Emotional Roller Coaster Chapter.
Chapter 15
If You want Me, Marry Me.
Varian sat on the steps of the Orphanage with Petey. The ice cream running down Pete's little face and hands. The two scowling out at the world. Things were not going as either one of them wanted, and they were making it show.
"I told you those girls are bad news." Petey sighed.
Varian nodded in complete agreement, "If only I had sought your wise counsel sooner, boy."
"Sometimes, we men, just have to learn the hard way. When I first thought I liked Arie, I wanted to be by her all the time. But then she just started beating me up." Petey confided. The little face turning to look up at Varian. "She stopped sitting by me at lunch so I just pushed her off the bench. Then she beat me up. I wanted her to play with me rather, then talking to the other girls, so I pulled her pigtail, she beat me up. I tried to say I was sorry by kissing her on the cheek..."
Varian nodded again, "She beat you up."
Petey sighed, "Girls are bad news."
"Indeed." Varian was enjoying the child's time. It was much better then being in the keep. There he was being bombarded with requests by every single Nobleman in his entire Kingdom. Maybe not that extreme, but as time was passing more and more were making their way to Stormwind to present their suit as a possible candidate for Fox's affection. The more time that past, the more men that were showing up. Stormwind was practically bursting with them.
Petey reached out with his sticky fingers to pat Varian's lion headed shoulder pad. "Do you think Fox would beat you up, if you tried to kiss her on the cheek?"
"No." Varian smiled. "She doesn't."
"You should ask her to marry you then." The boy drummed his little fingers in careful thought. "She's pretty, and she likes to play games. Matron Nightingale doesn't play games. She just yells at us for being to loud or wandering off to far."
Varian reached over and set Petey on his lap, "I will tell you a secret." Varian whispered, "I did ask her to marry me. She said no."
"Why?" Petey's eyes grew wide.
Varian shrugged, "I don't really know."
"You want me to ask her for you?" The little hands reached out to rest on Varian's in support.
Varian smiled down at the boy. "You know, I think I will do that myself. It's a smart idea."
"Of course it was. It was mine." Petey leaned his head against Varian and yawned.
"Are you sleeping at night Petey?
"I don't like the dark. You can't see the undead when you sleep." The boy bolted up rubbing his eyes.
Varian felt his gut twist, and placed a hand on the child's head. "It's okay, son. You can rest here. I am the King of Stormwind. No one is going to harm you while I am around."
The child relaxed a few moments later and Varian looked down to see he had finally drifted off. How many more of these children had terrible memories like his own? He had promised to make Stormwind a safe place for his people. He must never faulter in his efforts.
O0O0O0O0O0O
Shaw and Wood leaned over the ledgers. "So even though Winchester was the front man, it was Lord Remington who funded the hit on Fox?" Wood looked up to see the Lady Lothar fussing at her finger nails.
Shaw didn't need to look up. "Leave them alone Fox." He called. She had been at it for days. The longer they got the more upset she became.
"I can't help it! How am I suppose to grip my daggers with talons like these?" Fox actually whined. The sound of her own voice causing her to flinch. "Someone get Amber to shoot me. I am starting to sound like the rest of them."
"You can plan out your escape from Ladyship, after we locate and removed the corrupted and over powered Noble houses, Fox. Until then you are one hell of a distraction, and exactly the break we have been needing." Shaw sighed and ran his finger down the list of names. "It looks like most of them are in the city now to seek your favor."
"Great! Care to make me a list of acceptable matches?" Fox put her hand out and wiggled her fingers at him.
"No. I am more interested in seeing you close to the unacceptable one." Shaw made a list and handed it to Wood.
Wood walking over to hand it to Fox.
"Those are the ones I want you to work on first. Flirt your pretty little ass off, Fox. Get then drunk, make them talk." The spymaster looked across the room, "Once we see just how detailed and connected this web is, we will takeout the critical strands. There is no way of stopping the spider without giving up the Monarchy, but we can muck them up for a while."
"Lady Lothar?" A voice was heard at the door.
Fox looked over the list for a moment. Folding it she pressed it down her bust line. Assured no one was getting their hands in there. "Yes?"
"It's that time."
She looked to the window. The sun was starting to set again. Which meant rushing back to the keep before the lamps were lit, like some sort of a child. But then it would be dinner. Varian, Anduin and Genn were always in attendance. Fox had to admit, she enjoyed the time in their company so much.
Greymane was exactly what she had originally assumed. He was intelligent, and the wisdom he had gained over the years leading the Gilneans was vast. She could listen to him talk of past deeds for hours. Entrancing stories and epic tales of battles, that were vastly superior to any child fairy tale, because they were all true.
Anduin on the other hand was fresh with youthful vision. He saw the world through the untainted eyes of his father and Greymane. Plus Anduin wasn't slack of wit. The debates between the new and old was not lost on Fox.
Varian, however, never seemed to pay any attention to the other two. She could see his control slipping. His desire to return to the times he could simply pull her onto his lap, and ravish her mouth with his own, was evident in the lingering stares.
Anduin had even noticed it. Taking the initiative, in challenging Greymane to what has turned into the longest game of Chess, Fox had ever heard of. It had lasted four days now. She was having her doubts the two were actually playing anymore. That they were just leaving Varian and herself alone in hopes the two would reconcile and announce the engagement.
Fox sighed, as she mounted the white horse they had brought out for her. She was on a mission to infiltrate the Nobles of Stormwind. Rolling over and accepting Varian now would end this grand opportunity. So as much as she would enjoy dinner. It was desert that left her trembling in anticipation.
Varian acted the gentlemen in all outward forms. But those eyes. She could feel them on her. If she wasn't careful and dared to look into them she could feel the burning heat rise in the pit of her stomach. Even caught herself walking toward him rather then the door on several occasions. Fox wanted back in his arms and in his bed so very badly, but then what?
That was where things got murky. A life as a Queen. Could she live it? The answer was clear. Yes, she could. The life of a Queen Consort, no. Completely answerable to a man's will just felt like the blasted slave collar was being clasped around her neck again. She was hanging in the cage in Orgrimmar at the simple thought of it.
Fox came off her mount and started for the stairs, but her path was blocked. Looking up to see who her guards would let this close. She almost faltered in her Lady act and struck Lord Winchester the moment she realized. This was not how she intended to meet the man who had ordered her death.
"Lady Lothar! I have been so eager to meet you." He bowed before her. "I have come to the keep everyday since your arrival. You can not imagine my disappointment thus far that you have not been in."
Fox lifted her hands so he could take it. "My apologizes Lord?" She pretended not to know him. A slight tilt of her head as she waited for him to reply. No use having him aware of more then he should be.
"Ah! My name is Lord Edward Winchester." He took her hand and kissed it, but then refused to let it go as he added, "And I am ever at your service, Lady Lothar."
Fox struggled not to pull her hands back, and wipe it on her skirts. "The honor is mine." She nailed a sweet tone like an expert.
"May I escort you inside?" His sparkling green eyes almost danced.
Fox would have thought him handsome if not for the fact she knew he was rotten to the core. She gently curled her fingers over his palm and leaned in, "But my Lord, were you not just leaving?"
"How could I leave now when I have just stumbled across the most breathtakingly gorgeous woman I have ever seen." He gushed with complements.
"I do hope you got her name." Fox laughed. It was no small effort to keep her condensation from it.
"Indeed I have. Perhaps she will allow me to stroll her through the gardens behind the keep? Although I fear the flowers will pale at her beauty." Winchester settled her arm on his and started escorting her up the stairs.
Fox digested his words slowly. Even still, the sugar of it all made her want to vomit.
"Lady Lothar."
Varian's voice brought her around. "King Wyrnn!" She broke her hand free of Winchester. Lifting her skirts she rushed back down the stairs toward Varian. Hoping it looked as if she was just over eager to see him. The plan was to make Winchester fear his competition, but not allow him to suspect there was none. "I had not realized you were out."
"I was visiting with the orphans. They miss you, by the way. I see you have just returned from the SI-7." Looking over her head at Winchester, he added with acid. "And you brought a guest. Wonderful." The last word burned with a catch of annoyance.
"Winchester has just offered to take me on a tour of the gardens." Fox smiled at the twitching eyebrow of her beloved King.
Varian looked at her face, then up at Winchester. "I must decline on her behalf. You see we are to dine soon, and Greymane and my son are awaiting us." With that Varian reached down to interlock his fingers with Fox's. Then made to walk right past Winchester.
"Your Highness? I hate to be a burden," Winchester called from behind them. They all knew he really didn't care. This intrusion was quite intentional. Not liking the advantage given to Varian by his royal station and proximity to the Lady Lothar, "But have you had a chance to look over my proposed letter of intent toward the Lady? It has been quite a while, and I have yet to hear anything. I do wish my feelings be made known to her."
"I have received and read it. I will give it my utmost attention." Varian looked down at the man and added with infliction, "Later."
"How much later? I would like to know when I will receive my confirmation correspondence?"
Varian tried to drop Fox's hand, but she clung tighter. The long nails biting into his palm drawing his attention back to her. He looked down at Fox. "I will discuss the matter this evening with her Ladyship. You will hear back from me soon."
And with that he turned and ushered Fox into the keep.
Once they were further in and set away from others Fox told him, "Thank you for saving me from him, Varian. I was starting to fear I would find myself stuck in the gardens."
"Fox, I hate this entire thing." Varian swung around on her. He moved to press her against the wall looking down with those mind melting blue eyes, "Why are you refusing my suit if you truly prefer my company to theirs? I honestly do not understand it."
"I have my reasons." She whispered, her eyes going to his lips. The ability to think slipping away.
He gave a tired sigh, "I am trying to have a serious conversation with you Fox. Stop giving me the take me now look. Because we know where that will lead us in the long run."
"Stop making me want to be taken." She leaned up and set her lips on his. The hands combing through his hair. Forgetting they were completely in the open should anyone come down the hallway.
Varian broke the kiss, but did not pull away. Fox grabbing hold of his shoulder pads as she settled her lips to his neck. "Why now? Anduin and Greymane are expecting us." He groaned looking at the ceiling. His body reacting against his will to her assault.
"They will realize we aren't coming when the food grows cold." She breathed deep the scent of him. Gods he was driving her mad being this close. Knowing what he was capable of doing to her. It had been so long.
"And they will know what we were about, when we both fail to arrive." Varian stepped back lifting her hands off him, "Let me be clear Fox, if you want me, marry me."
She stared as he retreated. The burning of her body screaming YES! A trembling hand finding it's way to her mouth to hold the cry back. So great her effort a trickle of blood rolling across the back of it. With a few deep breaths, she turned away and headed for her room. Damn it Varian! There would be no food for her tonight. If she followed him she would be engaged and begging for an official seal before the second course was out.
O0O0O0O0O
"A royal ball?" Fox was spun in a circle as measurements were taken. She looked over at the head designer.
"Yes, Lady Lothar. The King wants you turned out in the very best gown I can make. He said you should look like." The woman inclined her head. The eye widening just a bit. "A Queen."
"Then I hope you are very good with magic and illusions." Fox wish Lady Proudmoore was there to make this go easier for her like the last time.
The seamstresses giggled. One looking up with gorgeous pale lavender eyes. "Is the King really so smitten with you, my Lady?"
"Girls! You should not be so informal with the Lady Lothar!" The superior snapped quickly. Worried that they would offend.
"It's fine. I prefer their candid talk." Fox cast a pleading glance at the other woman.
"Fine. I must admit they are only asking the same things I am thinking. But if anyone here talks, it will be your jobs, and I will see no one hires you in all of Elwynn."
"Is it true you lived among the commoners all your life?" Another woman asked holding out some sample materials for Fox to touch.
"Lower in fact. I am a Rogue." Fox smiled proudly at the women as they stopped working to look up at her.
"You mean you were a Rogue." The head Designer put a hand to her chest. The eyes large with delight.
Fox laughed and waved a finger. "No, King Wyrnn has gifted me control over the SI-7 presently. I am still very much a Rogue. But I have retired my Stormwind Assassin title."
And Fox suddenly found herself becoming something of a heroic icon to the women of Stormwind. That she liked. What she didn't like was the after ripples that had whisperings, saying Lady Lothar was just the kind of woman this kingdom needed on the throne. That only added to her pressure that was already suffocating her enough as it was.
O0O0O0O0O0O
Shaw turned up in formal attire. The black dress coat was adorn with blue and gold commendations that made him look like a peacock. There would be no subtly for him this night. The red hair was tossed around on his head, and the beard had been carefully trimmed.
Fox placed a hand to her mouth as he approached.
"Not one word. I am only here as back up for you. These events are more tiresome to attend then watching over. All the bland meaningless conversations will be the death of us before the night is out."
"Well, you look positively Roguish!" Fox leaned in and kissed his cheek. "I had no idea you cleaned up so well."
Mathias scanned the crowd. Most eyes on the pair. "I try to keep it a secret, but seeing the attention we have garnered, looks like that one is out of the bag."
"Most of them are the Nobles seeking to gain my attention." Fox turned her back and reached for a glass that had been set on the table.
"You are not going to drink that!" Shaw started to panic. A very rare feeling for him. Since he was always expecting the worst.
"Of course I am. It's Varian's apple cider." Fox raised a single eye brow as she sipped it as delicately as any champagne. "No way I am going to let my guard drop and expose one of my weaknesses."
"So the ability to kill them all for a mere slight is a weakness?" Mathias whispered to her. Pointing out just how silly that was in reality.
Fox was about to answer when Winchester approached. "Lady Lothar! I am so happy that King set this night up so that we could all have a chance to bask in your radiance."
Shaw choked on his drink, from his place behind Winchester.
"Lord Wincherster." Fox raised a hand to her cheek with a slight blush, "You flatter me so."
"It's not flattery that caused me to fight my way across the room to your side, my dear. Please call me Edward. Lord Winchester makes it sound as if we are strangers. Seeing as I intend to make you my wife, it seems rather odd."
"Edward then." Fox curved up the corners of her mouth in a warm smile.
Winchester brightened and took her drink from her hand. Passing it to Shaw as if he were a mere servant. "Take this. I want to claim the first dance with the Lady Lothar."
Fox knew what was expected of her. Without muttering the complaint that ran through her mind, she dropped her hand in Winchester's. "As you wish, my Lord."
Leading her to the floor, as everyone moved away he whispered, "Oh I do like the sound of that from your mouth, my Lady."
And Lord Winchester was a skilled dancer, but his practiced moves did nothing next to Fox. The crimson red dress was tailored right. It formed around her breasts and tight to her hips. The crafty seamstresses allowing it to flare open at her knees to expose a slit full of pure lace. It was a masterpiece in form and function. Because of need be she could actually fight in it. Because of this she had tip well, and commissioned more clothing from the shop. They had her utter devotion now. Along with her thanks.
A two twirled around and the signal was given allowing other couples to join the dancing pair. The music filtering around the room in a lively tune.
"I know I am being forward, but I must know. How seriously are you taking the King's suit?" Winchester stared down into her chocolate eyes.
"If you are asking, if I am sleeping with him, then yes I am." Fox said boldly. She loved as he stumbled over his own feet. "But for a formal suit, no there is not much there. Is it your intention to offer one?'
Winchester glared over at the King Wyrnn. The large warrior surrounded by a group of people. He stood above them all. The blue eyes narrowing on Winchester in clear warning when it came to Fox. "Yes, I do. However it looks like our King means to make trouble in that department for me."
"Aside sleeping with me nightly?" Fox blinked up at him. A face of innocence belaying her words.
"I would prefer you refrain from such acts with him and give me an honest chance."
Fox was taken aback in her mind. She was certain that would have turned the man's pursuit off in a wintery blast, and she said as much, "So you do not have a problem with me being intimate with King Wyrnn?"
"You are the lady Lothar. Who am I to curb your entertainments. I would only ask you to be loyal a short time in our marriage, so I can be assure that the heir you give me is mine."
There they went with the bloodline again. Fox inwardly cursed Anduin Lothar for leaving her in this situation. She was nothing more then a piece of freshly cut prime roast in a den of predators. All eager for a larger portion then the last.
After the dance was over they bowed to each other and Winchester escorted her to Varian. "May I say that Lady Lothar is the best dancing partner that I ever had." Then the man said flatly. "Perhaps you should try your luck on the floor, King Wyrnn."
Fox could not understand why the Lord would suggest that. Then looking to Varian saw his furious expression. It only took her a moment to realize that the masterful Warrior who was skilled in combat could not dance.
Varian was saved from admitting this to Fox, when Lord Remington brought up his son Bennet. Quickly ushering Fox to the floor her hand firmly wrapped in the strong grip of the younger Lord Remington.
The music started and Fox found herself moving around another very skilled Noble. One that was not as reserved with his hand placements. "So Lady Lothar, how do you feel about my father's attempt to match us up."
"Really is that what this is about?" She shifted his hand off her rear. Watching him brighten at her displeasure.
"You don't have to pretend with me, Lady Lothar. We are more alike then you think."
Fox seriously doubted that one. "Care to explain?"
The man lifted her by the waist did a sharp turn, and set her down. Moving back and then coming close again. "I too prefer the freedom of being unattached. But unlike you, who have little choice in your marriage to King Wyrnn, I am going to keep my life style.
"Bennet Remington are you worried I will marry King Wyrnn?" Fox twirled under his arm. The man was very skilled on the dance floor. It was clear he was taking his time impressing her.
"No. Lady Lothar, I long for it. The mixing of Lothar and Royal house of Wyrnn is a dream come true to me."
'How so."
Because I have quite a few mistresses that have produced several bastards already. So I have my choice of matches to your and Wyrnn's future issue. It's a two for one deal, that could only benefit me as the winner. Marrying you is to short sighted, but my father fails to realize this." Bennet smiled down as Fox felt her body grow cold at his words. "But should I have a choice, I say give him a daughter. I am sure one of my sons would enjoy the delectable results."
Fox could not hide the shudder of revulsion. But Bennet misread her thoughts. "If the idea excites you so, I would not mind us forming a casual relationship. But only after I am assured you have been properly bred to King Wyrnn."
Fox stumbled in her footing. It was all she could do to keep moving, and fix her smile up at that man. There were so many people staring. In her mind she floundered around for way to get him in the garden. Out to the canal... Anywhere she and Bennet would be alone would do. Then she would kill him! Choke him with her garterbelt as he deserved. Wanting to watch his eyes bug from his head as he turned from red to purple to blue and then eventual ashen gray of the death. A death he so deserved for daring to suggest something like that about her child!
"I see you agree." He leaned to whisper in her ear. "The rise and fall of your breasts gives away the hot pant of your lust. Very well, let me get you off the floor so Wyrnn can properly see to you."
Never in her life had she wanted to kill someone so very badly! Fox was almost numb when her hand was returned to Varian's. But Fox pulled it away fast. She had never felt so dirty and defiled in her entire life.
Shaw was right! The Noble minds were beyond the crazy she knew. She looked at the master spy and he raised a glass of champagne to her as if to say "Told you so."
Fox looked out at the crowd and realized that she only really knew two of the Noble so far. Winchester who had ordered her assassination, and Remington, who was to sick minded for words. What other monstrosities did this set hold? Suddenly guarding her stomach unconsciously. Wanting to protect something that wasn't even there.
She refused the next dance offered to her. Choosing to watch the other dancers. It was then Fox saw her. A lovely young woman with the light brown hair in the arms of a Noble Fox knew all to well. His reputation proceeded him, after trying and being expelled from the SI-7, Noble Lord Jonathan Devereaux.
Shaw came to Fox's side and indicated the pair. "Look who actually showed up."
"I see him. Whose the victim."
"Braelyn Hawke, her parents are standing right over there." Shaw lifted a glass to them. "Seems they just announce her engagement to Devereaux."
Fox felt her chin come up as her eyes locked on the girl. There was no look of joy on this Braelyn's face at all. And Fox detected that the girl knew just as well as every member of the SI-7 that Devereaux, or Jack, was on of the bad Nobles. "No. just no."
"Fox. You do not have time for side quests. Your mission is imperative right now, and you need to stay focused one it."
"And throw the girl to that... that..." An image of Winchester and Remington passed through her mind. What would it be like to actually have to marry those men. To have no choice? The music stopped and Fox reached out and took the glass from Shaw. She started forward, making her way to the couple.
"Fox." Shaw hissed after her. "I forbid..."
"You forbid her what?" Varian came to Shaw's side. Turning trying to see where his Lady had gone.
Shaw face palmed and pointed out to where Fox was coming between the young couple. Taking Shaws champagne and tossing it into Braelyn Hawke's face before the entire ball room.
Author Note: Brealyn Hawke, her parents, and Jonathan Devereaux belong to Mythique, and are in her fanfic series. The most current being Return to the Keep, which features Braelyn as Varian's love interest and Queen. I find it amazing that the OCs fit so well with one I would have needed to create. She has been gracious enough to allow me to use her established ones.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I will be back with another... eh sometime soon!