Raiyne/ Juniper Victorian romance (private)

  Amberlee tried her best to get Andres away, but she failed. He wouldn't listen to her. Cassandra's magic is too strong, she's overwhelming him, she thought in a desperate panic. Her heart ached as he let her go, and took hold of Cassandra instead. And then he kissed her and Amberlee's entire world just shattered. Her knees buckled and she collapsed onto the ground, weeping profusely. She remained where she was when Cassandra and Andres walked inside.
Cassandra looked back at Amberlee over her shoulder and grinned wickedly. He's mine now, and there's nothing you can do can change that. To make sure, I'll bind him to me in marriage as soon as possible, she thought wickedly.

Claude's gaze drifted to Cassandra when she and Andres entered the room, the lord's hand around her waist. Then his gaze drifted to Andres, then his hand upon his sister. He grinned, well done, little sister, it seems you've managed to catch him after all. Which means Amberlee is ripe for harvesting, he thought wickedly. "Oh no, I wouldn't want to intrude on you two love birds," he grinned, "I have things to attend to." His eyes spoke the words his lips did not, I have prey to hunt. 
"My brother is such a bore," Cassandra giggled, "come, I would get to know you better. In private," she purred, pulling Andres out of the room, away from the crowd and up the mahogany stairs.
Claude chuckled low in his throat, "turns out they may well be in love with one another. Seems the marriage between them may well be a possibility," he said with no shortage of satisfaction to Hector.

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Meanwhile, up in the bedroom, Cassandra grinned at Andres when he immediately went to the bed. She inwardly sighed though when Andres once again thought of Amberlee. This is so annoying, why do your thoughts keep going back to that little weed? she thought, no matter, I guess I'll have to do something more drastic to keep you as mine. Bind you to me forever. She prowled closer to him and slid onto his lap. She listened to his question about the horses. "Well, my brother will never simply give away one of his horses, they cost to much to acquire. But, he might make an exception for a very special occasion," she purred, then leaned in and kissed him deeply, a possessive and claiming kiss, giving her charm time to really sink it's claws into Andres. She broke off the kiss to whisper, "you could ask for my hand in marriage, and then not only will my mare join your herd, but he may well give you another, as a gift of congratulations," she brushed her lips against his. Then she moved to kissing his neck, "in fact, why wait for a ceremony?" she whispered the words against his skin, "we could bind the marriage here and now, and have the ceremony later. Wouldn't you want that, my beloved lord?" she asked, her kisses becoming more sensual and touches more suggestive.

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When Hector left in search of Amberlee, Claude silently followed after, keeping to the shadows. Stubborn old fool, you'll ruin everything if you give that girl hope, he growled to himself. But his concern instantly vanished when he saw the complete state Amberlee was in. He almost felt sorry for her. 
Almost.
A wicked grin tugged on his lips as he remained hidden, watching and listening.
Amberlee had wept so much, the skirt of her dress was near soaked. She was trembling and cold, but none of that seemed to register over the pain in her heart. Even though she knew it was a spell, even though she knew he had been charmed, it shattered her heart to see her love, her prince not only hold but kiss another. She barely registered the presence of lord Hector, mumbling an apology for being in such a state through the tears. She was so surprised by his kindness and understanding. She always assumed he would not approve of her because she wasn't a royal, or any sort of noble, but here he was practically saying she could marry his son.
Hearing that made Claude growl, his mind racing to find a way to stop that from happening.
"I can...I will bring for him a trinket," Amberlee managed through her tears, trying to compose herself, "please, you must ensure he wears it at all times, my lord. I...he told me that he's susceptible to magic. This trinket will help guard him against it," she explained, then looked to the moon above, "protection trinkets can only be made during the full moon," she said as that pain shot through her heart again. Because of her emotional state, her own magic began shifting and moving, tugging against the restraints holding it back. Her gaze returned to Hector's, "I love him, my lord, with all my heart," she confessed, placing a hand over her heart, "I would never hurt him. Or betray him. Even now," she whispered, realizing that truth for herself.
When Hector hugged her, she first tensed, but then relaxed and returned his embrace, holding on to him until she felt like she was okay enough to focus once again. When he released her, she wiped her tears. The fear and panic in her eyes was replaced with determination. "I will bring the trinket to you as soon as it's complete my lord. Please, please stop him from doing anything reckless until then," she pleaded with Hector, "you need not walk me home, my lord. I would feel better if you stay, and stop him from doing something he might regret later. The charm she used is extremely powerful and it may be enough to compel to even mate with her. So please, keep an eye on him," she begged, bowing her head low before him.
"I will walk her home, milord," Westley said as he stepped into view, "Lord Andres placed me in charge of her safety, after all, I will see her home safe," he bowed his head, "by your leave, my lord," he said, then escorted Amberlee home.
Claude, still hidden, swore under his breath. He wondered if he would be able to get close enough to dispatch Westley and grab Amberlee. He set off at a safe distance, following the guard and the girl, keeping to the forest for cover. He would have to plan his next move carefully.

Lord Hector sighed “If you wish, Amberlee. Then I will take pride in your wishes, my dear” He then looked at Westley “ Alright… but make sure you stay close beside her. If any harm comes to her-“  he didn’t finish since he  wanted to let them go.  That poor girl… he thought as he slowly turned around.

Meanwhile in the Young Lords bedroom, Andres, with every part of his mind, tried to force Cassandra off of him. His mind was feeling overclouded and moaned hard into the charmed kiss. “I’m not at the age I want to get married, Cassandra… plus… I don’t know you as well. And it just feels wrong that im doing this… but I cant get you out of my… my head. And my heart belongs to only one person….” He looked at her when a picture of Amberlee came to his mind and he perked his head up.  No.. if I continue… ill be married to the wrong girl… and..never be with my true lover. He thought as he continued to struggle on the charm but eventually his anger got the best of him and glared at Cassandra “ You think I dont know what your ding to me” he began as he pushed her off of his lap and stood up , his back to her. “ I know you have some little charm on you causing me to fall for you… but it wont work. Ive been fighting it all along. It wasn’t too hard, even if I don’t have a protection charm on me… I can still do the best I can to ward it off”  Then  with a swift movement, opened his door “ I suggest you try it another day… now get out or ill  force you out myself.” His blue eyes weren’t as pretty as they used to be. But that was because of the combination of anger and the charm.

Then his father came in and stopped. Looking from Cassandra to his angry son. “I hope im not interrupting a fight, but I do need to talk to my son in private, Cassandra. I suggest you get back home. I think we all had enough for one day” he showed her the way back down and towards the door “Ride home now.“ he said before turning his back and headed back to his very upset and worked up son. “ Someone really got under your skin, huh, Andres? I know what Amberlee means to yu, but you know as well as I do, that its best if you marry a royal… “
Andres looked at him “  If you think im going to marry Cassandra… the answer is an absolute no. Shes evil and could ruin my life. She put a damn charm on me… and that is so not ok!”  His heart was racing and began to feel better when he felt the charm wear off and he finally was able to relax. “ I have to find a way to protect myself from her…. But how?”
 
As the two talked, the love of his life was being taken away. And  Andres  had no clue what  his new and allied friend would do to his lover.  I have to find her... I cant let Claude get to her. Shes mine.  He grabbed his knife and sword and headed back to the stables to grab Carbriel and rode off in search of Amberlee.


Last edited on 2022-02-13 at 08:34:34 by Juniper

  Cassandra was completely insulted by Andres, insulted and absolutely seething. Her rage making her eyes glow like embers. Truth was, she had started falling in love with him, and now wanted to claim him not only to further her brother's agenda, but also because she wanted it. She snarled at him, considering placing a spell on him when his father appeared. So, she decided to play the victim. "You come on to me, give me false hope, hold my hand, kiss me and tell me you want to see me again, then you want to act as if I forced you? The nerve!" she snapped, trying to make it seem as if this was all Andres' fault, "my brother will hear of this. Perhaps it would be a waste of his time forming an alliance with your house after all!" With that, she left with Lord Hector. She didn't even bother saying goodbye before she roughly grabbed her mare and spurred hard into her sides.
The mare squealed before she raced off.

Meanwhile, Amberlee was being closely escorted by Westley. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry," Westley said softly, "I know his majesty loves you, I can see it in the way he speaks of you. I guess, what I'm trying to say is, don't hold it against him, okay?" the guard said softly
"I'm not mad at him," Amberlee answered, once again calm and sober, "I know the truth of what happened tonight, and I know he would never have done that if he had control of his own mind," she turned her gaze to Westley, "if anything, this just makes me more eager to make him that trinket," she said with a firm resolve
Westley smiled at her, but his smile quickly faded as he heard hooves thundering toward them. "Look out!" he yelled, and managed to grab Amberlee and pull her out of the way just in time to avoid her being run over by Cassandra and her mare, who barreled past and had purposely aimed to run her over. 
Amberlee yelped when she was tugged, and stood bewildered, staring after the raging female. She looked back to the estate, wondering what had happened. "I should-"
"We need to get you home, miss, now!" Westley said firmly, his breathing rapid and a little panicked. "If anything happens to you, it will be my hide on the line!" he barked. He couldn't imagine what Lord Hector would do to him if he got Amberlee hurt, or killed. Or even Lord Andres. Heavens above have mercy, he silently pleaded. The man was so bewildered, he was actually trembling.

Claude was still watching from the forest. He wondered what exactly had caused his sister to come racing past in such a rage, and made a mental note to take it out of her hide if there was even so much as a scratch on that mare. He noticed the guard was bewildered. Good, he thought, you are distracted and not paying attention. Now is the time to dispose of the guard, grab my lovely little prize and make ourselves scarce. With feet as quiet and agile as a cat's, he inched closer, dagger at the ready to dispense a swift and silent blow to Westley which would end him. But he hesitated when he heard a second set of hooves. Was it his sister coming back? No, the sound came from the estate. He swore under his breath and quickly retreated back into the forest, once again hiding among the shadows.
Amberlee, too, heard the second set of hoof beats. She turned her gaze up the road, wondering if it was Claude.
Westley quickly grabbed her by the hand, "we must go, now!" he barked and pulled her into a run.
Amberlee didn't have time to argue, and he held her so tightly around her wrist that it bruised. "Westley, I understand you're spooked, but you need to calm down," she tried calming him, barely able to keep up with his pace, her feet tripping on every rock and stone in the road. I'll sprain my ankle at this rate, she thought. She heard the horse fast approaching adn looked back over her shoulder. "Is that..." she began, then tripped again, stumbling. Westley wasn't fast enough to catch her before she went flying to the ground. In the attempt to stop herself, she managed to cut her hand open on one of the rocks. She hissed and grunted as she hit the ground.
"Miss Amberlee!" Westley called as he stopped. He first moved to help her up, but then realized the horse was nearly on top of them, so he drew his sword.
Amberlee turned her gaze to the horse, recognizing her in the light of the full moon as Carbriel. "Andres?" she asked, quickly getting onto her feet again, trying to keep pressure on her wound, "is that you?" Please say it's you, she begged silently. When she heard his voice though, she nearly wept with relief, running to him as soon as he dismounted. She didn't care who saw, but she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, "Andres, are you okay?" she breathed, holding him tight against her body.
Westley began rambling all manner of excuses to save his own hide.
Claude scowled. How did you lose hold of him, Cassie, he growled inwardly, you have failed, sister, urgh, I guess I'll have to do this myself, he thought as he slipped into the forest, beginning to come up with a plan to capture the sleigh beggy himself. 

“Amberlee, my love…” he breathed in her scent , his head in her hair, arms around her body. Before he noticed the cut on her hand “For all the life I know in this world… what happened?” he looked at her cut hand and growled “Why do this to yourself, Amber… “ then he looked at Westley. “For heaven’s sake, Westley… you’re here on my father’s orders and partially mine to keep her safe from any harm… including the ground. Look at this.” He should him the cut on the palm “ get back to the house. Ill handle this from here on out.” Then his focus was back at his girlfriend. “ Now I think I know a perfect way to keep your mind off the pain” he chuckle as he leaned into her and lifted her head slightly before placing a kiss on her lips. The most passionate kiss he ever gave her.

He felt her grip him slightly but stayed quiet. All that mattered was that he finally was able to come back to his true lover. When he was able to free his lips from hers, he smiled “I don’t know what happened with you and Westley…. But that Cassandra really [censored] me off. I knew she was using some sort of charm on me, and I went mad… I totally lost my temper with her and apparently sent her galloping back to her home” Then whispered in her ear “I hope I never see her again after today.  She isn’t my type anyways.” His hand went into his pocket and grabbed an old towelette and wrapped it ever so gently round her cut. “ Do you still wish to go back home, or would you rather stay with me till you feel like you are ready to go back. And if you decide to go home, I’m walking you. That Claude is likely to be near y and I don’t want him to get you, my precious dove.” He kissed her forehead and just stood there, hand in hand. Not knowing that Claude was watching every so quietly to make his move.  I have to make her fully mine… I have to get a ring and propose even though it isn’t my birthday.

He finally pulled away and began to turn around, arm around Amberlees back “ I have a very special  announcement I want to make when we get back to the house, Amber. And I hope for all the stars in this world you ill accept." his hand on his sword handle ready. He knew if that Claude was out there somewhere, out in the open was the best place for a fight.

   Westley was scrambling for words, trying to think of an excuse to give Andres. But he quickly got the sense that anything he said right now would only serve to anger the  young lord more. Especially if he thought up any excuses. So instead he sheathed his drawn sword and bowed low, "apologies, my lord," he said sincerely, "I will go on ahead and ensure the road is safe," he said as he marched on back toward the Osborne Estate just as Andres kissed Amberlee.
The kiss was beyond amazing. She wasn't sure if it was because of the night she had, or because she was so relieved that he had chosen her and managed to get away form Cassandra, or maybe it was just the way he kissed her, but Amberlee felt like she was floating during it. She didn't ever want the kiss to end, but at the same time, she knew they had to get off the road. Just a little while longer, she thought, her grip tightening on him slightly to keep him there. She poured every ounce of love she felt for him into that kiss, hoping he'd feel it and know.
When the kiss finally ended, Amberlee giggled, "you should be so hard on him, it's not his fault," she said gently, "he really was trying to protect me. But I think he just became bewildered. Cassandra came barreling down on us and nearly ran me over. If it weren't for Westley's quick reaction, I might not be standing here," she explained, "I guess when he heard the second set of hoofbeats, he must have assumed it was Claude. But when he ran with me, I tripped. So it really isn't his fault," she told Andres, "although now I understand why she was trying to run me over," she chuckled nervously, "I think you upset her as much as she did you. I'm glad she's not your type, though, admittedly it does make me feel better. For what it's worth, Claude isn't my type either," she said, quickly kissing Andres' cheek, "he is not and will never be the prince who holds my heart," she smiled affectionately. "I told your father that I Would make you a protection trinket, so I ideally need to head home. But...I might be able to make it from your place as well, you do live close enough to the forest after all. It needs to be made tonight though. And I need to make it near the forest because I must ask the help of the fae, since my magic can be volatile and I don't quite have full control of it yet," she blushed, lowering her gaze.

As they turned to head back to the estate, Anders told Amberlee of an announcement. "What is it?" she asked curiously, "oh, come on, tell me!" she begged excitedly.

Claude had indeed been watching and waiting, listening carefully. He considered the options. If he wanted to make a move, he had to do so now. If she starts living in that estate, then getting to her will be that much harder, he thought. So, he wondered if it was time for a bit of cloak and dagger. He grinned as he pulled his hood low over his face, the shadows hiding his features. He then drew his dagger and snuck up on Andres, aiming to drive it into his back. 
But Amberlee looked to Andres right at the moment that the cloaked figure was behind him. She had wanted to say something to him, but she caught the movement out the corner of her eye, the moonlight glinting off the dagger. She gasped, "Andres, look out!" she cried, tugging him just out of the way of the dagger. The figure hissed as the dagger only sliced a thin cut onto Andres' back, instead of actually penetrating to his lungs.
Dammit, he's aware I'm here now, he thought, curse you, woman, I'll make you pay. He drew his sword, now dual wielding, and charged at Andres, hoping to land a killing blow before the prince had time to retaliate and draw his own weapon 

Andres groaned in pain as the dagger sliced his back “You evil and sniving idiot!” he snarled as his hand went to his sword , but that was after he found his footing and his hand gripping Amberlee’s. “ Amber.. s-stay here.. I’ll deal with this royal.  He dares to kill me, is that it?  A fight to the death it is then he thought as he winced once more before giving her a last kiss before focusing his  mind and body back to Claude “ What are you trying to get, Claude? If you think you can get Amberlee by making me hand her over to you, I don’t think that will…happen any time soon. She belongs to me and my fathers house. No one eleses. So I suggest-“
 
The fight began shortly after.
 
“ Why would you do something to your only allie!!” Andres yelled “ And a fight would do anything to fix the damage that was done today!” he glanced at Amberlee for one quick moment  before taking his own  sword and  fought sword to sword with the only allie. “ Your sister is a mean and dangerous… just like my girlfriend said… she is a dangerous being and I don’t want.. anything to do with someone like her… much less.. marry her. Ha.. that wont ever happen. I intend to marry the one I choose.. not marry one who forces me to marry them with a stupid charm she wears around her. Every. Single. Day. I have a feeling all this was planned so that you, Claude, could steal or kidnap my girl. And use her for your own pleasure. Im not having that. Not on my watch”
 
Not only was Andres good at hunting, he was the best swordsman in the whole area. And he would show off his talent every once and a while. And this was the biggest show yet. “ Lets see what a weak swordsman does against a very talented one like me.” His sword up and swinging as he pushed Claude back many paced. Away from Amberlee, mind you. “ You… wont… get..a chance with… my girlfriend."

He went for a jab to Claude’s left side but missed by an inch.  I have to get behind him and put  my knife around his neck to kee him from being foolish and try to kill me.

And that’s what he did. It was a tactic that only he knew and in a matter of a split second, Andres dropped his sword and  kicked it to Amberlee before holding his knife at Claude’s neck “ Now… stop this ridiculous madness about your sister forcing me to make me hers. You know that I belong to someone else, and she follows my orders and no one else’s.” Then glanced at Amberlee with his loving blue eyes. “ Run along, my dove.. and quickly before I let this one go”

  Claude chuckled, "so, you know it's me, then? Well, I suppose there's no point in hiding it now, is there?" he purred, pulling down his hood. He stood grinning arrogantly at Andres, a wicked glint shining in his eye. He stood, listening to Andres as he tried defending Amberlee, amusement lighting up his face. "When you're quite done kissing my sleigh beggy, perhaps we can move along?" he taunted, showing his possessive nature toward Amber, "play with me, little prince," he taunted.
He snorted when Andres yelled at him, but he was quick to block Andres' first strike, "do you really think my house could be allies with someone like you? You, with your already tainted blood and now you want to worsen it by claiming a commoner?" he continued to taunt and tease, trying to through Andres off balance mentally as they engaged in a sword fight.

Amberlee gasped as she watched the spectacle, listened to the males exchange words and taunts and threats of all kind as they fought. She considered for a moment rushing to the estate and calling for help, or screaming for Westley in the hopes that he was still near enough to hear. But she didn't dare break her focus on the battle. Sparks flew as the males clashed, exchanging blows, seeming fairly evenly matched, each dodging a strike only to quickly counter. For a breath's moment, she marveled at the display, the skill both males portrayed. But she didn't trust Claude. However, she noticed, the longer Andres fought, the better he seemed to get, as if he was merely toying with Claude at first to test his strength, and then adjust his tactics accordingly. Smart, she thought, wondering just how deadly Andres really was. Was that kind, gentle soul who seemed to adore dominating her in all the ways that made her swoon really hiding the fact that he was as proficient a warrior and - if needs be - killer as any out there? She felt herself fall even more madly in love with him, her very soul setting alight in his presence. But then she felt it, the sharp tang against her nose.
Magic.
Claude grunted. Pretty boy seems to be a more proficient fighter than I thought, he realized. He dared a glance at Amberlee and growled, actually growled. "I don't have time for this!" he snapped, then began unleashing his secret weapon. Even though he had no true magic coursing through his blood, the onyx ring he wore allowed him to summon forth magic nonetheless, allowing him to tap into the magics of  the dark beings he struck a deal with, and use their magic as his own. He unleashed the first unspoken spell, one that was meant to blind and disorientate with a wicked grin. But he was caught by surprise when that spell simply dissipated before Andres, not hindering the male in the least. "What?" he spat, and that moment of distraction allowed Andres to land a blow, a slash right across his chest. No, impossible, how did that not work? his mind raced. He tried again, only for the spell to once again merely dissipate, almost allowing Andres to land another slice, but this time he managed to dodge it. He leapt back to get some distance, then tried another spell, a bombardment of shadow to engulf and ensnare the prince. But again, Andres came blasting through the shadow unhindered and unharmed. Spell after spell was met with the same result. Eventually, he tried enchanting his own weapons, which granted him greater speed and agility, but the prince still naturally met him blow for blow. Damn those useless dark creatures, their magic means nothing! he cursed. "What's the meaning of this?" he barked at Andres, dodging his jab, "nothing you have should be able to counter-" his sentence was cut short with Andres' knife at his neck.

Claude snarled viciously at Andres. He was about to attempt something incredibly stupid, that may have cost him his life if he failed, when he heard Andres address Amberlee as his dove. In a jealous rage, he snapped his gaze to Amberlee, but then grinned wickedly and started chuckling. Amberlee was kneeling, hunched over herself. Anyone else might have thought she was praying, or possibly attempting to reach for the sword Andres had kicked to her, but Claude could tell by her heavy breathing and the sweet scent filling the air, that she was struggling. "So you can nullify magic," he said to her, chuckling, "but tell me, at what cost?"
Amberlee lifted her head, a thin stream of blood trickled from her nose, down her chin and dripped to the ground. 
"Ah, so you're willing to sacrifice yourself if it means saving him? Stupid girl," Claude chuckled, "do you realize, that because of that one fact, she can nullify magics like this, she is almost worth more than my entire Asterion herd? Actually, probably is worth more," he asked Andres, still straining against the dagger at his throat, "that is an exceedingly rare talent indeed. Come now, Andres, you can't be such a fool? Do you not see the profit that can be made, either as a brood or a harvest? Surely you must see this!"
Amberlee faltered, growing weaker and weaker. She was now trembling, struggling to remain upright at all. 
Claude glanced at her index finger, and noticed the jade ring was missing. She must have removed it to use her magic, he thought, what a foolish little girl you are. "Well, princeling, seems you have a choice. You can take me in, and leave your little girlfriend to die alone. Or, you can go help her, be her knight in shining armor, and maybe you'll have enough time to save her. But whatever your choice, I suggest you make it quickly, since she has minutes left - of that - before her very own magic tears her apart," he chuckled wickedly, grinning fiendishly as he realized Amberlee's condition was worsening drastically. 

Andres was yelling at Amberlee to  stay up, but it wasn’t working.  For all the magic that’s she’s worth!....  He thought to himself. He had to act fast. And fast it was. He sheathed his knife, pushing Claude away from him rather roughly as he ran to Amberlee. “Amber… stay with me… please…” his anger on Claude slowly dissipating. “She was protecting me because she loves me, not you, Claude! It’s obvious who she loves more.”
 
Time was ticking. Fast. And it was only a matter of time that Andre’s lover would die. In a matter of seconds, he picked her up in his arms, put her on Carbriel and got situated before galloping off in search of help. Any kind of help that Amberlee would need.  
 
Andres galloped all over the town asking for help and getting any kind of directions. And finally in two minutes flat, he was taken to a healer just on the outskirts of town. He got off his mare and rushed right through the door “ Whoever is here I need  immediate care right now” The longer he held Amberlee in his arm, the weaker he himself began  to feel. But he dared not bring her to her feet or risk her last breath. “ Im not leaving you, Amberlee. Never. “ he placed a kiss on her lips before wiping the dry blood off her face.  Im never going to leave you. I promise.

(I know its short lol )

 Claude hit the ground as Andres shoved him to the side, feeling a little winded. He turned back, in time to watch Andres scoop Amberlee into his arms. He grinned, "rest well, little sparrow, I'll be coming for you very soon," he promised, before disappearing into the shadows.

A female opened the door, a lovely thing, around Andres' age. She first glared at Andres, but then realized the state the female was in. "Come in, my lord," she hurried him, stepping aside, "what happened?" She immediately rushed over to a table of powders and leaves, herbs and twigs while she listened to Andres' story. "She's a sleigh beggy, isn't she?" the female snapped, turning her head quickly toward Andres, immediately recognizing the symptoms from a case she'd read about before, from a few years ago, "there is very little I can do for her then. You may need to take her to the fae if she doesn't respond to our medicines and beg their assistance," she said as she grabbed a variety of herbs to mix a tonic. She worked swiftly, her graceful hands knowing exactly what to do, swiftly mixing the tonic. She turned back to Andres and the female, "here, she needs to drink this," she said softly, holding the tonic in her hand. It was an almost pale lilac liquid that nearly seemed to shimmer, made from a variety of purple and pink and yellow flower petals and some leaves which were crushed to a paste and mixed with the liquid. "Lift her up and rest her against your chest," she instructed, helping Andres shift the fading female, "yes, like that, okay, now let her head lean back on your shoulder," she said, trying to reposition the female to lay against Andres' body, her back lining up with his chest, her head leaning back onto his shoulder. "Okay, she still seems to be somewhat conscious. I'm going to try feeding her this, hold her steady, so she won't choke," she instructed firmly as she positioned herself over the female, gently guiding her face straight and opening her mouth, "you need to drink this," she whispered, "it's a simple tonic that will help calm and heal." Ever so gently, and slowly, she started pouring the tonic into the female's mouth.
Amberlee first choked and began struggling.
But the healer immediately stopped, "calm down, miss, the more you struggle, the worse you'll get," she struggled gently. She noticed Andres' arms, that were around the female's waist tighten slightly and he began purring something to her. Was he whispering? Or humming, maybe? She wasn't too sure, but whatever it was, it seemed to calm the female. You must really love this woman, my lord, she thought then started feeding her the tonic again. "You should be warned, tonight will be  the most crucial time. If, and it's a big if, she survives the night, then she'll likely need lots of rest. The more she sleeps, the better. Does she have somewhere she'll be safe?" she asked, then when noting the worry in his eyes, she smiled, "I give you my word, my lord, I won't tell anyone what she is," she promised.

“Everything is happening way to fast. “ Andres began “ I was… she… powers”  He didn’t know where to start but  he held Amberlee’s waist as she took the tonic, her head on his shoulder “ there you go darlin.” He whispered again before looking at the one helping  “ I will bring her to my house to heal. I cant thank you enough. If there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to come find me” He gave her a wide smile “And yes, she is a Beggy. “ And with that, Andres picked her up in his arms once more and opened the door with his foot before sliding out and back on to Carbriel. For ho in this case was laying down so that Andres could place Amberlee better before climbing behind her and  clucked for Carbriel to  rise and walk back to the house.  I Cant believe she would do such a thing like that. Even though it was a dangerous move on her part, I have to give it to her. She was willing to save my life and risk hers.  He thought as he finally exited the town and up the long slope to his fathers estate.  When he was close to the gate  he ordered the gate to be opened and he rushed through to the door before opening it  and rushed to his study and bedroom and placed Amberlee down on her own bed and tucked her in, in the warm freshly made covers and soft pillow.

Andres was kneeling in front of the bed, looking at her, wishing she was awake. But he had tot let her rest. He wouldn’t eat a single thing until he knew that his lover was healthy and back to normal.  His hand intertwined with hers. Talking to her in silent whispers “ Why would you risk your own life to save one such as mine, my beloved?”

He placed a kiss on her head before placing one on her perfect lips before standing up and headed into his own room, but kept the door slightly open so that he would be able to hear her if she awoke." I cant get my hopes up. If she dies... then I will have to marry Cassandra..and I surely couldn't want her as a wife." he said laying his own head on his pillow and placed his hands on his chest, his eyes closed and kept his mind as clear as possible. Trying to not relive this incident would be hard. But not impossible. He would do everything in his power to keep Cassandra away from himself and Claude away from Amberlee. " I will just have to post more guards around the gates and door." he thought as he fell asleep.

Last edited on 2022-02-16 at 10:38:36 by Juniper

  Claude had managed to slip back to his estate. He cursed Andres' name a thousand times over, raging into the night for Amberlee dying, which he definitely believed was going to be the case. He had summoned a healer to tend to his wound, and swore to make the Osborne house fall for this, no matter what it took.

A few days later, little over a week, Amberlee finally stirred. Her eyes were closed, they still felt so heavy. She couldn't really remember what had happened at that moment. Am I in a bed? she wondered. She realized it was much, MUCH softer than her own and far more comfortable. She slowly opened her eyes, blinking at the sting of the bright light. It was day time. She tried lifting her arms but found them to be heavy. She tried wriggling her toes, but they felt numb. So she focused on her breathing, deep and steady. "What...happened?" she groaned, closing he eyes again, trying to make sense of her jumbled mind.
The guard who had been standing watch bolted from the room. He rushed to Andres' study. He knew he was busy but he was ordered to report the slightest change in Amberlee. So he pounded on the door, "my lord! My lord! The lady has stirred, she is waking," he called to him.

Back in the room, Amberlee's fractured mind began piecing itself together. She remembered walking with Westley, then she was nearly run over by Cassandra. And then...what happened then? She tried to think, but she realized her throat was awfully dry. It took a lot of effort to move her head to the side, but she managed it and saw a pitcher of water at her bedside. She lifted a hand, which felt like it weighed a ton and reached for the water. She gasped when she saw what was missing. "My ring," her hoarse voice which was barely recognizable to her own ears said, "where is it?" She realized she was not in her room, but the loft Andres had offered her. That was when she remembered the fight. "Andres," she breathed, struggling to get up, "I must know if he's okay, that he survived," she tried crawling out of bed, but every movement made a sharp pain strike through her body. Not to mention, she had a splitting headache, which only worsened every time she moved or spoke or even thought too hard.

“ Alright alright keep yourself at her door til I come in.” He said waving the guard away. He layed in his bed, his eyes open wondering wht he would even see or even say to her.  If she trully is awake then I am glad to the stars. But I have to keep her here till I know for a fact she is well.
 
In a matter of ten minutes, Andres was dressed in his red paisley and black pants. He made sure there was not a single crease before walking out of his room and headed towards Amberlee’s room. When the guard saw him he stepped aside to let him in and Andres stood at the door, looking at her. “ Amber…your awake I see” he said slowly and gently. The same way he talked to the towns kids. He walked ever so slowly towards her before kneeling beside her, grabbing her hand and kissed it “ I was so worried you wouldn’t make it. Especially after what happened between me and Claude. “ then added “ You risked your own life to save mine, why? Have you any idea what would have happened to my heart if you died on the spot?” his eyes filled with tears. “ I cant risk loosing you, no matter what you are to other people. A commoner… a fae… a Sleigh beggy. None of that matters to me, except that you are the queen of my life.”
 
He then remembered what the girl at the healers had said to him and he gave a sigh before looking at Amberlee once again “After what has happened, I am not leaving you or allowing you to go out of doors. It is too risky.  For both of us. So… I am going to have one of the less known guards go to your place to pick up the two books I wanted to you read and have you stay in bed.” He looked into her eyes and chuckled. “ I know what you are gonna say… im to protective over you and that I am stubborn and over reacting on things. But I promise you that all I want is for you to be safe and well cared for. And if you do as your told… I may have a very secret surprise for you” This is my chance in making Amberlee mine for life. Even if I dont have a charm yet for myself I hold what I give her is better than any charm. Or trinket for that matter.

  Amberlee was overjoyed to see Andres, evident by the bright smile that grew on her still weary face when he stood at the door. Oh, thank the stars he's alright, she breathed in a silent prayer of gratitude. She did her best to sit up straight, even though it pained her body to do so. However, the moment he took her hand and kissed it, she forgot for a breath all about her aching body, and she only focused on him. Her eyes glazed over when he called her the queen of his life.

Her brows rose when he told her he was forbidding her from leaving the room. She grinned mischievously at him. And even though she wanted to argue this, she knew. She could see in his eyes that what he was doing now was out of love for her, and maybe a bit of fright as well. So all she said was, "alright," then squeezed his hand, that movement sending bolts of pain through her, but she tried her best to hide it. "How ever am I to serve my prince if he has me on lockdown in the room though?" she teased him, then attempted what she could manage of a giggle. "As for why I saved you, how could I not? After you told me you're susceptible to magic, I knew his spells would harm if not kill you, and I...I wouldn't be able to forgive myself of I let the man I love die. I sensed the gathering of magic around him before he cast it, and so I reacted more on instinct. I removed my ring and cast a protective bubble around you," she lowered her gaze, "as you probably figured out, I can nullify magic. It's a skill I inherited from my mother. It works a little different to normal protective magic and charms. Where those charms have their limits and usually need to be recharged every so often, and the protective barriers can be dispelled or broken through by one who is stronger or knows where the weak points are, nullification is just as the name suggests. It nullifies the magic completely. It cannot be broken through. However, as you saw, using that magic comes at a very great cost. And if left uncheck, usually consumes the very soul of the caster, which is..." her voice faded away. She blinked away the tears and said, "it's  how my mother died," in a soft, broken whisper. 

Amberlee took a few moments to compose herself, then she spoke again. "I must ask your forgiveness, Andres, I was going to make you a protective charm. It can only be made during a full moon, and since I missed the chance, we need to wait for the next. I should be capable of making it by then. And...I have realized I am in a bit of a bind," she said, then shifted on the bed and winced. She raised her right hand, "I seemed to have lost my ring," she said softly, apologetically, "that jade ring was very special and magically enchanted. It helped control the amount of magical energy I absorb and use. It made smaller spells, like making you that rejuvenation tonic, that much easier to do without expending far too much or making something far too potent. I must have dropped it when I was protecting you. It is of critical importance that I find that ring. So I must beg your leave that I may go and search for it," she pleaded with him.

“ No no… don’t talk, Amber…” he said quickly before placing a finger to her lips “ You are too weak to even do anything at this point. So yes… you are going to stay in bed til I say otherwise“ he pushed her ever so gently back onto her back, the pillow under her head and leaned in to give her a quick passionate kiss. “I will find it tonight. I promise. I know how much that ring means to you.” He kneeled in front of her like when he entered the room and looked at her “ When you are feeling better I have a very special question for you. But you cant let Claude or his sister Cassandra know. If they ever found out… they would find a way to kill me to get you or take you away from me. And there is no star in this world would let that happen”

He put his head on her forehead, his lips close to hers, and his hand intertwined in hers. “  I wish there was a binding spell that would bind us forever.  But I doubt there is.  All Im trying to  say is I want you and only you, Amberlee… “ he then  went to grab his own ring from his room and placed it on her wedding finger " You are the love of my life, Amber and I want you to spend the rest of your life with me. In this house.”  He caressed her cheek and around her jawline “Will you…. marry me. I know it’s a little too early to ask since my birthday isn’t for a few more weeks… but I just thought I would ask anyways. Before a certain someone did.  And don’t worry about the trinket, Amber. I will survive without it for now. I just will have to… change what I wear so neither Cassandra nor Claude know it’s me. But that will be hard.”   What am I to do? I can’t keep her cooped up… but I have to keep her safe.

As they were talking, one of the less well-known guards went to Thomas’s house, told him what had happened. But most of all that his daughter was in safe hands. “She will be fine. Lord Andres’s is caring for her as we speak. “Then added “If you would like, you can come visit her, but mind you, she is extremely weak and needs the rest.”
 
When the Guard was finally leaving though, he was the first one to come upon the Jade ring.  Hm…  I think I know who this belongs to He thought as he began to leave for the Osborne household. The ring in his pocket.  Amberlee will be happy to have that ring back for sure. He reached the household an hour later, going straight to the where Andres would of course be, in either his study or in with Amberlee. When he reached the place, he stood at the door and watched them without saying a word.

Last edited on 2022-02-18 at 10:20:47 by Juniper

  Amberlee giggled softly when he pushed her down onto the bed. You care so much, Andres, how could I not fall so madly in love with you? she thought quietly, her emerald gaze glue to his. Then he kissed her, and she returned the kiss with equal passion. She once again wondered what this special question was that he kept talking about. Did he perhaps want to make her his lady in waiting or something? She smiled at the thought. 

When his lips were so close to hers, his forehead on hers and his hands intertwined with hers, she felt a fire rush through her. She tried her best to ignore her pounding heart which felt as though it wanted to leap out. "There is no such binding spell that I know of, my sweet prince, but spell or no, my heart will always belong to you alone," she whispered to him. She wondered where he disappeared off to when he suddenly left, she didn't know he went to his room. She watched the door intently, wondering if she said something wrong. And then he returned and did something that she'd never have expected of him in a thousand lives. He placed a ring on her finger. Not just any finger, but her wedding finger. And not just any ring, but his ring, the one he always wore. It was a little big on her delicate finger, but she still couldn't believe it. She stared at him, her eyes wide as he touched her cheek, her jawline. 
And then  he asked her to marry him.
A smile so wide and bright pulled on her lovely lips, a smile that would have wrapped around her whole head if it weren't for her ears. She looked like she might burst into tears. "Yes!" she breathed, sitting up and wrapping her arms around his neck, "yes, a thousand times yes," she breathed into his ear, holding him close, "I would always choose you, Andres. He will never have my heart, or any part of me. There is only one who will ever have that right, and that is you. I love you," she whispered. And couldn't believe she said those words out loud. But now he knew, knew how she truly felt. 

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Thomas had been worried sick about Amberlee. He hadn't seen her and had no idea what had happened, although he had a terrible feeling. His worry was showing, as he seemed to age ten years in mere days. However, when the guard told him what had happened, he sagged with relief. "Thank the stars she's fine," he said as he was swept up by emotion, his tears streaming down his weathered cheeks. 
When the old man managed to compose himself, he once again addressed the guard, "please, give your lord my sincerest thanks. And please ask him I beg that he keeps Amber with him. He will be able to keep her safe much better than I can," he said sadly, "and when she is well enough, she can send word and I will come see her, I know well enough she must rest, and she won't rest if I visit, she will only worry," he smiled bittersweetly, although he was planning on asking her to stay with him permanently, even if it is only as his maid. He went to her room and grabbed her satchel , quickly packing her a few things. Some of her toiletries, her favorite hair ribbon and, most importantly, the books Lord Andres had given her. "Here," he said, handing the satchel to the guard, "I believe this is what you came for? Please tell her I will be alright, and will come see her as soon as she sends word," he nodded and smiled, truly happy his daughter was safe and didn't burn herself out.

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Amberlee wasn't sure how long she held onto him, was it a few moments? Or an entire eternity? He felt so perfect in her arms. This felt perfect. As if they were made for one another, sculpted to so perfectly compliment one another. She buried her nose in his neck, breathing in his scent. A scent that she would memorize, that she would recognize anywhere. That completely surrounded all of her. She inhaled deeply, breathing all of him in deeply, then placed tender kisses in his neck. One where his neck met his shoulder, then a little higher up, then closer to his jaw. She pulled away a little adn was about to speak, or kiss him, she wasn't entirely sure, when she caught sight of the person in the door. Her eyes went wide and she blushed red as a fresh strawberry. Then she lowered her gaze and raised her hand between herself and Andres, pointing subtly at the door. She didn't know where to look or what to say. She wasn't even exactly sure who that was, since it wasn't someone she recognized. She had no idea what to do. Would she and Andres get into trouble for this? Would Andres pretend this wasn't what it was? She sucked in her lip and bit onto it. She hoped beyond hope that Andres wouldn't suddenly change his mind about being with her, or marrying her.

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Meanwhile, Claude had been throwing a fit at his estate, raging around and doing some really bad things simply because his temper could be quelled. And he was even more annoyed that his idiotic sister failed at her task. That he even let her stay in his house was a miracle in and of itself. But when he was finally able to calm his temper enough to think straight instead of taking it out on his servants, he began plotting. "Fine, sleigh beggy, you want to play hard to get, then I will force you to concede. Even if it means breaking you," he chuckled to himself. He summoned his best spies, and tasked them with finding Thomas' home. 
When they finally did, he would immediately begin working on his plan of kidnapping the old man and using him to force that fiery sleigh beggy into submission. And t his time, he would kill anyone who got in his way.