. "I'm glad we have had lovely weather today and I hope it continues for the rest of our time here." Hana translated and there were a few nods and hushed words but no direct response from them. Well, Scarlett thought, she tried; so she looked around and at the flowers before her. It did occur to her that she ought to have checked if Vladimir had planted any more feathers in her hair but she guessed that it would be rude if she got up so soon after sitting down; she wondered if that was why he was so attentive in helping her get ready for the gathering. The glaring issue was becoming all too evident now; he was using all of them in the room to make her feel welcomed. It felt fake but when she gave that thought a bit of thought she recalled how she said the same about the Cullen's and how he was pleased with her. So he wasn't possibly using them per say but showing her how 'fake' they all are too. She looked over to where he was and may have caught his eye as she gave him a little grin and shook her head ever so slightly. Her attentions were drawn back to the group when Hana shot up and out of her spot to let another wife sit in her place; both women seemed uncomfortable in the position beside her. She wondered if that was how Vladimir felt all the time with his presence often scaring people away on a subconscious level. There was much to think about without having to open ones mouth it seemed, especially in this company. She debated going back to stand by Vladimir as she was staring down one of the red flowers in the display before her when she heard a very stern voice being directed to one of the wives. Hana whispered, 'He said she should be a more gracious hostess to you.' Scarlett smirked inside, was this what Vladimir wanted, for her to indeed be the most powerful woman in the room; there was a reason for this she figured. Hana started translating what the women started asking her, 'Is this your first time in this country?' She gave her a nod, "Yes, it is the first time I've traveled this far east." She decided that she wasn't going to embellish any of her replies, they didn't deserve it, they needed to work to get on her good side and not the other way around. 'We hope you will find time to return in the fall when the colours in the countryside are at their brilliance.' "If my husband wishes it we will return." The ladies chatted at her response, the men that seemed to be hovering rather near their group looked angry; they expected better from their wives. Scarlett held her amusement a the predicament they were in; they were being forced by them to be nice to her, something they were not expected or required to do in the past; they were at a huge disadvantage where she wasnt. 'We know you are just married but will you be begging for children soon?' There was a mumbled something else after that, Hana just said 'heaven hell' and apologized for not catching the rest of it but Scarlett knew that they were still harping on what she was; the feather pulled from her hair didn't help but it was put there for her amusement she figured. She considered her reply carefully, "It's for my master to decide what he does to my body and if we are to have children." Hana said the words and the women as her eyes found Vladimir across the room; he was glaring at her as if he wanted to attack her neck, she looked down and instantly regretted her statement. She hated social situations so much now. 'What an odd thing to say.' Scarlett replied, "As is begging for a child. It's as if you think men are burdened with the task of having them and bringing them up when it's all on a woman." There was silence again and she looked over her fingers and inspected her manicure. She didn't feel powerful, she felt numb and wanted the evening to be over so she could go cry in a corner for failing so miserably. 'Sorry for the disrespect Mrs Lonscu, we are not accustomed to westerners and their way in marriage.' She gave them a nod but said nothing. A gong sounded a few moments later and Hana whispered that it was to let everyone know that refreshments were set out and waiting. Scarlett shrugged and notice that no one moved but she was getting the occasional glance from the wives as well as the business men. One of the women spoke to Hana and she repeated what she said to her when she realized what was going on; she and V were the guests and everyone was waiting for them. Her heart sank a little, she would need to face him. She got up and went to where he was, she wouldn't presume to go without him in this setting. Everyone made a path for her; they heeded V's earlier warning that she wasn't to be touched it seemed.
Scarletts hand was in his the moment she was in reach of it, he was glad to have her near again as he lead her to where the food was set out for them. She would need to eat regardless if she was hungry or not; their company would be insulted if she didn't. "Only with your permission love." he whispered in her ear once they were somewhat alone, "You made me quite..." They were interrupted by the caterer just then who was explaining each of the offerings before them. S seemed disinterested in eating still so he picked up a plate and started placing things on it and lead her away to a more private spot in the room where they were still seen but no one was listening in. "Now my love I will guilt you into eating this." He speared a small piece of meat with a fork he had picked up off of the table. "Shall I eat this or will you? If I eat it I will need to expel it in a few hours." Her hand moved his with the fork to her mouth and she ate it. "Now you will tell me what upset you?" Her eyes dropped and he poked another item on the plate with the fork. "Shall I eat this or…" her hand went back up to his to take it and guide the food to her mouth. At least she was eating he thought, it was a small victory.
Scarlett wasn't crazy about how Vladimir was forcing her to eat but after the first bite she realized how hungry she was so to keep eating was at least an excuse not to talk just yet. The few things he had put on the plate were soon gone and he set the dish down on a nearby table. "They were fake, trying too hard because their husbands and I was mean to them because of it." She sighed. "I'm worried that I may have put them off and put you in a bad spot."
Vladimir gave her a bit of a snort; where to begin. "Their husbands care more about you than them. Those women didn't set in motion a deal that will have a ten fold payback in five years. Those women only know how to spend their husbands money, they lack the inclination to be of any use to them." A servant came to clear the plate away and he waited for her to leave before he continued. "I don't care if those women like you because they are nothing to me, they are nothing to their husbands. It is curious though that I'm able to control those men so easily to the point of them making them correct their wives. You, however, made those men a lot of money because you distracted them enough to let them do things my way so they see you as a good talisman for business but they still can't piece together exactly why." He smirked at her, her posture was a bit more relaxed. "That woman mumbled her curiosity over what would happen if heaven and hell united. It was the stupidest thing I've ever heard in a very long time, but your response...now my love, thinking about it is making me want to take you back to our room." He gave her a pointed look, "we will explore that if you like love, with your permission." Her cheeks flushed a little; his mate was back. As he suspected, she was only concerned for him. "I will need to eat something for appearance sake, unfortunately, so shall we?"
Scarlett looped her arm with his and they wandered back to the table that was still heavily loaded with food. It was ornately displayed with what she made out to be several dragons carved out of watermelons that were holding other rounded egg like fruits in their 'bellies'. She picked up a dish and started putting things on it, including a carrot; she guessed a solid item would be easiest for V to bring up later. She was glad they were mostly left alone to eat with few interruptions except for being offered beverages. The fist they were offered was being passed around in little cups. V held up his hand and excused the drink before it was offered, 'rice wine' he told her and she was glad not to forced to try it. Next they brought around flutes that contained champagne she guessed. V was more firm this time, 'Our apologies but we do not consume alcohol.' She guessed it was for a toast to their renewed and future partnerships. The attendant looked concerned and hurried off and returned with the same glasses filled with a different fluid.
"Sparkling apple juice." He murmured to S. He dreaded drinking, fluids were just as difficult to bring up as soft squishy foods; Stephan had a better knack for it. The president held up his glass and started speaking; Hana hovered behind S restating each word. Nothing that S was worried about manifested in their woman, they had no influence over them; she was a truly mindful woman, the gods be thanked. Her fears from earlier that day, and them now all had a common theme, protecting him. If it were someone else he would say it was arrogant to think he needed such assistance but this was coming from her was done all out of love; it was in fact convenient of her to make the 'fuss' he could not. She held firm onto his arm and they both were doing their best to pay attention it seemed when he noticed Stephan wander in and take a glass. Having him there would ease up their needing to stay so late and having S get too tired. The president finished and all raised their glasses, S threw the contents of her glass down her throat so quickly he was astonished and then before anyone could turn to look at them she switched out her glass with his and repeated the motion so it appeared that he drank it. Stephan was amused; having witnessed it, he was speechless.
I know, it's been much too long since my last update.
Leave me review love ;)