Annaveya IV - The Price of Royalty

Though it might have seemed that Anna's focus remained upon that of the ongoing madness that was the taking of her people, she had remained attentive to every single word that was uttered by her new husband-to-be. Distrustful of every word he said, Annaveya's eyes narrowed sharply as he continued to talk. Nonchalantly discussing the wife he had lost, and how she was the replacement.

This monster probably murdered the poor girl, she thought furiously, though the contempt she held was not shown. A public display of rage and cruelty was not for those of wizened disposition, much in contrast to fools like Lugft.

Instead, she quietly remained. Slowly, she turned to face Wilhelm as he even was so brash as to call his own people dogs. For a brief, quickly veiled moment, the stoic Princess looked perplexed, utterly confused by the mannerisms that Wilhelm possessed. Did he just truly, out rightly insult the very core of his people's behavior? How were such words even possible?

It is a lie, a bluff, or a farce, there's absolutely no way he'd honestly think that. He's trying to get me to change my posture, it won't work.

It mattered not, he might have claimed to not possess the viciousness that his brothers held; but Anna knew better. She had heard stories of this Drakken, this abomination upon the field of strife. However as he finished talking to the girl he had taken as a servant, the towering Wilhelm stood, and so did the Princess. She could sense his impatience, his dislike of the ongoing events that lay before him. Those of watery sense were keen to such.

She looked up to him, not admirably nor fearfully. Still ever full of that beautifully strong guise of courage that she held. Anna refused the very thought that she would allow this man the chance to see her falter; even as his wife.

"I suppose this means that we shall be departing soon. I have one question for you then, Wilhelm. What did you do to Alexandra? Where is she buried? I would like to pay my respects to my fallen sister."

"I didn't realize a seat next to me was so sought after!" Lugft chuckled at the way the brides tried to bond and stand up for eachother, it was hilarious. Aery had immediately volunteered for the seat, trying to become a martyr perhaps? No, she was trying to look strong to them. He was about to declare her the lucky lady, and then Tirza spoke up.

She was... good at persuasion. That was going to be fun when they were back at Lugft's manse. It was hard to resist... but he wanted Aery next to him, he wanted to learn more deeply about her... she was his blank slate, and he needed to know how best to paint her. "Fireheart", a perfect nickname, never spoke up herself, which surprised Lugft, he had expected a biting comment or snappy comeback like before, but she remained determinedly silent. So, as they exited the Grand Ballroom, and began down the halls to his carriage, "Now, now Tirza, Aery clearly asked first, so to the quicker goes the reward. Aery," he smiled at the tiny Gem, his eyes taking in every inch of her,then removed his arms from the other two Gems, allowing them to walk freely beside him, but also took Aery by her waist with his right arm, pressing her against him, "you are so perfect, so small and delicate, and yet you volunteer to sit beside a murderer like me? Truly you must be terrified, aren't you? Well, of course not, your shaking with fear. It's alright... I've no reason to hurt you yet." his avaricious smile again graced his face, his hungry eyes still stuck on her.

In no time they arrived at his carriage, two guards stood beside the open door of the resplendent vehicle. Lugft lifted Aery into her seat, then helped Tirza and Fireheart to their seats across from Aery. He then sat down, and pulled Aery close to him. As the carriage set off, Lugft's still blood covered arms had dried, though he did not sit idly. His right hand began on Aery's knee but, as he spoke, worked it's way up her leg, stopping just short of her waist, "Well, now that we have a bit of time, let me ask the three of you a few questions, but let's start with any interests you have? I know, strange that I'm asking right? Well healthy and happy brides tend to both look better, and bear healthier children, and if I'm to show you off you must look your best" however, under his breath he also mentioned, "a happy bride's also less likely to off herself". He then waited for his brides answers, while practically groping Aery, for his hand wished to explore other areas... Though Lugft restrained himself for now.

@NarcissisticPotato@RomanAria@my Lalia

Kithra bit the inside of her lip as Wilhem's cold eyes drifted over to her almost like he nearly forgot about her in the short span of calling her over. She knew that he didn't really care about her, she was just someone to care for his brides that way he wouldn't have to worry about them too much. Not that she thought that he worried about them, probably the only time he worried about them was if they carried his children.

"You will be attendant to her, yes, but also to my other wives. You see, I am different from most Drakken in many ways, but the one that most concerns the two of you is this; rather than take a multitude of brides like the blowhards and braggarts you might see over there, I keep only three wives at any one time. I find that it is much easier to manage my house as such, and it allows me to give each of them the attention and care that they deserve. Unfortunately, one of them recently passed away- a lovely little country girl by the name of Alexandra. This is why I have come to the selection. Annyeva will be taking her place in my home, as is customary for me. However, there was something about you that caught my eye, and it seemed a shame to see whatever it was consumed by one of the dogs. But I digress."

She lifted her eyebrow slightly at the mention of Alexandra, her eyes quickly flashed over to Anna before returning her gaze to Wilhelm. She knew her thoughts were the same as Anna's, as they both thought/wondered if he had killed his last bride. But then a different thought drifted through her head, What if she died in child birth? She cocked her head slightly at the thought as it could of happened. She heard stories of Gem women dying in child birth as their bodies were too frail to deliver a Drakken child. A part of her felt sorry for the girl Alexandra if she was in the middle of a difficult labour, but then another part of her knew that she was in a better place and that death was probably a release for her.

Kithra looked over at Anna and wondered what wound happen if she became pregnant, she knew that she would most likely be done her training when that day comes.

She didn't even pay attention to him calling his own kind dogs or the slight complement, as her mind was thinking about child birth.

"When we reach the manor, I will see to it that you are taken under the wing of one of the other attendants, at first. In their tutelage, you will learn the functions of my house as well as the methods of care for my wives. Once you have been appropriately educated, you will continue in your mentor's stead while they take on separate duties. Anything further?"

Kithra nodded half thinking as she still wasn't paying attention, she just really wished she could stop thinking about child birth. She was suddenly pulled out of her thinking when Anna spoke up and asked about Alexandra. She moved to stand slightly behind her, not in fear of the large Drakken but more out of show of respect for the princess. She was after all going to be her handmaid, hopefully who ever was going to train could train fast that way she wouldn't have to be too far from the princess.

Great Mother, protect us and show us how to deal with these Drakkens. She silently prayed then felt a small amount of strength flow through her. She smiled slightly knowing that the Great Mother heard her prayer.

@Feisty-Pants
@Saltwater Thief

---

Tirza could see the lust rise in Lugft's eyes and that he was really tempted to take her for her offer, but because Aery had offered first he was going to have her sit beside him. She crossed her arms and pouted showing her displeasure, she didn't care if she looked like a child being told she couldn't have something. She knew Aery was terrified and didn't want to be any closer to the brute than she had to be. She also knew that Fireheart didn't want to be close to him either, though she was full of biting remarks she didn't want the brute to touch her. None of them did really, well maybe a little on Tirza's part. But then she was daring, she liked to tempt fate and see how far she can get with.

She felt disguested by the way Lugft treated and talked to Aery, he was doing it because he thought her as something he could mold into his perfect bride. Doesn't he see that she will die of fright before he can do anything with her? She thought angrily as she followed the Drakken down the halls to where the carriages were kept. He placed Aery into her seat like a prized doll before "helping" her and Fireheart into the carriage. And it seemed to get worse from there as even before the carriage pulled away he had his hand on Aery's leg, she badly wanted to strike at him to get him away from Aery who looked like she might die!

"Well, now that we have a bit of time, let me ask the three of you a few questions, but let's start with any interests you have? I know, strange that I'm asking right? Well healthy and happy brides tend to both look better, and bear healthier children, and if I'm to show you off you must look your best"

Holding back her anger and disgust, she smiled flirtatiously before running her foot up and down his leg, showing off her long smooth legs. She payed little attention to his comment about happy wives, she could care less about that part. "My interests come and go with the wind, my lord." She said in a sultry voice before slowly batting her eyes. "And currently I have only one interest." She said as she leaned forward and touched his knee. She knew that her chest was in full view but she made it seem like she was completely unaware of that. Goddess she knew she must of looked like whore to the other two, but she was willing to take his attention.

"You don't want them, a scared little thing that will die of fright soon, You will never be able to have fun with her. And a Gem that has biting words but no real bite." She said, her voice still sultry as her hand went up his thigh slightly. "My lord, I can be your fantasy." She whispered in his ear before sitting in her seat again and giving him a small smile. She then slightly commanded the air to drift her scent up to Lugft, so that he would be intoxicated with the smell of her.

Tirza knew that Drakken's loved a temptress, and boy if she wasn't one then she had no idea who was. She was even ready to sit on his lap if he would stop his disgusting act with Aery. She would do anything for her Gem sisters even if it caused her great pain and suffering.

@RomanAria
@NarcissisticPotato
@agentmanatee

Aery flashed a look of gratitude at Tirza for volunteering to sit by Lugft. But the look was replaced by terror as Lugft put his arm tightly around her. Dark spots filled her eyes as the fear welled up in her; it seemed almost like she was about to faint from the fear.
[color=lightorange] “You are so perfect, so small and delicate, and yet you volunteer to sit beside a murderer like me? Truly you must be terrified, aren't you? Well, of course not, your shaking with fear. It's alright... I've no reason to hurt you… yet.”[/color] Aery felt a shudder run up her spine and suddenly leaned all her weight (which wasn’t much) up against Lugft as her legs suddenly turned to jelly. Gasping, trying to remember how to get air into her lungs and work her legs, she practically let Lugft carry her to the carriage. When she finally had enough control of herself, she whispered, “J-j-just a… J-just a l-litt-ttle g-giddy, sire.” Of course a lie, and a bad one at that, but she at least managed to say something.
Feeling the power in those arms, the way they picked her up effortlessly and slid her into the carriage seat, made her more than a little woozy. She leaned limply against Lugft’s side as the carriage started down the road, too close to Lugft’s bloody body for comfort, but unable to control her muscles enough to sit up on her own. She flinched away from his hand as it trailed up her leg, uncomfortably close to her… secret parts. She blushed and covered his hand with both of hers, trying to unobtrusively push his hand away from that part of her. She knew that she wouldn’t have a choice, ultimately, but she wanted to put it off as long as possible.
Dimly she became aware of Tirza talking… no, purring, to the Drakken, tyring to inflame his desire. Aery knew then what the girl was trying, knew it by the concerned look she flashed in Aery’s direction. Even scared, she wasn’t stupid.
Quickly Aery turned her head to the side, “coughing” into her elbow. As she did she spoke quietly, gathering the words into a stream of wind and whispering them in Tizra’s ear. “Sister, please, don’t risk his wrath for me. I can take whatever torture he’ll inflict on me…” She said, shaping the wind so that only Tizra could hear. Again, a pitiful lie. “Well, maybe not take it, but I’m bound to die anyway. What’s the difference if I die of fright now or in childbirth later?”
She faced forward again, leaning slightly away from Lugft, trying to show a hopeful, yet terrified expression. She knew she nailed the terrified part, because it wasn’t any sort of pretend. Hopefully she got the nervously hopeful expression. “Well, I will grant that Tizra probably knows more about… that… than I do, because I know she rather, “got out” some. But isn’t it more fun teaching someone about… it?” She met the girl’s eyes, begging her to not make a liar out of Aery. Not that Aery particularly wanted to die or get raped, but… She’d rather suffer if it meant the Drakken wouldn’t hurt Tizra over just trying to help her.
@My Lalia@NarcissisticPotato@AgentManatee

Atallia Faeron

Fear did horrible things to some people. It made them forget who they truly were and take on something they're not. The same could be said for the shy one that had introduced herself as Aery. Talli had no doubt that the girl was strong of mind but she was not strong enough to hold off a Drakken for long. She was fragile; a little porcelain doll that had found its way into the hands of a monster. Tears was stronger and she could hold the Drakken off, at least for a time. She would hold the pressure for a while but eventually, fear would consume her too. It was Atallia who would be the last to fall. The fire was unyielding, strong, destructive. She was the one who should have been soaking up Lugft's attention, not her weaker sisters.

The little fire Gem felt dread claw it's way upwards, corrupting as it went. He had chosen Aery and the Gods only knew what was in store for the young girl. The walk out to the carriage didn't take long at all and within no time, she could feel the now-familiar strength of his fingers wrapping around her waist, helping her up into it. She briefly considered lashing out in hopes of catching his face but that would just bring unnecessary anger that would just lead to her sister suffering further.

So she abided him for the time being, making sure to set her jaw and lock it so that no words were passed beyond her blood-red lips. The dread that had tore its way up through her began to fade away as she watched what Lugft did to Aery, how he petrified her then began to take advantage of her fear, how he tried to use fear and strength to bend her to his will. He was everything wrong with the world. He was a disease and only the fire can purge disease. Her tiny fists balled, her palms heating to a heat that could melt steel that was all compressed within her grip. Atallia's teeth ground against one another and it took all her willpower not to just urge him to... ignite.

She wasn't about to just sit down and give up, however. Her sister needed her and she knew Drakkens a lot better than Aery. Those bastards only had two emotions - desire and anger. Tears had already triggered one of those and it did little but Atallia was going to get the other one. Transferring some of the heat to her small knuckles, she suddenly lashed out with a right hook that was surprisingly strong, especially from a girl of her size. It connected - he probably wasn't expecting one of his precious little brides to have such a nasty bite.

Taking advantage of the shock, she furrowed her eyebrows at him. "Listen here you Drakken shit. You bastards take brides for children. You want a child with a woman who can twist her words and the child's mind? Or maybe with a girl who's afraid of her own shadow? No, you dunce, you want a child with a little fire in their belly. A child to claim the power that you've always lusted for. I can give you that. Not them." She hoped he saw the merit to her argument because she was royally fucked if he didn't.

Amaryllis Stone

Ama could feel her insides churning as the Drakken seemed to approve of her choice. She watched as he took something from the girl, said a few words, and then returned it. She was too far away to hear any of what he'd said. However, she did hear the next bit.

Swallowing to steel herself, Ama walked over to the man, stopping just before him, a few feet away. She took a breath before lifting her head to look up at him with strong blue eyes, her glow dimmed now but still faint. "I, like Lienna, did not hear your name, I apologize, sir." She explained with gentle words. Her voice wasn't soft, but it wasn't harsh either. It, like her eyes, held a certain firmness about it. "My name is Amaryllis Stone, sir..." She ended, putting a soft smile on her lips. Maybe if she met his anger with gentle grace, he wouldn't do so as often.

She could feel the tightness of her heart as she waited for a response. Both standing near him and near the person that had done this to her was stressful. She wanted desperately to hate Lienna but she couldn't bring herself to after seeing the girl's face turn away in shame. She was just as much as victim as Ama was and she couldn't hold that against her. Though... She did want to get a small revenge on her at some point. Maybe... Maybe she could tease her a bit. Ignore her for a bit? Then, she explain later and become friends with the girl. Or she could simply yell at her a bit and then brush the entire thing aside. Yes, that would probably do to make her feel better.

@Obscene Symphony & @NarcissisticPotato

This was incredible! Lugft had asked what the interests of his brides were and Tears and Aery were all over him! Lugft wasn't stupid though, he knew they were just trying to protect eachother from his attentions. He always found that strange, it was inevitable that he would have them all was it not? So why resist? Why try to keep him away from the others? What was th point of it all? What-
suddenly a quick stinging pain struck the left side of his face. Someone had hit him... no not someone... Fireheart had just punched him in the face. Rage bubbled to the surface almost immediately, as his mind raged with fire. Insolent little bitch! Gem whore! I'll fucking snap her neck! I'll brake both of her arms so she can't stop me from doing whatever I want! I'll... he paused... and breathed.

He thought about what just happened, rather than flying into a fit of rage. He needed these brides to last... and savagely killing one right off the bat was a bad way to go about preserving the deliverer of your progeny. Why had she hit him? Obviously she wanted him to pay attention to her over Aery or Tears, but she went about it in a different way than they had. She was rebellious, but she wasn't subtle, she had no tact, just anger at her situation and a wish to protect her "sisters". Lugft cracked a wide, psychotic smile, and let loose a laugh as haunting as the howl of a hungry wolf. He locked eyes with Fireheart then, "Is that really why you hit me Fireheart? You would take such a risk as hitting a Drakken just so I ravage you first? Surely your not THAT horny... no, no, no... you just don't want me to do... oh, something like this," suddenly grabbing Aery, he wrenched her into his lap, before placing his hand on the back of her pretty laced top and ripping it open, the top half now hanging off of Aery, exposing her nude upper half to the rest of the occupants of the carriage. He held her arms down so she couldn't cover herself, "You didn't want this to happen right? You wanted the attention off of your sister who's... what did you say? Oh yes "Afraid of her own shadow"? Well you know I wouldn't have done this, not here at least, if you hadn't decided hitting me was a good idea, oh you want to know something else? You said you thought my children should have a fire in their belly yes?" now his right arm went around Aery's body to restrain her arms with only one of his. Lugft lifted his hand it was suddenly covered in flames. They disappeared quickly, but his palm glowed with unrestrained heat, "Let's see if Aery's belly can handle the heat eh?" and with that he harshly brought the hand down on Aery's stomach, branding his hand on it, no doubt producing a pain filled whimper from the tiny Gem.

He lifted his hand then, as it rapidly cooled. But now Lugft had excited himself a bit, and again looked at Fireheart, "Maybe I should go a little further hm? Maybe remove the rest of her clothes? Take her first? Right here in front of you? All because you hit me? Lugft's smile had left his face, in its place now an angry snarl faced in Fireheart's direction, and again Lugft had to calm himself. Luckily, he had branded his perfect bride in the perfect spot, easy to conceal, and no one would be able to see the brand unless they removed her clothes. Good, but he wasn't done, not with Fireheart at least. Lugft placed Aery back in her place, surprisingly soft and careful with her form, and then, once she was back, he quickly snatched Fireheart and brought her to him.

He stared into her eyes, his anger gone now, replaced with disturbing calm, Listen to me carefully Gem, I'm only to say this once. If you ever hit me again, I'll do far worse, and it may not be to you. I'll punish poor Aery perhaps, or maybe Tears, or maybe you, it all depends on you." he brought his right hand down to Fireheart's nice shapely ass and gripped haed, smiling a little, "Know that I will take whichever of you I wish whenever I wish, but please, it doesn't have to be like... like this!" he looked at Aery no doubt cowering from him, Do you think I enjoy it Gem? Think I enjoy hurting you all? I don't. There is no sport in it! Your not a challenge! There is no fun in a fight against an unworthy opponent. It's the same reason going to war with your kingdom is so pointlessly boring and drole to me. I'd rather fight something tougher than a Gem. he let her go then, and drew Aery back to him. He put her back in his lap, though he allowed her to cover herself should she do wish. He had his hand where it had been before, though now much closer to Aery's privates. Suddenly, he was laughing again, with a smile on his face. "Oh Aery, your so innocent! Of course I'll teach you, I'll do so very well. I'll even let Tirza help! He had responded to Aery's earlier statement as if nothing had happened. He had moved on from his fiery rage as quickly as it had come, but the scars from it would last far longer.

Tirza listened to the words spoken by Aery as she bent the wind so that only she could hear the words. It was a trick that all Air Gems knew how to do, it was the was easy to master. It made air Gems known as spies and good messengers though they were also held with uncertainty as they could also spread lies and gossip. But regardless it was a trick that was used by all air Gems.

Tirza shook her head knowing that the Drakken wasn't going to kill Aery, and he was going to make sure that she lived even though she was scared out of her mind. She looked towards the window of the carriage and whispered to the air so that only Aery could hear it. "He will keep you alive, you are his pet, the one thing that he wishes to mold." She paused for a moment as she looked at Aery. "You are his leverage." Her last words she let hang with dread and a small mix of fear, as she could see that the brute wasn't stupid. Prone to out bursts, yes, but stupid, no.

Just as she said the words Fireheart launched herself at Lugft hitting him. She sat up straight and went to grab Fireheart but the rage in Lugft's eyes stopped her short. Was he going to kill her, force himself on her, both? Goddess, how stupid were the girls that she was a sister bride to? None of them had tact, they were straight up in their ways, they didn't think before they acted and it was going to get someone hurt or killed. She watched as Lugft suddenly shifted from rage to a cool calm, SHIT! She thought knowing that he was actually thinking about what he was going to do next, a thinking Drakken was scary as hell. Though they were also scary when in a rage, hell, they were scary all the time. But this, this was terrifying.

"Is that really why you hit me Fireheart? You would take such a risk as hitting a Drakken just so I ravage you first? Surely your not THAT horny... no, no, no... you just don't want me to do... oh, something like this," Lugft said with a crazy smile on his face as he grabbed Aery like doll and placed her on his lap again, but this time he ripped her shirt off exposing her chest. Tirza placed a hand over mouth as sat straight up, she could only imagine the terror that the poor girl was feeling as Lugft held her arms down.
You didn't want this to happen right? You wanted the attention off of your sister who's... what did you say? Oh yes "Afraid of her own shadow"? Well you know I wouldn't have done this, not here at least, if you hadn't decided hitting me was a good idea, oh you want to know something else? You said you thought my children should have a fire in their belly yes? ....... Let's see if Aery's belly can handle the heat eh?"

Tirza could see what was going to happen and reached out to stop him, "NO Lugft! Please!" She nearly yelled but she was too late as he branded poor Aery's belly. Without a second thought she sent a cold breeze over to Aery's brand mark, so that some of the pain would go away. She had expected many things from Lugft but this wasn't one of them. She could see now that Fireheart now realized what a mistake she made, which caused pain to the one she was hoping to "save". She watched how gently the Drakken then placed Aery back in her seat when just a few seconds ago he was rough with her. He then grabbed Fireheart and spoke to her, what he said she didn't know as she was no longer listening. Her mind could no longer process words, this was something that happened to her even when at home, though it usually happened when she was really tired, her mind couldn't believe she had just seen.

She brought her hand to her face and held it there as she whispered to the air, "I'm sorry." she had the wind carry it to both Aery and Fireheart as she knew that they both needed to hear it. She didn't look at anyone as she retreated into herself for moment. She had to reassess how she was going to go about this, she let her mind drift.

"Oh Aery, your so innocent! Of course I'll teach you, I'll do so very well. I'll even let Tirza help!"

The sound of her name brought her back from her thoughts and made her look up at, she had a slightly confused expression as she looked at Lugft and Aery. Aery, the poor thing, looked like she might be sick and fall over dead. But it didn't stop the brute from placing his hands further up her legs. Without a second look at her sister brides, she moved over to sit next to Lugft seeing that Aery was no longer sitting there. "I don't share my toys very well, my lord." She said in a sultry voice, though her eyes teased. She wondered if he would pick up on her calling him her toy, though she was sure he would.

She then took his hand that was closest to her and placed it at the base of her neck, it was placed where he could either choke her or move it down to her bosom. She didn't care that her sisters were watching, she wasn't even paying attention to them. It was like they weren't even in the carriage and that it was just her and the Drakken. "They were your first picks, I was something that you happened to win.... You have shown them that you want them, but you have shown little interest in me." She said softly and calmly as she looked into Lugft's eyes, one would of thought that she was talking to another Gem that was how she talked to the Drakken. She gave a small coy smile, her eyes showing only gentleness and tenderness, there was no anger or bitterness behind those eyes. She wondered if anyone had showed him this gentleness before, most likely not, as her people mostly showed fear, anger, resentment and lust, though the latter would be rare as well.

"Am I not special to you as well?" She asked gently with a small amount of hurt in her voice. Was she faking this? Just putting on an act? No, no it was none of that. She was being sincere and her eyes betrayed that, all her life she had been rejected and for once she wanted to be wanted, even if that meant being wanted by a brute.

EDIT: I feel like I should remind everyone of what Tirza is currently wearing

@RomanAria
@NarcissisticPotato
@agentmanatee

Aery couldn’t believe that the man would… Oh. Of course. To hurt Fireheart he’d hurt the rest of them. Why… Why did the girl slap him…?
Aery yelped as Lugft lifted her into his lap, flushing crimson as her shirt was ripped in two. She tried to cover herself, but of course Lugft was stronger and she only managed to put herself even more prominently on display. And then his burning hand pressed across her exposed stomach and she suddenly stopped thinking much of anything.

She didn’t scream; that, at least, she managed to avoid. But white spots danced in front of her eyes as it felt like her whole upper body was on fire. She gasped for air, trying to remember how to breathe, and then suddenly the excruciating burning was gone. But not so the stinging, and even the cool wind that her sister-wife channeled in her direction only intensified that agony. She didn’t even notice that Lugft had set her back down in her corner until she realized that she could lean back against the wall and cry. The burn was too tender to touch, or even to pull her dress back over. Carefully she studied it, wincing at how big it was (Covering from the bottom of her ribcage to the start of her skirt and spanning her entire waist) and how deep and painful the ugly wound was. Certainly anyone who might try to take her from Lugft would see the brand and would know who she belonged to.

Aery couldn’t hear what the man was saying, though surely his comments were directed at her. She was too numb from the pain to care, even when he picked her up and slid his hands uncomfortably close between her legs. Tears streamed down her face even as she heard Lugft’s final comment to her, “I’ll teach you… I’ll even let Tirza help.” She felt a knot of dread form in her aching stomach, and then something changed hands and she quite abruptly fainted, while still lying in Lugft’s arms.

"You really need to be more attentive, ladies. My name is Prince Rynek Darion the first. Killer of kings and breaker of men. Third in line to the throne, yada, yada. You may call me sir, master, my Lord, my Prince and Rynek only when I'm balls-deep inside of you." When his joke inevitably failed to make them laugh, he frowned and turned on his heels. Assuming they would follow, he traced his way back towards the exit. His work was done that day - he had garnered two brides and produced a draw with Wilhelm while only having returned from a war. He had battled now he wanted to fuck. Unfortunately, that was a number of hours away but he had a number of ground rules to lay out with them.

As he walked them away from the ballroom with broad steps, his hand naturally fell to where his sword would be only to be reminded that it was gone. That made him more than uneasy but he kept his pace. "I understand that many Drakken prefer to brand their brides in case of escape. Although I might have to do this later, I would prefer to have you know not to escape. Ever."

He didn't even bother looking around - he didn't need to. His powers lashed out at Lienna first. He didn't know her powers but his were a lot stronger than hers. The method he chose was one he used to torture women earlier - he simply began to heat up the tight dress that enveloped her body. He continued heating it until it grew painful then pushed even further. The young girl could either accept the growing amount of pain or strip.

After that, his powers chose to attack Amaryllis. Much like Wilhelm's powers earlier, he elected to steal the very air from her lungs. It only began with small amounts, leaving her breathing a little heavier. As their footsteps emanated around the mostly empty corridor, he drew more and more from her until she was left virtually choking. It was then that he chose to stop.

"Make no mistakes. If any of you choose to run, only death awaits you. I control every fibre of your mortality now and I will be more than willing to steal your life away from you if you leave me. I could kill you now if I wished to. Snuff out your being with a gentle shift..." There was a sickening longing sound in his voice - Rynek could be the playful Prince but under all that, hid a monster which would tear them apart if it chose to.

For the few short seconds that they went through pain and near-death, it suddenly ceased. Ama could breath once more and Lienna didn't have to strip for him just to avoid getting second degree burns. With that, he continued walking as if nothing happened.

Eventually, they were released into the cool mountain air. The deadly Crownguard forces were awaiting them on horseback, guarding a rather ornate carriage. The Crownguards were a group of about two dozen heavily armoured troops. They were more than willing to die for him which made them the perfect bodyguards. As he approached, they watched the two new additions with uncaring eyes. They knew better than to holler or hoot at the two girls - Rynek would cut their tongues out.

The young Prince led both of his new brides to the carriage before opening the door and helping both of them up into it. Inside, there was another girl, strangely enough. Her features were dark and sharp but she was beautiful beyond all measures. She was barely a year older than the other two but anyone with two eyes could tell that she was from the Southern Kingdoms. "Ah yes, this is my guest, Princess something or another. Those Southern bastards have complicated names. Fret not though, she's not for me. My brother requested that I take her. Don't know why he would ever want a Southerner though; trust me when I say that they're not the prettiest beasts to fuck. Not soft like you pretty little Gems." As he spoke, he helped Lienna up into the carriage, making sure to give her ample backside a soft squeeze to remind her of her position.

Instead of riding with them in the carriage, he left them and mounted his destrier. Unfortunately, they couldn't move overly fast due to the carriage which made the journey all that bit longer. This, however, gave his brides enough time to speak and plot.



This couldn't be happening. Atallia was told that the Drakken never thought; they just acted. If it had been as they said it would have been then he would have taken his anger from the day out on her but it wasn't. He saw right through her - right through her intentions and her facade and he acted accordingly. They weren't meant to think like that. Shame choked her, wrenching it's way into her heart and shattering it as she watched poor, weak Aery be violently exposed to them. Cold dread settled into her heart as she watched him, awake but too lost to hear his words. As he seared his mark into Aery's skin, reality hit her hard, downing her in a single punch.

Lugft didn't cause this. I did.

The fire urged her to fight, to peel away that bastard from Aery and make him pay but her mind had firmly detached itself from the fire. She no longer listened to its calls. She was useless and dead. How could she ever benefit the rest of them if all she did was destroy and bring pain? It hurt. Her head hurt. She wanted to fade away from this place; to forget that she was beautiful and that she was selected. She wanted to go home.

Once Aery was dealt with, he pulled her up and she could feel the unwanted touch of his hand on her ass. He was right, she realised. He could take what he liked and there was very little the rest of them could do. It didn't matter what order they went in; that was irrelevant. He'd rape them and continue raping them until he judged them to not be pretty enough and had them replaced.

I'll be the first.

Atallia could hear his words in her ears but she found it hard to process them. Too many things happening at once. She wanted to fall asleep. Or die. Both would have suited her cause perfectly. But the cold rage of his words brought her back from that door. Did he think that she was just going to roll over and let him take her? Did the bastard not have any respect? She would die for the rest of them, go through any pain, let herself become the martyr if it meant that they escaped with a gentle fate.

I already know my fate. They have a chance. Save them.

Atallia fell back from him, seeking the refuge of her quiet corner of the carriage. Curling her feet up onto the seat. She heard Tirza's words but she ignored them as she turned her gaze away, allowing it to fall away from Aery. She had betrayed her own sister with that violent lash of hers and now Aery was going through a massive amount of pain and humiliation .

Was this the only duty the Gods had for her? Was her only job to lay down her life so that others could live on. No. They knew from the start what they were doing. The prietesses loved to tell them that the Gods had a plan for all of them and Atallia believed that. That's why she chose not to pray to them or ask them for help. They had abandoned her to her fate; left her to be destroyed by these monsters.

You will never create, Atallia. Your fire only destroys

@Orior

Kasari jumped a little as the Female Drakken slapped her ass for whining, pouting subtly in return. Held in place by a hand on her hip, Kasari had little choice but to watch the duel that transpired. She could tell that this new 'wife' of hers was excited by the ordeal, as were many others about the room. It was apparent that each of the combatants were highly skilled and recognized as such by their peers. It wasn't hard to watch, the battle ending up a draw for most of the fight anyway. They had lasted longer than she had expected but still, the battle was quick and over before she knew it. She noticed that the woman who chose her and the other girl Sohpia had pushed the pair of them closer to the line in a subtle attempt to have them picked by another Gem who had been given the opportunity to choose her sister wives. Kasari sighed at this. So not even she wants us all that much. Great. Zaerna teased Sohpia with this fact as they were passed by, defeat sinking into her chest at last.

A few of the Drakken lords were already distancing themselves from the line, either trying to sneak their brides off early or just plain challenging someone to stop them from leaving. Few did, however, so she watched her fellow Gem sisters leave with a sad look and a silent prayer for them. "Seems like everyone has pretty much made up their mind. Somehow I expected more fighting between you Drakken." She sighed, becoming bored just standing their behind the woman who was her unchallenged owner.

Lienna Orhhneaht

At the her new ‘husband’s (well, whom she now knew was named Prince Rynek) reprimanding, Lienna bowed her head in apology, following obediently when he turned to leave the ballroom. As she walked, back straight and chin up (she would retain some dignity; she may be owned now, but she was owned my a prince) she almost had to run to keep up with Rynek’s long strides. Not only was she claimed by a Drakken, but a Drakken prince at that. Drakken royalty was determined by the strong and brutal; she’d even heard of the Drakken Prince who’d been leading his army into the South. Lienna wasn’t sure what this ‘marriage’ would mean for her. Would she be treated better, for the dignity of the royal family? Or worse, because her husband was bound to be especially heinous? The uncertainty spiked sickness through her gut, sharp spines of dread growing and pulsing in her abdomen.
As the three of them left the ballroom, they had to pass the staircase which lead to the dressing rooms. Lienna looked behind her as quickly as she dared, casting a short yet solemn look in the direction of the room where her original clothes lay. She’d likely never have reason to wear furs again, and she’d miss the secure feeling of trousers as opposed to dresses.

"I understand that many Drakken prefer to brand their brides in case of escape. Although I might have to do this later, I would prefer to have you know not to escape. Ever.”

Lienna had snapped to attention when Rynek suddenly spoke. Shocked, she did not reply, but folded her hands and looked straight ahead until something began to feel…off.

Of all things, she began to feel very warm. At first she thought it was nervousness, but it quickly escalated past any preconception of normalcy; her dress was heating up, quickly growing from odd, to uncomfortable, to outright painful. Within seconds she felt her skin flaring up, as if someone had dunked her in scalding water. er dress felt tight, and heated as if it were metal. A fire elemental, Lienna realized. It didn’t take a genius to guess.
She pulled at the neckline of her dress, willing the burning to subside in the tighter areas. Then she drew what water there was in the air to her dress, wetting it more than she expected in an effort to cool it. The only effect it had, however, was to make the ever-hotter dress cling to her flesh more.
She tried not to show her pain, but she had no doubt Rynek knew it. Finally and shamelessly, she fumbled with the ties of her dress, releasing the upper bodice of the dress and letting it hang loose, away from her skin but still covering her, held on by her sleeves.

Of course, it was then that the heat stopped. As quickly as it came the heat was gone, and the dress was back to a normal temperature. Looking back, it couldn’t have been more than half a minute. Lienna wasn’t sure if the flush in her pale face was from the heat or the bodice that now hung loose, leaving her breasts easily viewable from the sides. She was compelled to try and fix her dress, but fought the urge, instead trying to appear unpurturned by her new condition. She’d told herself that she would be the perfect wife if she needed to, and it wouldn’t hurt to at least pretend she wasn’t shy about herself around her new husband. After all, she told herself, he was her husband. Technically, it shouldn’t bother her. Even as she thought it, a new twist formed in her stomach.

"Make no mistakes. If any of you choose to run, only death awaits you. I control every fibre of your mortality now and I will be more than willing to steal your life away from you if you leave me. I could kill you now if I wished to. Snuff out your being with a gentle shift…”

Of course, it had all been a threat. The man didn’t even need to look at them to have them in his total control. The shock was almost beginning to wear off at this point, but Lienna couldn’t help but feel a flurry in her gut, a mixture of dread and sick exhilaration. The very thought disgusted her, but she pushed it out of her mind and focused on walking.

Eventually, they got outside and came to a caravan waiting outside Shadow Worth. Lienna welcomed the cool mountain air over her still-flushed skin, a shiver running through her as the wind chilled the wet fabric of her dress. There was an ornate carriage waiting for them, flanked front and back by mounted warriors who kept their gaze respectfully forward, glancing over the Prince’s new wives with little more than boredom. Renee helped them up into the carriage one at a time, paying extra attention to Lienna’s behind as he did so. Though he was gentle, she could feel the bridled strength in his hands, his arms as he lifted her. It was intimidating, to say the least, and combined with his comments as he introduced her and Amaryllis to the southern Princess in the carriage and his attempted dirty joke inside, Lienna could form a decent idea of her near, bleak future.

Much to Lienna’s hidden delight, Rynek did not join them in the carriage, apparently choosing instead to ride among his men. Expecting a hero’s welcome, she figured. Though she was excited for a few hours without him to deal with her own emotions, she made herself look disappointed, leaning out of the window and reaching to gently caress his shoulder as he walked away. “Not riding with us, my Prince?” she asked sweetly, not really expecting an answer.

@NarcissisticPotato @HylianRose

Zaerna Throt'oll

---

And so the evening ends.

With a lofty sigh, Zaerna slumped down against the girls at her side. She threw a last lingering gaze on the ballroom, the bottom curve of her horn grazing Kasari's scalp lightly as she did. All in all, the unmarried Throt'oll was viewing this evening as quite the success. She managed to claim two brides and avoid confrontation - if she had caused trouble, she would not return to a happy mother. Lord Thort'oll may be the War Lord head of their little clan, but it was the wrath of her mother the female Drakken dreaded most. Her reputation had to be impeccable if she wanted a husband of notable worth, and a discretion at such an event would not reflect nicely in her mother's eyes. The woman was already going to need convincing to not throw a fit about her daughter's brides already. With the hall emptying, the female Drakken held her two brides close and started leisurely walking toward the great double door exit, ignoring the manacles on both of the girls' wrists. The female Drakken responded to Kasari's comment in a condescending tone, "You pathetic creatures are not worth Drakken blood; you are hardly the cream of the crop, today, and yet someone as dignified as myself settled for you. Some barbaric men might fall to temptation, but know that those of us with minds recognizing the foolishness of fighting over you." As they passed the threshold she ordered one of the ambient workers to inform her carriage to be ready outside Shadow Worth. "Besides," she went on, "If one of you were so irresistible, we could just go and take your sisters." She snickered at the ridiculousness of the idea.

"Now, I'm sure you're both curious as to why a female would have been given a bride." She said as she led the girls through hard granite halls adorned with tapestries and mosaics. Each piece of art was made by some or another race and showcased beautiful craftsmanship and technique, but depicted violent, bloody scenes of the Drakken's victory over those peoples. They passed window showing a large male Drakken with three much smaller Geminites encircled in his arms and the female jostled the two of them. "I earned you two in my escapades in the South. Myself and my squadron of sixteen lesser males swathed the Southern coast behind enemy lines to sterilize the area. We followed one of their low-traffic trade routes through bleak countryside, coming across the many small villages that housed the members of their reserve militias." At this point, the female led them down a large marble staircase, a thick red carpet running down them like a vein. The sounds her boots made resonated up the walls to the large ceiling and back, making for crisp clear retorts that punctuated her story like a metronome.

"My men and I followed these routes to many small villages and hamlets that, once the main body of the South dwindle, their government would have turned to in order to bolster their ranks. We took that option away from them by completely neutralizing the area. First the fit men, who would have been brought against my own brothers, and then the infirm, and then the women and children." She didn't pause between the admission and her continuance, "In total, I do not remember how many towns we visited. This operation took course over a few weeks. My men and I would withdraw and reenter farther down the routes whenever we came close to discovery by outside forces. By leaving no witnesses, we were able to continue the mission until we were called back home." Out of the grandiose stairwell and through a great mural-covered hall she brought them. The dark mural depicted a large Drakken male standing triumphantly over a pile of bodies. The female made a religious gesture to the interpretation of Drun, her hand leaving Sophia's body as she did, only to return to the girls lower back once she was finished. "In all..." She finally finished her recounting, "I believe our count was somewhere near 1,100, though that includes young children and infants so it isn't too impressive. However, we took out a good percentage of their back up forces, and so myself, as the leader of the squadron, received the honors." She patted them again for effect - they were the 'honors' after all.

The female Drakken fell silent as she ushered them down the rest of the hall, the next mural depicting Sorrak sitting in a lush throne surrounded by scantily clad female Drakkens. On the opposite wall, Krenta was illustrated in dark following robes in a field of bleached skulls, the sun hidden behind his head creating a halo around the deity's head. Again, Zaerna motioned out of respect for her gods, though not as fervently and within looking down to her feet as she had done before. The hall emptied into the cavernous entryway of Shadow Worth. Tall arched windows framed in wrought iron showed the desolate environment the Drakken inhabited. The only relief in the bland beige desert were the spokes of gray sandy crags or protruding mounds that housed termites. Very rarely, a cactus or stunted tree showed hints of green, but they were few and far between. A road cut through going both directions, and on the far side of the passage the mountains rose up in their orche glory. As the sorceress approached the final exited, she waved pleasantly to the two men posted there as they opened the set of smaller, more convenient doors.

The heat hit the Drakken like a blow to the chest, but she was more than accostumed to it. The castle had only been so much cooler, but the blaring sun was oppressive in it's own right. She squinted her copper eyes, her large sideways horns doing nothing to shield her view. She quickened her pace down the large staircase that connect Shadow Worth with the passage between the mountains, releasing the girls to their own mobility. Her carriage glinted in the sun at the bottom of the steps. "You will refer to me as Mistress or Lady Throt'oll, whichever you prefer. Your duties at the estate will be similar to my current maids, to cook and clean within what schedule or order my house has already distinguished. Seeing as how such trivial matters do not need my attention, do not ask what or how that will work, as I will leave it to my headmaid to decide where she needs you." Zaerna was much more conscious of the going-ons in her estate than she let on, but she truthfully did not know where or how the girls would be put to work. "However, unlike the rest of my servants, your work and appearance will be inspect and regulated. You are, at the moment, the newest and therefore weakest members of my house. Prove your worth, and your place as my bride will be elevated and upheld. I doubt I need to go into detail as to what will happen if you don't; just know that any horror your innocent mind can conjure will be preferable to my dungeon."

They came to the bottom of the stairwell, and Zaerna herded them to her carriage. It was a large, shapely box covered in intricate metal work with a few windows and steps leading up to the door. It was mostly a stained wood red with steel designs, and it rested atop four spindly yet sturdy wheels. Two black mares, at least 18 hands high, stood at attention with glistening metal harnesses and reigns leading back to the beautiful carriage. In the front, a handsome Southerner was holding the reigns, a bleak look on his face. Attached to the back of the carriage, however, seemingly out of place, was a roughly constructed iron cage. It was heated in the light of the sun, and rose on uneven wheels. The female stepped to the cage, unlocking it with a set of heavy keys and ripping it open. Without much warning, she approached Sophia and hauled her forward into the cage. "You'll be spending the trip in here. I do not tolerate disrespect. You'll learn the rest of your lesson at the estate." She swung the bars shut and lock the cage and, turning on her heel, paid the girl no mind as she attended to Kasari. She approached Kasari and gently took her hand, "Come, darling," she cooed absentmindedly, guiding the girl to the door of the carriage. She pulled it open and helped her inside, then climbed in behind her. Plush red seats and a glass liquor cabinet were inside; the carriage was considerable comfortable. There were a few windows, including one in the back pointed toward the cage. The female Drakken sat, pulled the Gem next to her, and poured two glasses of whiskey - one much fuller than the other. She took that glass and sipped it, without forcing the other glass of the Gem. "I suppose if either of you have any questions," She said loud enough for them both to hear, "now would be the time to ask them." As she spoke, the carriage slowly started to roll forward, and the female Drakken pulled her vibrant hair into a thong.

Kasari shivered as she felt the edge of Zaerna's horn brush past her head, one of the most intimidating features of the Drakken aside from their size. She lowered her head as the woman responded to her thoughts, the comment having been taken the wrong way by the woman now in charge of her life. "I apologize, I didn't mean anything by it. It's just that I was always taught that Drakken enjoyed fighting, especially with each other. I was mistaken to assume." The young girl began chewing on her bottom lip, terrified that she might have upset the female Drakken like Sophia had.

She listened intently to the rest of Zaerna's speech entailing her victories in the south. It was strange to hear such stories, being from such a peaceful nation herself, but it made sense to her that the Gems would pick such a race to defend them over the others. Anyone else would be annihalated by these beasts, then where would they be. What interested her more than the war story, however, was the images in which Zaerna motioned her respect to. She recognized them as being the deities the Drakkens worshipped, however she knew nothing about them. Kasari made a mental note to inquire about them later.

Despite being herded by the female Drakken, Kasari had no troubles keeping up with the woman's pace, stepping lightly now that she had a better idea of what they were in for. It sounded like a lot of hard work, especially when considering it was for the rest of their lives, but the notion that she'd be a housemaid didn't frighten her as much as the thought of being a brute's sexual plaything.

Eventually Zaerna ushered the Gem girls out the cool building and into the uncomfortable heat. Kasari was fairly impressed by the carriage, built sturdier and of finer materials than the one they had originally brought her in. She groaned internally when she spotted the cage attached to the back, expecting to spend the rest of her trip inside. Much to her surprise, however, Zaerna only threw Sophia inside before locking the door behind her. Thoroughly confused by this, Kasari followed behind Zaerna in a daze, climbing into the vehicle and sitting awkwardly as Zaerna climbed in next to her. She felt bad that she was the only Gem sitting in the comfortable carriage, but at the same time she didn't envy the position Sophia had put herself in.

"Is it alright for me to drink this, Lady Throt'oll?" She asked the female Drakken, eyes flickering sympathetically to Sophia in the cage before returning to the drinks Zaerna had poured. Her uncertainty abou the drink was quickly lost, however, as she took the opportunity to ask her questions. "Oh, Mistriss Throt'oll." Kasari started, doing her best not to trip over the foreign name. "Do you have household deities? One god that you choose to worship over the others or is it distributed between them all?"

@Orior@MarsAdept

Sophia walked silently as the female Darkken lead her on. She passed through the halls of the castle. The walls were decorated with the exaggerated escapades of the Drakken people. It served as a effective propaganda to embolden Drakken and put fear into their foes. Sophia did not like the way the Drakken was so close to her. The Drakken went on and on explaining why she earned a bride. It was stupid, Sophia did not care. Sophia just remained silent. She did not need to make her life more miserable.

Stepping outside the castle finally brought no relief to Sophia. Her Mistress' carriage pulled up carrying a cage on its back. Instantly Sophia understood the purpose of it. She offered no resistance when the Drakken put her in the cage. The bars and floor was hot, really hot. Sophia squirmed in pain as it burned her. She bit her tongue to keep from screaming in pain. Eventually, Sophia calmed down. She used what cloth she head in her dress to separate her skin from the metal. It only relieved her suffering for a few seconds. Sophia resigned herself to her pain. No longer caring Sophia stopped trying to avoid the pain and sat as still as she could. She silently begged for death.

@WeepingLiberty@Orior