p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria walks into the stable the next morning and breathes in the sweet and earthy smell of the hay and the horses. Mary had been kind enough to promise her the use of her mare during her stay in France and as an accomplished rider, she was looking forward to having the freedom that comes with riding. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"As she brushes down her mount, Dria becomes aware of a presence behind her. "Do you often sneak up on women in such a precarious position? A horse could spook and injure her." She says sarcastically before turning around and smiling at Lord Narcisse. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You know, the stable boys are here to prepare your horse for you?" Narcisse replies, instead of answering her question. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Ah, but what better way to ensure your horse won't leave you stranded than to work with it, tend to its needs so in your moments of hopelessness, it won't abandon you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He smirks at this. "I did not know the Scots were so fond of their animals."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria laughs outright at this and Stephan decides in that moment he's never heard something that sounded finer. "You would be right on that account. Nevertheless, I am a bit anxious for our ride and I'd like to prepare for all possible outcomes."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Whyever would you be anxious?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Your reputation proceeds you. There must be hundreds of stories…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: center;" align="center"*The Previous Evening*/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You were dancing rather closely with Lord Narcisse." Kenna, one of Mary's ladies, says as Alexandria joins her, Lola and Greer, having just left Narcisse on the balcony./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""He's a fine dancer." Dria says absentmindedly, watching as he maintains eye contact with her while dancing with some nobleman's daughter./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""That's not all apparently."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""What do you mean by that?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"The three other girls look around, making sure no one would overhear them. They take Dria by her hands and drag her to a secluded corner of the ballroom. "There is a journal." Lola whispers. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""A journal? I'm afraid I don't understand."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Written by a lady here at court, or at least someone who was here a while ago." Lola continues before thinking twice and keeping quiet./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Well don't stop now."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""There were entries of this man, a lover to tower the rest. The only description she gave was of a birthmark in the shape of a butterfly, on the inside of his right wrist." Kenna adds. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""And what does this have to do with Lord Narcisse?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""At Greer's wedding celebration Lola saw the butterfly birthmark upon his wrist."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Where is the journal now?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Later that night, after receiving her task from her sister, Alexandria sat upon the chaise lounge in her room and opened the journal to the book-marked page./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Her cheeks enflame the further she gets into the entry. It shouldn't leave her this hot and bothered… but it did. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: center;" align="center"*Present Day*/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You haven't even been in court a week and yet you've managed to hear about some of our most extreme… rumors." Narcisse says, eyeing her with a heated gaze. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Rumors my sister's ladies were all too insistent I needed to hear. It makes me wonder if there is any truth in it."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""A precaution to save your virtue, I'm sure." Dria mounted her horse, and once Narcisse was situated in his saddle, they take off. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Do they need to be? Precautionary, that is?" she asks a little while later as they ride through the forest bordering the north-side of the castle. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I don't take things without explicit consent." He states, smiling devilishly at her. "And seeing as how I haven't killed you yet…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Yet court is so willing to remind those of your past doings."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""And what conclusion have you come to Princess?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Firstly, that titles are long-winded and unnecessary. Alexandria, or even Dria, will suffice."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""As long as you call me Stephan." After she inclines her head to this he adds, "And the second?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I am a well-educated woman and it is hard to fool me on things such as intentions. As such, I'd like to wait and cast my own opinions on you." He seems relieved to hear this. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You are a breath of fresh air in these otherwise dingy lands."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria laughs and the sound echoes off the nooks and crannies of the forest. "I'm sure the other ladies of the court would be devastated to hear you say such a thing."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Oh to be sure as they're lining up outside my quarters, waiting for a turn."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Well then, you have little use for me."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""On the contrary, I find myself drawn to you, like a moth to flame."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You're dangerous." Dria says with a small smile. "Your words are beautiful and smooth, like honey. But I can't help but want to listen to my head and stay as far away from you as possible."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""And what does your heart tell you?" He pulls his horse to a stop and turns it to look her in the eyes. He smirks at her quick intake of breath./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""That there is more goodness in you than meets the eye, more than even you probably are aware of." She holds his gaze for a while before he turns away, uncomfortable with the intensity./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""We should head back." He says and pushes his horse into a gallop, leaving Dria to follow behind in his dust. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He's already back at the stable by the time she trots in, brushing out his steed. "Were you seriously going to leave me in the woods?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""My apologies, princess." He says rather haughtily before bowing to her and moving to leave. She grabs his arm, stopping him from leaving. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"She turns to the stable hands. "Leave us." They nod and all take off in different directions. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Your ability to clear a room rivals your sister's." He deadpans./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""We learned from our father." She sasses back. "Why do you run from me? I scare you that much?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He scoffs. "Of course not. You think a young girl can scare a lord?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Alexandria laughs outright at him. "Clearly, otherwise you wouldn't be running from me, or who you really are."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You have no idea who I really am." He looks away but she places a hand lightly on his cheek. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I like to think I'm a good judge of character, and I take my personal safety very seriously. If you were as dark as people say, you would have tried something while we've been alone."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He turns into her hand, eyes closed, relishing in her touch. "What if I was merely tricking you, putting up a front for you to lower your walls?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Then I guess I'm just going to go out on faith." She whispers, their lips a breath away from each other. His hand comes up to hold hers at his face before he captures her lips with his. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria's hands leave his face and immediately move to the back of his neck, pulling Stephan even closer as his fingers dance down her clothed spine, lighting a fire in her nerve endings with each passing touch. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He nips at her lip and she moans out, allowing him to press his tongue into her mouth, teasing her tongue into a dance. He backs her up until her back hits the stable wall and she breaks away from his lips to groan out. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Stephan takes that moment to attack her neck, kissing and sucking his way down the column of her throat. The sound of incoming hoofbeats forces them apart, righting their clothes and Stephan wiping his mouth to rid himself of her lip stain./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You are more than you allow them to see." She whispers before turning her horse over to a stable boy out in the hall and leaving him with his thoughts. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"How easily she was able to awaken a part of him he'd forced down for so many years. This simply wouldn't do. Bleeding hearts did not have a place at court; they didn't survive. Nor did they last in the house of Narcisse… no matter how beautiful Princess Alexandria of Scots was. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"As she brushes down her mount, Dria becomes aware of a presence behind her. "Do you often sneak up on women in such a precarious position? A horse could spook and injure her." She says sarcastically before turning around and smiling at Lord Narcisse. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You know, the stable boys are here to prepare your horse for you?" Narcisse replies, instead of answering her question. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Ah, but what better way to ensure your horse won't leave you stranded than to work with it, tend to its needs so in your moments of hopelessness, it won't abandon you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He smirks at this. "I did not know the Scots were so fond of their animals."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria laughs outright at this and Stephan decides in that moment he's never heard something that sounded finer. "You would be right on that account. Nevertheless, I am a bit anxious for our ride and I'd like to prepare for all possible outcomes."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Whyever would you be anxious?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Your reputation proceeds you. There must be hundreds of stories…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: center;" align="center"*The Previous Evening*/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You were dancing rather closely with Lord Narcisse." Kenna, one of Mary's ladies, says as Alexandria joins her, Lola and Greer, having just left Narcisse on the balcony./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""He's a fine dancer." Dria says absentmindedly, watching as he maintains eye contact with her while dancing with some nobleman's daughter./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""That's not all apparently."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""What do you mean by that?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"The three other girls look around, making sure no one would overhear them. They take Dria by her hands and drag her to a secluded corner of the ballroom. "There is a journal." Lola whispers. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""A journal? I'm afraid I don't understand."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Written by a lady here at court, or at least someone who was here a while ago." Lola continues before thinking twice and keeping quiet./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Well don't stop now."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""There were entries of this man, a lover to tower the rest. The only description she gave was of a birthmark in the shape of a butterfly, on the inside of his right wrist." Kenna adds. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""And what does this have to do with Lord Narcisse?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""At Greer's wedding celebration Lola saw the butterfly birthmark upon his wrist."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Where is the journal now?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Later that night, after receiving her task from her sister, Alexandria sat upon the chaise lounge in her room and opened the journal to the book-marked page./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Her cheeks enflame the further she gets into the entry. It shouldn't leave her this hot and bothered… but it did. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: center;" align="center"*Present Day*/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You haven't even been in court a week and yet you've managed to hear about some of our most extreme… rumors." Narcisse says, eyeing her with a heated gaze. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Rumors my sister's ladies were all too insistent I needed to hear. It makes me wonder if there is any truth in it."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""A precaution to save your virtue, I'm sure." Dria mounted her horse, and once Narcisse was situated in his saddle, they take off. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Do they need to be? Precautionary, that is?" she asks a little while later as they ride through the forest bordering the north-side of the castle. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I don't take things without explicit consent." He states, smiling devilishly at her. "And seeing as how I haven't killed you yet…"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Yet court is so willing to remind those of your past doings."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""And what conclusion have you come to Princess?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Firstly, that titles are long-winded and unnecessary. Alexandria, or even Dria, will suffice."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""As long as you call me Stephan." After she inclines her head to this he adds, "And the second?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I am a well-educated woman and it is hard to fool me on things such as intentions. As such, I'd like to wait and cast my own opinions on you." He seems relieved to hear this. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You are a breath of fresh air in these otherwise dingy lands."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria laughs and the sound echoes off the nooks and crannies of the forest. "I'm sure the other ladies of the court would be devastated to hear you say such a thing."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Oh to be sure as they're lining up outside my quarters, waiting for a turn."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Well then, you have little use for me."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""On the contrary, I find myself drawn to you, like a moth to flame."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You're dangerous." Dria says with a small smile. "Your words are beautiful and smooth, like honey. But I can't help but want to listen to my head and stay as far away from you as possible."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""And what does your heart tell you?" He pulls his horse to a stop and turns it to look her in the eyes. He smirks at her quick intake of breath./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""That there is more goodness in you than meets the eye, more than even you probably are aware of." She holds his gaze for a while before he turns away, uncomfortable with the intensity./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""We should head back." He says and pushes his horse into a gallop, leaving Dria to follow behind in his dust. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He's already back at the stable by the time she trots in, brushing out his steed. "Were you seriously going to leave me in the woods?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""My apologies, princess." He says rather haughtily before bowing to her and moving to leave. She grabs his arm, stopping him from leaving. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"She turns to the stable hands. "Leave us." They nod and all take off in different directions. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Your ability to clear a room rivals your sister's." He deadpans./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""We learned from our father." She sasses back. "Why do you run from me? I scare you that much?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He scoffs. "Of course not. You think a young girl can scare a lord?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Alexandria laughs outright at him. "Clearly, otherwise you wouldn't be running from me, or who you really are."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You have no idea who I really am." He looks away but she places a hand lightly on his cheek. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""I like to think I'm a good judge of character, and I take my personal safety very seriously. If you were as dark as people say, you would have tried something while we've been alone."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He turns into her hand, eyes closed, relishing in her touch. "What if I was merely tricking you, putting up a front for you to lower your walls?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""Then I guess I'm just going to go out on faith." She whispers, their lips a breath away from each other. His hand comes up to hold hers at his face before he captures her lips with his. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Dria's hands leave his face and immediately move to the back of his neck, pulling Stephan even closer as his fingers dance down her clothed spine, lighting a fire in her nerve endings with each passing touch. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"He nips at her lip and she moans out, allowing him to press his tongue into her mouth, teasing her tongue into a dance. He backs her up until her back hits the stable wall and she breaks away from his lips to groan out. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"Stephan takes that moment to attack her neck, kissing and sucking his way down the column of her throat. The sound of incoming hoofbeats forces them apart, righting their clothes and Stephan wiping his mouth to rid himself of her lip stain./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;""You are more than you allow them to see." She whispers before turning her horse over to a stable boy out in the hall and leaving him with his thoughts. /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"How easily she was able to awaken a part of him he'd forced down for so many years. This simply wouldn't do. Bleeding hearts did not have a place at court; they didn't survive. Nor did they last in the house of Narcisse… no matter how beautiful Princess Alexandria of Scots was. /p