Chapter 6:Intimas Glacialis

We have a Weiss Cream Situation.

He put her hand into hers, a gesture that she accepted without any complaint, eyes looking up at him with a shy smile on her face. As they were acting like boyfriend and girlfriend, they had to look the part, even with how they acted around each other. "So… What are your dreams?"

She hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath and leaning against the wall, a soft sound escaping her lips as she looked at him, her eyes unreadable. He caught sight of her eyes looking down, as if she was thinking about something sad. The emotions that swirled inside her were darker now, even as he brushed his hand over her cheek.

She flushed, as her expression softened up even more, her cheek pushing against his hand. "I'm here… And I won't tell anyone if things are a little silly. My big sister wanted to be a Huntress once upon a time, but dad put his foot down and said 'No daughter of mine is going to kill herself like that!' and well…"

Her eyes widened slightly, even as she realized that she was rubbing her cheek against his hand, a dark red flushing of her cheeks following, even as her gaze cast down again. "I wish I was that brave…" She mumbled, her voice soft. "I'm… I've always been told that I should be this, or that I should do that…"

Her body language spoke of angst, as she looked up, her blue eyes enough, as he laid his hand on her shoulder. She pushed herself towards him, her eyes looking up at him. "If you need a bit of a break… I'm here for you."

She made a strangled sound, her lower lip quivering a little. He could see the tears threatening to flow from her eyes, even as she inhaled and exhaled swiftly. She looked so fragile, even as he squeezed her shoulder, giving her a simple smile.

'Capitalize on her weakness. Seize the advantage.'

The dark whisper in his mind was enough, even as he brushed over her shoulder gently with his hand, the warmth sinking into her skin.

"Thank you, Jaune."

She shivered, even as her gaze drew away.

"There are days when I want to have… when I want to just…" His hand brushed over her shoulder, her body coming closer to his own. "Leave. To live my own life." The hope in her voice sounded half-crushed, her eyes meeting with his own as she inhaled sharply.

"My… my family is pretty famous." She said, even as he smiled at her. Her smile was more confident, undoubtedly from the freedom that she experienced now. "I'm not… I'm not going to say that we're all that perfect, but…"

"I don't care. You're Weiss, you're someone I'd like to be my friend."

The expression on her face was complicated, as her eyes looked down, her body leaning closer to him. She smelled nice, like a fresh snowstorm, her body pressing against him all of a sudden.

"I'd… I'd like that, yes." Her voice was small, even as her hand grabbed his own with some force behind it. There was a look in those eyes, her breathing a little heavier, her tongue sliding over her lips. "You've… you've made a bit of a mess."

The napkin in her hand dabbed at his cheek, coming away with a small stain of chocolate, a look in her eyes that was ashamed and a little thrilled at the same time, confusion showing through in her manners, her eyes looking into his own. "Thank you, Weiss."

She quivered, her thighs brushing together. She flashed him a tender smile, her cheeks red, her fingers of one hand lacing with his own.

"My… my friend." She smiled at him, a pretty smile, his mama's smile pretty as well, yet hers being unprompted by something. "I'm…"

She paused, taking a deep breath, trying her best to push herself to say something, his finger laying against her lips. "You don't have to force yourself." Eyes widened, even as her eyes looked down at the finger, then looked up at him with an undecipherable look in them still… a mystery. "You're obviously your own person."

A whimper came from her lips, his finger brushing over them gently. Her eyes locked with his now, her lips parting softly, her tongue brushing over the fingertip as she slowly inhaled. "Y-yes…" Her voice was enough, as he leaned closer.

"Let's have a nice time out together, right?" He smiled and those eyes looked up at him, her breathing a little loud, her own hesitant smile enough for him, as he couldn't resist but give an affectionate rub over her cheek.

"Yes." She smiled and her eyes looked a little wet.

"Don't be upset. I don't like it when pretty girls cry." She shuddered again, her eyes looking even tearier. "So… What kind of movies do you like?" He asked, trying to push the conversation to another topic, her gaze at him softer, as she took a deep breath.

"I'm… I've not really been to the movies before. Some things I… I thought I liked. I was in a movie before but…" She pauses for an instant, looking into his eyes. "You… you can pick something."

She let him decide, which meant that he had to think of something good that was showing in the movies, his hand toying briefly with her hair. "I'll see whether there's something nice in the theatre." She looked a little better, so he tried. "Though seeing you is already nice." Her cheeks burned red, her gaze going down, even as a shy smile appeared on her face.

"Thank you…" She said, her voice tiny as she spoke, her eyes cast down. "You're… You're not like the other boys."

He didn't know whether to be offended by being called a boy or to be flattered that she'd said so. "I'm your friend, am I not?" She looked up, her smile warmer than before.

"You… You keep on saying that you're my friend, but…" She sounded doubtful, which wouldn't do.

"Weiss, trust me… I don't care about who your family is. If your dad is some dick who would let his daughter work for him, he's a dick." She looked oddly hopeful then, as she exhaled slowly.

"You're you. You're a pretty young woman, who's able to talk to a guy and go to the movies. I've been to loads of movies, let me tell you… It's okay to cry. My oldest sister had me be her chaperone when she was on a date with her wife and well… they were kissing and giggling throughout the whole movie. Captain Mauve was ruined! And then they snuck off and had a makeout session in the girl's bathroom and I had to watch as they were escorted out." The colour on her cheeks was adorable, even as she looked at him with eyes that were a little firmer than before.

"You're who you are and I am just Jaune Arc." Her eyes met his again. She definitely made a lot of eye contact, a thing that was supposed to work when speaking with people. "I offered to be your friend and I am not going to take the offer back. No refunds. Let's get going." Her small hand grabbed his own, another flash of images bursting forth.

Her body below him, mouth screaming something unintelligible as he bit down on her tender neck, the pale legs wrapped around his waist as he drove into her like a wanton beast, her words a mingling of hoarse shrieks and pleasurable moans. A young woman who craved the touch of someone who she could touch, whose body had been unlocked by a kind word and implicit trust.

A softness in her features, even as she pulled the covers a little tighter, her lips pressing a delicate kiss, even as those beautiful eyes looked up at him, her tongue sliding over his skin. "That was… wonderful." She gave a coy smile at his words, even as her tongue slid down lower, down over the stomach.

"Let me show you what a trained singer can do with her mouth." The words were confident, spoken with a little bit of that impudent tone that he'd smashed before, even as her head moved and he felt warmth, the low and languid humming that came from her mouth as she did… curious things.

Another flash, her body pressed against a wall, dress half-torn as she gasped and panted, the feeling of her tightness around his manhood, struggling and groaning as he took what he wanted. There was that fading hope in her eyes, even as the fight seemed to go out of her upon his release, a whimper escaping her lips, even as he took his liberty. A mere doll, destroyed by the vile impulse. His mama would take care of things, he knew… She loved him more than this girl ever could.

Her eyes were worried, even as her fingers dabbed the napkin against his nose, his hand brushing over her hand gently. "Have you… Have you considered going to a doctor?" She asked, worried about the issues. He could see that she was worried, a smile on his face.

"It's not… It's not that bad. It's more like something that comes every once in a while…" He tried to play it off, yet he didn't know why he was getting those nosebleeds, his eyes looking into hers, the worry within them making a warm feeling surge inside her. 'She's such a nice girl…'

"You…" She started before pausing, putting on a light smile. "You're a dunce." The word carried no heat, her fingers balling up the napkin and setting it aside. "Making your friend care for you." Her eyes were a little moist, as she smiled again.

"We're friends. If you twisted your ankle, I would carry you." She flushed red, the image that she undoubtedly called up more of the princess carry that he'd given her before when he had sprung her free.

"That is… that isn't necessary." Her voice sounded hesitant, her eyes looking up, then down again. "But… in some cases, you may. I mean, I would not be… against such a thing."

'She's going to make a man very happy with her attitude.' He made no aspersions that he was worth her presence as a girlfriend, as he was just a simple young man, one whose mama blessed him with a lot of good favour, yet…

'I want to be a hero.'

The hope within his heart of being a hero was still fierce. If she would not object… he could be her hero. But he didn't think that he was worthy of her yet. She would be a friend.

"You'll always have me around whenever you need me to." He said, impulsively. He didn't know why he said that, but her eyes went wide, as her hand lowered the napkin that was about to dab at his nose once more.

"You're my friend."

"Silly… Let's go see that movie." She got up, discarding the napkin into the bin as she moved a little faster, her hips giving a little sway as she did, her head turning and flashing a brilliant smile at him, warmer than before, when there had been fear mixed in. 'Oh yes… Am I lucky to know her.'

Inside him, the thought of taking her in the way of hot fevered passion rose, even as his body showed the sign of enjoying her presence, his fingers brushing over his lip, not coming away with red coating them. As he joined her, falling into step with her, she moved to grab his hand once more, her fingers brushing over his thumb.

"Your… your bodyguard." The hesitation in her voice was enough, even as he looked around for any sign of Tyrian. "Is he coming?" She asked, her gaze nervously looking around her for any sign of the man.

"Does he scare you?" He asked, the small nod from her enough, even as he felt a small spike of worry in his heart. "I can order him not to scare you, Weiss." Relief seemed to make her shoulders sag, even as her eyes looked at him.

"He was… he was talking about how a prince like you should be treated…" The hesitant voice was smaller, even as her hand gripped his own. "How… How you are his charge."

"He does get a little zealous about the charge he has. A devoted man, able to deal with many situations." The look on her face was soft, even as she nodded, her hand tightening around his own. "I'm going to protect you." She froze, her eyes tearing up, her eyes looking with his own.

"I will protect you." The man's voice was rough as he spoke, the look on his face something that he could not quite understand. Father was always so busy, so the tower was the best option. "Do not fear, as His Majesty knows well the burden you hold, Lady Salem."

The name of the Witch, an elegant pale hand raised, a gemstone the size of a goose egg set within a ring, as a cultured young voice came from his mouth, female in nature. "Is it really necessary?" The tone of voice was really bored, a flash of sympathy arising within his heart. He knew that the story that was closest to her was about the Witch being dealt a lethal blow, yet…

"As His Majesty demands, so it shall be." The words had preceded rage, as power pushed through her veins and a blast of flame bounced off the shield, a helpless sound coming from her throat as she railed against the man, his armour girded by the crafts against magic.

He noticed that Weiss' face was awfully close, his hand holding hers and her breathing almost like a panting, his eyes watching the minute twitches of her face, a soft "Jaune?" Coming from her lips. Those lips looked so soft, so kissable, so…

He leaned closer, before he stopped. Her lips parted as well, a delicate expression on her face that seemed to encompass the feelings inside her, those eyes wide and wild, fear in those eyes… and yearning. He noticed that she'd been pushed up against the wall, that his hand had hers there, and he locked eyes with her, delivering a gentle kiss to her knuckles. A soft little groan came from her lips, even as she moaned something unintelligible.

"A lady needs a protector." He said, trying to make sure that the ice was broken once more, even as he caught a flash of those earlier images, where the Weiss was broken instead, her teary eyes void of those pleasant feelings.

"I… I guess." She said, her cheeks red, a smile on her lips that she couldn't suppress. It made her look warmer, prettier and cooler. "Y-you…"

She was breathing a little heavier, leaning against him, her forehead a little damp as she did so, her cheeks red as if she'd walked for a while. A shudder came from her core as she put her arm around his waist, a sign that she'd come to full terms with their friendship.

The cinema stood before them, the images of the movies that were showing on display on the screen. She stood there at his side, as he looked through the catalogue of movies that were playing in the movie theatre that night, his eyes going over the titles. "How about the latest Spruce Willis movie?"

"If you… if you think it'd be nice." She said, looking at the movies. He followed her gaze, watching how several of them showed. She winced as she saw one of the topmost ones – Weiss Schnee in Concert: The Snow Princess tour.

"I don't think we'll be going there." He said, squeezing her shoulder. She looked at him and gave a smile.

"The mistress has sent me with… monetary funds." The voice of Tyrian came from behind, the lanky man standing there with a smile on his face, the scar-covered chest looking fiercer, even as his gaze looked into Weiss' own, the girl shuddering and taking a step back. "She has deemed your current funds insufficient, so this lowly dreg has come to replenish your stock, young Master." The man's fancy way of speaking made him smile.

"Thank you, Tyrian." The man's eyes lit up, burning a deep purple colour, even as he gave a swift lick over his own lips.

"No, no, no… The young Master should not praise this lowly man for his skill in delivering the goddess' bounty upon him… No, no, no…" The man's head shook slightly, his eyes manic and spirited, something that Jaune could feel inside of him, a restlessness within the man.

"Are you here to…" He inquired, Tyrian nodding once. He looked around, the eyes sly, the hair that he kept braided whipping around as he looked at the people around them.

"I shall be the fly upon the wall, guarding you from danger, young Master. You and your date… they shan't be disturbed, lest they wish to meet with the blades of this lowly servant." The words were enough, even as he squeezed Weiss' shoulder gently. She seemed to like the physical contact. "Her Grace has given me the option to kill, if they harm but a hair on your head."

"I'm sure that won't be necessary." Weiss seemed to relax, as she brushed against him. Her need for intimacy, for being in his personal space, was endearing. "Let's go see that movie."

She smiled. Spruce Willis would be something that she'd not have seen before.

Tyrian handed him the Lien chips in a small wallet, a smile on the man's lips as he seemed to be in on some sort of joke. The man always paid for the woman, even if his mama had to give him some money first. Selene had been such a wonderful woman, taking away the barriers in front of him…

He should get her something nice sometime soon. Something that she'd appreciate, something that she'd enjoy.

Weiss gripped his hand tightly as they exited the movie theatre a few hours later, the girl having found the movie to be enjoyable, even if her fingers had laced with his own half-way through the movie. The buttery popcorn that they'd gotten had been eaten by her mostly, the taste of it something that she had found hard to describe but 'Father would never allow me to eat something like this', the feeling of her smaller hand in his own feeling just right, for some sort of reason.

"Jaune?" She sounded gentle, even as she looked down, her cheeks flushed. "Do you… Do you want to go back? Father might be a little upset." She was lying, the fear spiking through her body enough. She wasn't telling him anything, the dark impulses inside him telling him that it would be for the best to go to another hotel, to stay the night together with her, to take what made her innocent and pervert it into something truly magnificent.

Her blue eyes yearned for him to affirm her thoughts, for him to guide her. Her fingers squeezed his own, as her gaze slid down, a soft sound, gentle and with the manner of a sigh, coming from her. "No matter who it is, I will keep you safe." It was an honest thought, and he could feel the warmth there, as she smiled at him, her eyes a little dewy, even with a deeper inhale from her. "I've told you, right?"

She smiled a beautiful smile, nodding her head, a flush to her cheeks again, as she smiled to herself. Her pulse quickened, the beating of her heart faster.

As they entered the hotel, he could see the man already in the lobby, face stormy, his eyes spotting him and her and immediately moving like an angry bull who'd spotted a nice red quilt on someone's shoulder, to him. Weiss shrank against him, even as the man's mouth opened. He pushed himself forward.

"Who do you think you are, taking my daughter away on an unannounced trip? Do you even know how much money I would lose if she were to be abducted?" The man's tone was angry, Jaune spotting the elevator opening and his mama exiting, a little frown on her face, even as he began to feel the need inside him to smash this man, to make sure that he hurt more than he hurt Weiss, his eyes looking at his mother's.

"She looked like she could have need of a bit of peace and quiet." Tyrian was moving into position, even as two burly bodyguards entered the space around the man, who did not look so very imposing to him, with Tyrian there to back him up if things got physical. The man's skill as a Huntsman was impressive, if he had to make his amateur opinion on it known.

"I will be filing charges against you for abduction, young man." The man said, and his mama reached them.

"Jacques, I do hope that you are not threatening to file charges against my godson…" The man's head turned, his emotions flashing from annoyance to a slice of ice-cold fear and terror, Selene's smile almost predatory, like she was the shark in the swimming pool, rather than this man.

"Miss Umbra, what a… pleasure." The man was as cordial as he could be, his fear still spiking in his heart. Selene's smile changed a little, as she gazed past the man, right at him and Weiss.

"Is this your daughter?" Selene's voice was soft and delicate, the man giving an affirmative.

"Yes. Weiss, greet miss Umbra, one of my business associates." The command in the man's voice was clear, even as his tone changed slightly to something a little more respectful. Weiss' fingers gripped his own for an instant, before she let go and curtsied, following the etiquette. "Weiss Schnee, a pleasure to meet you, Miss Umbra."

"We should... we should be going. My daughter has to prepare for her final concert, and I would hate to take time away from you and your… godson." The nervous tone of voice was there faintly, even though on the surface, the man seemed to be perfectly collected.

"I will assure you that your daughter will be returned to you eventually, Jacques… Shall we drink some tea, Weiss?" The use of personal names definitely was something that those who held power had the ability to use, as he watched her change the flow of the conversation and the man to her liking.

"Jaune, be a dear and guide your friend towards the suite… I have some business to conduct with Jacques over here."

He grabbed Weiss' hand, smiling at her. She smiled back, shyly again, heedless of what her father thought, seemingly banishing him from her mind. "Let's go, she's got a pretty snazzy place."

She felt a little happy.

That was good, right?

She smouldered, looking at the man as he fidgeted a little, the man's body language betraying how uncomfortable he felt. She had the cards in hand right now, even in her guise as Selene Umbra. The man known as Jacques Gele knew her as one of the major power brokers in the underworld, something that she had carefully obscured through every channel possible, her fingers holding the teacup with the steaming hot tea that had been specifically prepared by the assistant.

"S… So, a godson?" The man started, even as the silence had lasted for nearly ten minutes as she let the hot tea cool a little. "He looks… fashionable." The man's attempt at flattery was enough to draw a smile on her face, even as she knew that he disliked Jaune.

'It would be so easy to just wipe this little man from the face of the earth…'

"He has his stylistic choices, yes. His mother and father certainly did their best to raise him in the manner of a good and honest young man." He was so much more than that to her. His every breath was a blessing to the world, and to her ability as a mother. His every thrust inside her was like the thunder, blasting the world to cinders and ashes.

"What are… What are his intentions towards my daughter?" The man didn't even name her, as he looked at her. She knew that this would be one of those moments that would decide whether the man was in any shape and form going to retaliate against her… The young man might have to fear from assassins… That wouldn't do.

"Do I have to have a reason for sending my godson to meet with your daughter?" His eyes widened, as he immediately connected the threads that she wanted him to think. A general reason, for her to speak to Weiss, to have a cut of that pie of income, as he would immediately assume. Weiss Schnee still owned the rights to her music, as far as the brief search on the Scroll had gleaned.

"They are teenagers. I thought it might be… beneficial for them to hang out with their own age group, rather than to be involved in the business of adults." Her words were carefully chosen. Their age, pointed out. Her thoughts, implying that she wished them gone from their presence, to at least allow them to talk business.

There always was some need for business, after all… A façade would collapse if she did not do the work on it, even as the man's mind immediately went to the business side of things. 'Think that I am merely here to distract her away from you… Think that MY Jaune is just a pawn in a game. A child who cannot think for himself…'

That was a falsehood. The way that he had taken her, that he had given her that which she loved, the love that should have been hers since her marriage… the love that a son had for his mother and his lover…

"How much would you need?" The man turned to business, even as she smiled. There was enough prepared already for a decent discount.

"Four containers."

A reasonable amount. Her face schooled itself into a mask of displeasure. "Ensure that these are not lost, Jacques… I would hate to let you find another Vacuan Rattler in your bed…" The man's face paled, even as she smirked, confidently.

"Of… of course." The man's eyes looked everywhere but at her. It was the power that Selene Umbra wielded, the power that had cowed some of the most infamous and wealthy of Atlas' socialites. A careful network of agents, laid in order to take it down from within, each faced with a different aspect of herself… None able to connect the dots, until she was about to press the detonator to their whole idyllic life and make the world come crashing down… right before they were disposed of.

"I have to attend to your daughter and my godson." The excuse was valid, as anything else. She dictated the flow of the conversation, as she was the one with a position of strength. Her eyes looked into the man's own, mildly noticing the fear that shone within them. "She will return… eventually. Unharmed, you have my word about that."

It wasn't like she would be harming the girl. Jaune enjoyed her presence and seemed to call her a friend… which was more than enough for her to stay her hand from the signing of the execution order.

She entered her domicile for the time being again, spotting Jaune and Weiss seated at the table, a cup of tea between the two of them, Jaune looking excited at telling some kind of story, whilst Weiss seemed to be absorbed in the telling of it. 'Ahh, young love…'

She could tell from the minute ways that the girl was seated that she was trying her best to attract his attention to her in a courting manner, even with how he seemed to be entranced in some tale about an X-ray and some… Vav?

"Ah, Mama." The Schnee sitting at the table looked at her, and Salem became aware of a look that held trepidation, fear and perhaps a little bit of curiosity.

"I don't bite, Miss Schnee." The formal route was the best, even as she pulled a chair up and poured herself a small cup of tea, a blend that was much more palatable than the one that she had at Jacques' suite.

"So… You're…" The girl started, hesitating. 'That is not a good quality… A woman should stand with her back straight, her sword in hand and the will to break down any obstacle for her husband.'

"Selene Umbra." The name that the world knew her in, in this era. Her eyes looked into those blue eyes that belonged to the Schnee, before she let them rove over the girl's body. 'A beauty, fair of skin and white of hair.'

"Jaune, sweetheart, do you think you can place a call to the room service for dinner for three? The phone is in the bedroom." The question hung in the air, Jaune giving a nod as he understood her request. "What would you like to have for dinner, Weiss? You don't mind if I call you Weiss, do you?"

"N-no, Miss Umbra." She smiled at the girl. The uncertainty in those eyes, the need for something more than just the distance between a woman who was an unknown factor and someone who she admired… or perhaps felt more for, was something that she could use.

"Relax… Now, tell us what you'd like to eat." The girl asked for a dish from Mistral, little more than noodles with some sweet-sour pork belly to go with it. It was food that wasn't often served in Atlas, so she could understand the way that her tastes went. Sending Jaune to order for them, choosing a light bowl of noodle soup for her own dinner, she glanced at Weiss, whose eyes remained on Jaune the entire way through.

"Now, let's get down to business, shall we?" Her voice was soft, sinuous and dangerous. Her eyes had scoped out the minute expressions that the girl made whenever Jaune spoke, spotting several of the clues already that the girl thought of him as more than just a friend… She had an eye for the weaknesses of people, and this girl was as open a book as any.

"Y-yes?" The girl showed none of the uppity behaviours that had come with the elder one, whose presence she had once been graced with upon a dreary ball's presence.

"What are your intentions towards Jaune?" The question was blunt, Salem taking the measure of the girl, spotting for any deceit that might be visible. The fact that the tea had been something of a special blend of herbs that made people speak greater truth rather than the falsehoods that dwelled in their hearts, was just something of an additional incentive.

"He's…" The girl flushed, even as she looked down at the table. "He's nice."

"Do you wish to court him?" She asked, the term perfectly acceptable, even as her head shot up. 'A decent body, with the petite shape of one still in the throes of growth… A beauty, if I had to make such a decision about such things… I would have to search for someone with a larger chest in order to properly nourish the seeds of their union… But she at least has the etiquette not to speak when it is not needed.'

A proper wife would allow her husband a few concubines, after all. This girl would be a good slaking of her Jaune's lusts… "Court? Like… boyfriend-girlfriend?"

The girl's blush was adorable to see, in some dark and oddly sympathetic spot in her heart. Her eyes caught sight of those blue eyes looking up at her, the realization that there might be more to those feelings that she felt. "Indeed. A young man of his status would not be a bad match." The clothing could be worked on. The etiquette could be taught.

She wondered what face the girl would make when she was informed of her 'friend' Jaune's status. "I'm… I'm trying to be his friend, but…" The girl sighed, opening up even more than she had already thought, the burning rush inside the girl's body showing clearly that there was more than just mere platonic friendship there. "He… he saved me. He… he doesn't expect to see Weiss Schnee, but just… Weiss." The girl's head turned away. The honesty that she was showing was endearing, Salem thought, as her fingers moved over the table, tapping lightly with her fingernails to get her attention.

"Just… I've never felt this way." She smiled. That was the folly of the young maidens. Too gorged on the wishful fancies, in order to see the truth of the world before her.

"Why not give it a chance? Friendships…" Her voice was wistful, a careful manipulation of the timbre and tone, as her eyes sought the girl's out for an instant. Rapt attention, she held. "Friendships can blossom into more…"

A hint for her, even as the girl flushed, obviously thinking about such a delightful thought. Jaune appeared once more in the door opening, smiling. "They'll send the food up soon. Weiss, are you alright?"

Salem could see the girl look up like a startled dove, her eyes looking at him, her gaze lingering a little, before it shifted to her.

"By all means, if you two wish me to leave…" She said, though she had no intention to leave. There would be an excuse, there would be something else… But she wanted to see how her son would work this girl like a fine instrument, playing her…

His hand touched Weiss', a brief moment spent with that touch, even as she seemed to lean closer. "Oh, please stay." He said, his smile bringing a thrum of pleasure to her heart. "Eating dinner together with you is better than leaving you to eat it alone." The look on her face was soft, schooled perfectly for her strong little man. 'You are already showing the traits of kindness…'

That was not a bad thing. Every woman desired to be loved by a man, that was the simple truth of the world. Every moment that they spent with their man, they would be enriched. She certainly had been.

"You teenagers can stay over here tonight. I have some business to attend to. Miss Schnee, your father has agreed to allow you to stay here for as long as you wish." The surprise on her face was enough to show that the girl had not expected this, her eyes looking at her with surprise. 'The powers I wield…'

She spotted his hand stroking over hers, the girl's face slightly red. 'Already entranced by the beautiful prince…' It wouldn't be long before she would succumb. Innocent girls like her were easiest when they were out of their element, with the love and care of a solid young man.

Her mind drifted, as she looked over the familiar paths and roads of her father's kingdom. A hope inside her heart blossomed for a beautiful prince, strong of body and sweet of disposition, taking her away on his white horse and making her his queen, his one and only. Her fingers could find nothing more to touch at the sight, even with how the world twisted around her father's court.

She dreamed of a man who would take her away, and when that door had finally opened, she had fallen for him. It had been love at first sight…

And then he died.

"But… Do you have a spare bed?" She asked, even as Jaune smiled, no doubt going to add his own two gold coins to the discussion.

"We can share a bed! I've done that enough with my sisters, it'll just be like a sleepover." The girl's blush turned tomato red, yet she did not deny it, her hesitant look at her almost pleading for permission…

'Sheltered girls… Such easy meat.'

They required a single man to tear open their façade, to expose the need within… The loneliness within them like an easy lock to wriggle a new key into… 'You will do well…'

"Oh, you can borrow a nightgown from me, if you must." There was of course the caveat that it would be something a little more mature than her innocent style, yet that was the danger of wearing other women's garments. As a princess, she never had to share… But for Jaune… A good mother made sure that her son's lover would wear something fitting…

"Thank you, Miss Umbra." The smile on her face was warm, even as she leaned against the table.

"Think of me as an aunt, of sorts… Perhaps a mother? Jaune is precious in my eyes." The girl would probably never find out how precious he was… But she was not expected to fully realize the power that the young man wielded. Her prince… her darling Jaune, would have the best of the best, even if she had to bleed the world dry of all its talents.

'My prince and husband deserves the finest of princesses to quench his desire into… And if he does wish to claim your body… You WILL give it.' She could see the urge in him already, could feel it inside him, burning and bubbling. It was a strange connection, yet she knew that he was a strong boy, a worthy boy… a good child and man.

"He's my friend, so… friends can sleep together, right?" She sounded far more hesitant than before, even as Jaune smiled at her.

"Of course. I've slept together with my oldest sister Saphron so often whilst she was dating her wife that it was normal to see her in her underwear… Or less." Salem did not frown, as the mention of the other members of his family was enough. "Mom always said that strangers are just friends you don't know yet."

The girl laughed, yet her eyes were waiting for him to do something, she could tell by the way that the girl's body angled itself. "Your mother is fairly wise to say so."

A friend that you could trust fully was such a ludicrous subject. You could trust your family and your pedigree. You could trust the people whose souls you hold ensnared with complete annihilation, who would be nothing without your say-so… But the others?

Tools for the use of her agents in order to make the world a better place… More in line with how SHE saw it.

As the doorbell rang, she decided to go for the door herself. Her immortality was something that allowed her a great deal of leeway with assassination attempts, even as she received the member of staff with a smile, wheeling the cart in herself. Such domestic tasks were below her, surely, but she would rather not spoil her boy's enjoyment of his new 'friend'.

"That smells great." Jaune commented, even as she placed the plate in front of him, setting the soup at her own plate and then serving Weiss. It was the logical order of things. Royalty first, concubines last. They were not the legal wife, like she was. She would be the one who would be queen… and Jaune…

Seated at the throne on her side, he looked down at the representation of the world, the shackled man before them pleading for mercy, as she merely watched him plea for the freedom to die, reminding her of the love that they had once shared.

The pale-haired girl, swollen with the next child of her glorious husband and prince, was already there, her body reared by her own hand into what would be the greatest gift for Jaune… her needs already subsumed by the will of Her, all for her Jaune.

It would be a dynasty that would last the ages…

"I must be gone for a while… If there is anything, please call for Tyrian." She had no prior engagements herself, yet it would be wise to let these two be for their romantic build-up…

The blood inside her bubbled with force, even as she left the two of them to their own devices.

Royalty had such burdening tasks… She would need to see about this 'friendship' thing becoming more of a courtship.

There WAS a precedent for such a thing, after all.

Queen Aeodred and her lover Maerdon Blackwood. Miles Aeront and the local wench... Such tales had been throughout her life, more than mere wistful fancies. Some she had set up herself, others had come naturally.

He looked at her, as the evening came closer. Around eleven, she had started to yawn, the game of Remnant: The Road to Revenge between them on their Scrolls having been a resounding loss for her, and the rematch taking entirely too long with the tactical advantages that she had attempted to have through 'insisting that she wanted to win with all the natural advantages of the Schnee'.

She flushed a little, even as the thin black nightgown was held up. "G-give me a moment." She mumbled, even as he pulled the hoodie off, unveiling the shirt that he wore underneath it. She made a soft sound of surprise, even as he turned away.

Her flesh pressed against the bed, her mouth violated by his tongue, her hands pinned above her head with not a single shred of motion allowed. Her screams like an echo of joy, even as he took her like a rampaging beast, her tongue dueling with his own as her enthusiasm mounted.

She shed her jacket, or at least he thought she did, moving through the motions that he'd heard (and seen) with his sisters more often than not, the faintest of sounds, even as she clothed herself. He plucked what passed for his sleeping pants, thin fabric that he hadn't even tried on last night, when his mama had slept with him, stepping into them. He turned around to see Weiss look at him, her cheeks flushed.

It was a sight that made dark urges rise within him, with the way that she filled out the lingerie being enough to draw his attention. In comparison to his sisters, she was a beauty. A wonderful girl who wanted to be his friend. "So… Let's get into bed."

She turned red, her gaze resting on his chest. "Y-yes… I need to be up at half past eight… I have a scheduled interview at eleven." He understood, as he came closer to her, smelling her scent. She didn't move away, instead leaning closer, getting into the bed. Her delicate white skin made him be reminded of his mama, how her own pale skin and white hair had worked.

He got in, and she brushed against him, freezing up. "Good night, Weiss." He said, giving her a smile and then shutting the lights off, her breathing a little hushed, as she exhaled softly, a small hand resting on his chest. "Thank you for being my friend."

"It is… it is my pleasure." He could faintly hear her whisper, as she came a little closer to him. "Good… good night." She whispered, and he gave a soft smile in her direction, not that she could see it, but it was still his intent.

He distantly felt how his mother entered the room, nearly an hour later, the door opening and closing with nary a sound, the woman striding ever closer, observing them. Weiss was close by, pressed against him. He felt soft lips press against his own and he moved a little, kissing right back, sliding his tongue into the mouth of the woman who he called mama. She stiffened a little, the emotions a mess, even as a leg brushed against his groin.

He didn't think much, pushing his tongue into her mouth, tasting the faint lingering aftertaste of Mistralian food, even as he moved his arm behind her head, keeping her locked there, a flash of white hair in his face, even as the familiar sound of a maternal exhale came from close by. His tongue explored that mouth in a kiss that held his love for the woman, even as she exhaled sharply, a moan that was somehow a little higher in pitch, as his hands brushed over her back.

"Hmhmmmm…" He mumbled, as his consciousness drifted back to the land of dreams, happy that his mama had given him a good night kiss.

Weiss Schnee, on the other hand, touched her lips, where she had just been kissed by the young man, who she had decided to graciously bestow a kiss upon whilst he slept, recalling how it felt to be kissed with such passion…

Her sleep would not come easy, even as a more pressing problem came to greet her, ever unaware of the crimson gaze which observed her every move, even as inexperienced hands slid over untrained flesh.

Had she known of the unseen observer, she would not have explored. Salem beheld every little motion that she made, even as Weiss explored the body of her first friend, part teenage curiosity, part hormone-fueled desire.

The dark shadow in the room remained where she was, even as Weiss moved the covers away a little, her fingers dancing, as she beheld that which had been inside another woman's depths. She did not hear the hiss of displeasure, nor did she notice the way that the shadows seemed to deepen. Her own deeper breaths of excitement and tension worked to shroud those sounds, as her hand moved slowly, touching that which she had only heard of in her own private teacher's books, that which she was now laying her hands upon, the body responding.

Had she looked to her right, she would have seen the smouldering gaze of Salem, queen of the Grimm, gazing at her with murder in her eyes. Every little heavy breath that Jaune took, the look increasing in its fierceness and murderous nature, as the woman suppressed the urges inside her.

Alas…

She was entranced by the young man who had run roughshod over her expectations.

Ooh! Weiss explores his body! The kiss was her 'gratitude' for a wonderful date. Too bad that he deepened the kiss upon feeling his mama enter the room, with the darkness adding the shadows to her face to fully obscure the identity of the pale-haired woman he was kissing… and Weiss got curious about boys right after that kiss. Insert fairytale allusion.

Yeah... Salem's reaction is pretty predictable.