---

Time: Late Morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Attire:Cassius
Mentions:@princess Charlotte, @SausagePat Ruby, @Potter Layla / Olivia, @FunnyGuy Renzo, @Tae Kali

---

Cassius allowed his eyes to linger on the face of his father for a moment. The Count looked charming and influential as he made his way down to the beach, hair blowing in the wind and all of that distinguished poise carried on the surface for all around him to bask in. He still didn’t know the man that well, but Cas had a way of seeing people for who they truly are…and he could sense that there was far more to Calbert Damien than that. There was something in his eyes, something ominous yet inevitable.

His attention was torn away as he realized he never answered the girl he had been introduced to a moment ago, Ruby, as all the nonsense with Layla had overshadowed her words. He felt bad, because Ruby had picked up on his sarcasm, which he admired, but as Cas began to fully process her words his mind became stuck on one thing as it replayed in his memory.

“Listen here, Casserole.. if you’re going to put the moves on Charlotte, you have to commit to Charlotte. Nobody wants a fickle fizzbucket.. Get it together, ya hunk! “

First off…Casserole?...Had she actually called him that? He couldn’t help but smile as he realized that she truly had. He has been called so many things throughout his life, most of them far worse than “casserole”, but there were few he had ever found to be quite so humorous.

Next, he thought about her statement itself. Cassius would never deny that he had a tendency to “put the moves” on those around him that he found to be beautiful and or interesting. Of course, Charlotte was beautiful…and something about her had clearly piqued his curiosity, but this wasn’t him flirting…at least he didn’t think so. He had flirted at their first encounter, and that had not gone well. Not at all, in fact. But if not that, then what was this? He didn’t get the chance to ponder the point further, as the very woman whose words stirred the thought in the first place cried out suddenly and fainted, her body crumbling to the sand below. Charlotte reacted quickly, pulling Ruby into her lap. Then…thanks to Layla, came the sand.

There it was, just a hint of the fire that Cassius saw in Charlotte the other night, present in her eyes as she scowled at Layla with the realization that the vile woman had kicked sand in the direction of Ruby.

"How dare you."

Cassius watched the scene play out in front of him…witnessing that very flame in Charlotte surge to life, flicker, and then diminish as she lost her nerve. Even as the contempt in her voice lessened, the weight of her words and the resolve behind them were clear. He could tell that she was the type to always stand up for those she cared about, even when she had shown that perhaps she wasn’t willing to do the same for herself. His eyes remained on her face as she spoke, and eventually, as her own gaze turned to him once more…he found himself lost in the remnants of sparks and embers that lingered behind her eyes. Not unlike his father, there seemed to be far more to Lady Charlotte Vikena than most would ever assume. It was then that she spoke to him

"Excuse me... Lord Cassius…Could you please assist us in carrying Ruby over to the blanket?"

There was a veiled hesitation in her plea, yet she asked him all the same. As their eyes were still fixed on one another, Cassius replied to her request with a nod and kneeled next to Charlotte at Ruby’s side…his gaze only breaking away to look down at Ruby as he began to lift her gently. In the moment, he had no sarcastic quips, one liners, flirtatious bits of banter, or anything other than a desire to help the fallen woman and in turn help Charlotte.

As he stood to begin walking Ruby over to the previously mentioned blanket, the middle-aged man that he saw as he approached the beach came to address Layla and whoever she was arguing with now. Cassius had stopped listening to the bitch after turning his back to her. He didn’t care how royal or important she was…she had shown that she wasn’t worth his time, and he knew that Kalliope could take care of herself if the need arose. Only seconds later, though, the air in the vicinity shifted. Something had happened. Cas could hear the man groveling and begging for Layla’s forgiveness as he turned to face the crowd again with Ruby still unconscious yet safe in his arms. His eyes trailed to find Charlotte and Oliva once more as he spoke to them just loud enough for them alone to hear.

”What the fuck is going on? Is it always this…chaotic? Don't get me wrong, I love a bit of chaos, but this has been a very peculiar morning.”

Time: Late Morning
Location: Royal Gardens Tea Party
Attire: Outfit
Interaction: @FunnyGuy Alexander, @Helo Prince Callum
Mentions:



Mina couldn't help but be impressed by the swift turn of events. Alexander's announcement of his company's support for Callum's charity project was unexpected, yet it fit perfectly with the flair he had displayed throughout their conversation. She looked at him with a mixture of surprise and admiration, her eyes shining with genuine appreciation. It seemed that the game between them had taken on a new dimension, one that involved more than just playful banter.

"Mr. Deacon, that was quite the performance," she said, her voice laced with genuine praise. "You certainly know how to make a statement and capture everyone's attention." Her lips curled into a playful smile as she continued. "A beacon of light in a world growing darker, indeed. I can see why you've already made quite an impression here in Sorian."

She turned her attention back to Callum, her expression sincere. "Prince Callum, your charity project is indeed something to be admired," she said. "It's heartening to see someone with your influence and status genuinely care about the well-being of the people. I'm honored to offer my support, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on Sorian. If you wish, I could even speak with Princess Sadie and some of the other Varian nobles on your behalf to convince them to join the cause?"

As the conversation flowed, Mina's thoughts were a whirlwind of excitement and intrigue. The dynamics of the interaction between the three of them had shifted from flirtatious playfulness to a more substantial connection, centered around a shared purpose. It was a refreshing change, and Mina found herself genuinely looking forward to collaborating with these two intriguing men.

"Well, gentlemen, it seems we have quite the exciting endeavor ahead of us," she said with a smile. "I'm confident that with the Black Rose Trading Company's support and Prince Callum's vision, this charity event will be a resounding success." Her eyes sparkled as she looked at both Alexander and Callum. "And I must say, I'm rather excited to see what the silent auction will bring. Who knows what treasures might be uncovered?"

She let a playful wink slip as she glanced at Alexander, her flirtatious nature still present, but now combined with a genuine camaraderie. She slipped a flask out of a hidden pocket in her skirts, the promised brandy within, and held it out for Callum. ”Might I also make a suggestion? Perhaps along with the silent auction there can be an auction for a date night with some of the most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes of all the kingdoms? We would need volunteers, of course, so I’ll put my name in as one of the first.” She added, trying not to think of what had been proposed to her the night before.

Date: Evening of Sola 22nd

---

Mina's frustration boiled within her as she stood face-to-face with her uncle, Count Sebastian, in their lavish sitting room. The air crackled with tension, their voices escalating in a heated argument. Sebastian's concerned gaze bore into Mina, his voice tinged with worry and frustration.

"Mina, you had a seizure! You fainted right in front of everyone! This isn't something to be taken lightly," Sebastian exclaimed, his hands gesturing in exasperation. "Your visions...they're becoming more frequent, more intense. I can't bear to see you suffer like this."

Mina's eyes blazed with defiance as she clenched her fists. "You're being ridiculous, Uncle! It was just a momentary lapse, nothing more. I can handle myself. I don't need to be sent back to Kolonivka like some fragile doll."

Sebastian's brows furrowed deeply, his voice growing louder with each word. "Fragile? This isn't about fragility, Mina. This is about your well-being, your safety! I won't risk losing you because you're too stubborn to acknowledge the severity of the situation."

Mina's anger surged, her voice reaching a crescendo as she shouted back at her uncle. "I won't go back! I won't be locked away like some damsel in distress. I can handle my visions, my own fate! You can't control me, Uncle! Besides, Roman offered his protection. I’ll be fine!"

Sebastian's face flushed with anger, his voice booming through the room. "Remain in these rooms, Mina. I will make the arrangements, and you will go back to Kolonivka until we find a way to manage this. I won't argue any further!"

With a mixture of frustration and defiance, Mina let out a scream of frustration before huffing and storming over to a nearby chair. She flung herself into it, her body trembling with anger and hurt. Sebastian disappeared into his room, leaving Mina to wrestle with her emotions in the suffocating silence that enveloped the room.

The weight of their disagreement hung heavy in the air, and Mina knew that the battle between her desires and her uncle's concerns was far from over.

Munir has been in his room, not really wanting to participate in whatever event has been taking place. Sure, he was asked to partake in the summer’s festivities in the hopes of finding himself an imperial consort. However, ever since his first fateful meeting with Lady Mind Blackwood of Kolonivka, he wanted no one else. It was her, or he will be returning to Alidasht by himself. The Sultan would not have liked this but he did not care.

Checking his garb in front of the large, polished bronze mirror, he straightened himself out and stepped out of his room, deciding that some fresh air could be nice. His retainer, Hakim, dutifully followed behind him as he quietly paced the halls of his temporary Northern residence.

Mina slipped into her rooms, putting on a convincing act by lying down in bed, making it seem as if she had obeyed her uncle's orders. But as soon as she was sure he was occupied with something else, she placed pillows under her covers in order to make it appear like she simply fell asleep. Then she quietly slipped out of a hidden door that led to a long-forgotten servants' entrance. She'd discovered this entrance years ago and it was one of the reasons why they always requested the same rooms. Sometimes she liked to slip away without anyone being the wiser. The passageway was dimly lit, cobwebs hanging in forgotten corners, but she navigated it with ease, knowing the way like the back of her hand.

Emerging into the hall not far from her rooms, she heard her uncle's voice, discussing with someone the arrangements for her travel back to Kolonivka. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she knew she couldn't let him catch her outside her rooms otherwise she wouldn't get a moment of freedom. Silently, she backed away, trying to slip away before she quite literally bumped into someone.

Startled, she looked up and found herself face-to-face with Munir. Her breath caught in her throat, and she instinctively took a step back, trying to gather her composure. Munir's dark eyes bore into hers, and she could sense that he had caught her in the act. She quickly held a finger up to her lips as she glanced over her shoulder frantically in the direction that her uncle's voice was still coming from. She was terrified he was about to give her away.

Munir was minding business, pacing down the corridor when a sudden thump stopped him in his tracks. He instinctively looked up in fury and reached out to shove the would-be intruder away from him to be punished by his retainer Hakim. “Ha-“ He began to say, in a rather subdued voice befitting of his quiet anger for having his empty thoughts disturbed. But it was them that he saw who it was. It was like a beam of moonlight against the dark canvas of the night. A fiery blaze that lit up his eyes. By the Sun Gods it was her. It seems they have finally answered his silent prayers.

“Mina…” Munir said, noticing the finger at Mina’s lips, telling him to keep his voice to a minimum. Munir nodded, snapping his fingers sharply once to direct Hakim to essentially secure their immediate surroundings. “Let’s speak in my room? I have so many things to ask you…” Despite their predicament, Munir has to say at least these last few words before gently and quietly guiding Mina to his room…

Mina's heart raced as she heard approaching footsteps from the direction of the voices, and she quickly nodded in agreement with Munir's suggestion. There was no time to waste, and she knew she had to act quickly if she wanted to avoid being caught by her uncle. With a swift, but silent, movement, she took Munir's hand and followed him as he led her to his room.

Once inside, she closed the door softly behind them and let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Thank you for saving me from that predicament," she whispered, her voice tinged with relief. "I don't think my uncle would have taken kindly to finding me wandering the halls after he told me to not leave my room."

Mina's eyes locked with Munir's, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions swirling inside her. There was a magnetic pull between them, an unspoken understanding that went beyond words. There was something different about him, something she hadn't experienced before. It was frightening and exhilarating all at the same time.

Munir nodded at Hakim, effectively dismissing him as Mina closed the door to his room. “I will not prod about the predicament you speak of. But please, Mina, rest assured. Your uncle, if I understand the man he is, will not come to my room to inquire about your whereabouts. You’re safe here. Please, sit…” Munir said softly, guiding her to one of the chairs in his room.

In the meantime, he could not take his eyes off of her. He wanted to rid her of all her worries, all of what she is anxious about. There was something about her that made him want to shield her from all that displeased her. “Mina…I…where have you been ...?” It was all that he could make out. It was as if words caught in his throat, and his brain scrambled to piece together a coherent sentence. But there was so much he wanted to say. How much he missed her. How much he craved her touch. How he longed for her lips.

Mina couldn't help but smirk playfully at Munir's question, a hint of teasing in her voice. "Oh, you missed me, did you?" she said with a raised eyebrow. "I must admit, I find it hard to believe, considering how you flit about with other women like a moth to a flame."

Her teasing aside, she then turned serious, her expression softening. "But in all honesty, I've been penned up in my room by my uncle's orders," she explained, her tone tinged with frustration. "After the incident at the execution, he's become even more overprotective and is now determined to send me back to Kolonivka. As if fainting is a crime punishable by exile."

Mina sighed, her eyes meeting Munir's with a mix of exasperation and longing. "I'm not a damsel in distress, Munir. I can handle myself, and that fainting spell I had is not as dire as he thinks. I wish he'd just let me stay and prove him wrong, but he's so stubborn." She paused for a moment, then added with a touch of bitterness, "As if he knows what's best for me better than I do."

“I…you…I…I flit around those women because it’s fun. It’s a game to me…But you… I…” He wanted to say it. To admit it. He missed her. He craved her. She is the flames his moth chased all this time. However, his pride wouldn’t allow it, at the moment. Little did he know, his armor was already cracking and beginning to leak…

“I would very much prefer it if you did not return to Kolonivka… Munir said sheepishly. Just what is going on. It was as if this woman had put some sort of spell on him. He is a bumbling mess when he is in her presence. His wits, his charm, all of it gone. Munir quietly listened to the rest of her words before formulating his response.

“Of course not, Mina. You’re a strong, independent woman. However, it makes sense your uncle is concerned. What if…what if I spoke with him and personally guaranteed your safety…? That way, you needn’t return to Kolonivka and your uncle can rest assured that your health and safety is being safeguarded by another royalty…? Of course, this is not meant to limit you in any way…”

Mina couldn't help but find Munir's stammering and stumbling endearing, and it made her heart skip a beat. She loved how he tried to maintain his composure, even though it was clear she had an effect on him. Her teasing nature prevailed, though, as she replied with a playful smile, "Oh, so you're saying I'm not just another conquest for your amusement? How flattering."

His offer to speak with her uncle caught her off guard. She hadn't expected him to take her concerns seriously, and a part of her was touched by his gesture. "You would do that?" she asked, a mix of surprise and hope in her voice. "You'd be willing to vouch for my safety and convince my uncle to let me stay? You really are full of surprises, Munir."

However, a hint of wariness crept into her expression as she continued, "I must admit, my uncle has not been too fond of you in the past. I'm not sure how he'd react to you advocating on my behalf. But...if you truly think it's worth a try, I won't stop you. Just be careful, alright?" Her concern for his well-being was genuine, even if she was trying to hide her growing affection for him. There seemed to be a slight hint of fear hidden in her eyes as she spoke of her uncle, something someone with a keen eye would only catch. Just as quickly as it was there, it was gone and a playful glint was in her eyes again.

“I do have another question, though. If I’m not just another conquest for your amusement, what am I?”

“You’re a different kind of conquest. Not only for amusement.” Munir responded in kind. It is true. He does not see Mina as a conquest. He isn’t able to put into words what he sees her as. All he knows is that when he isn’t with her, it feels as if a piece of himself is missing and nothing in the world can fill the hole.

“I am more than willing, if you will let me. I do not fear your uncle, nor am I anxious to speak with him. I will speak true to my intentions. To keep you safe, healthy, and hopefully happy. That way, he can carry on his life without having to constantly worry about you. You deserve at least that much. And if it is within my princely powers, you will have it…” Munir said, as the night breeze fluttered the curtains and allowed small streaks of moonlight to dance with the light of the hearth in his room.

He chuckled, finding a little more of his charm and playfulness at her question. “I said you’re a different kind of conquest. Make no mistakes. I want to conquer you. But, to answer your question. Truthfully, I don't know. What I can say is that I…I feel different when I’m with you. A moth to a flame, as you said before…”

Mina's heart fluttered at Munir's words, and she couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through her chest. His genuine concern for her well-being touched her deeply, and she found herself slowly melting under the weight of his words. She let out a soft laugh at his response, the playfulness returning to her eyes as she teased, "Oh, a moth to a flame, is it? Be careful, my princeling, for you might just get burned."

But her flirtatious demeanor couldn't hide the genuine affection she felt for him. She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a hushed whisper, "And what if I wanted to be conquered by you, Prince? What if I wanted to see what lies beyond that charming facade of yours?"

Her heart pounded in her chest as she waited for his response, the playful banter masking the vulnerability she felt in that moment. She wanted to know if he felt the same way, if he saw her as more than just a fleeting fancy. But at the same time, she was afraid of the answer, afraid of what it could mean for them both.

Without verbally replying, Munir placed an arm on Mina’s back and spun her lightly and dipped her. As he did so, he leaned in and stole a quick but firm kiss from her lips.

“What is fire, to a child of the Sun God? Lady Mina. I do not fear being burned. In fact, I welcome the challenge…” Yes, Munir still had Mina dipped and he was still leaning close to her. In a swift and agile turn, he spun her back and had her upright again.

“Do you hear that, Mina. The sound of war drums. It seems an army is on the march, intent on conquering. There are no walls in this war they cannot breach, no foreign land they cannot traverse, and no throne they cannot take. Are you sure you’re up for it?” He spoke of his feelings for her, in a rather metaphoric way of course. In truth, he wanted her right then and there. Her asking to see what lies beyond his demeanor, and telling him what if she wanted to be conquered stoke the fire that already burned within. His eyes now ablaze with desire and his voice laced with barbs meant to exert his will and desires.

Mina was momentarily taken aback by Munir's bold move, the sudden dip and the stolen kiss leaving her heart racing. But she quickly regained her composure, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she placed a hand on his chest and pushed him back slightly, pinning him against a nearby wall. "Oh, so you want a challenge, do you?" she said, her voice low and teasing.

Leaning in close while pressing her body against his, she planted a deep and passionate kiss on his lips, intent on leaving him breathless for a moment before she pulled away, a sly smile playing on her lips. "You've piqued my interest, Munir. But don't think for a moment that you've won me over so easily." Her hand trailed down his chest in a seductive manner, her eyes locked on his. "I'm not so easily conquered, you know. Even if I do want you to try to conquer me."

With a playful wink, she stepped away, leaving him against the wall. "But I do enjoy a good challenge. So, I'll let you try," she said, her voice dripping with flirtation. "Let's see what you're truly made of, princeling." With that, she turned and began to walk away, but not before glancing back over her shoulder with a sultry smile. "Now what alcohol do you keep in your rooms? I'm quite parched."

Breathless would be the exact, most appropriate word to describe him after Mina had leaned in and returned his kiss. She knows the game Munir has been playing his entire adulthood. She seems to be quite an expert as well, something Munir intended on finding out for himself.

Munir was left, leaning against the wall as Mina stepped away and inquired about what alcohol he had in his room. Munir was silent, mind both scrambled and razor focused. “Honeyed mead, kept on ice, and my private bottle brought from Alidasht…” was all that Munir said before he essentially peeled himself from the wall and made his way to Mina.

In one smooth motion, Munir had collected both of Mina’s delicate wrists in his left hand, spun her to face him, and pushed her up against the other wall in his room. Munir held Mina’s wrist firmly but not painfully, pressing them into the wall above her head as he leaned him to her intoxicatingly close. “You don’t get to just stoke my fire and walk away… I want you. Here and now… I must have you…” Munir growled the words at Mina, voice low and lustful. His right hand had slipped around her neck, gently closing in on her airways.

Mina's heart was pounding in her chest as Munir closed in on her, pinning her against the wall with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. She felt his breath on her skin, his lips dangerously close to her ear as he whispered his desires. A surge of desire and anticipation washed over her, and she couldn't deny the pull she felt towards him. His touch was both commanding and tender, a paradox that ignited a fierce desire within her. She met his intense gaze with equal determination, refusing to show any sign of vulnerability, though her breaths were coming faster now.

"My, you speak with such conviction," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of challenge and desire. "Do you really think this is going to make me submit?" She tilted her head slightly, her lips teasingly close to his ear. "You'll have to do more than just hold me against the wall to prove yourself. If you want me, truly want me, then show me. Show me that I'm more than a passing fancy."

With that, she brought one leg up and hooked it around his, her body pressing even closer to his. She nipped at his ear as if to tempt him to try something as she sensed his hand tightening around her neck, and while part of her welcomed the sensation, another part of her knew they were treading dangerous waters. Her words were a challenge, a test of his sincerity. She was drawn to him, there was no denying that, but she wouldn't let herself be a fleeting moment in his life. She wanted something real, something lasting. And she hoped he could prove himself worthy of that.

Munir let out a deep, throaty growl. She was issuing him challenge after challenge and he was going to answer as she was expecting him to. Indeed, the grip he had on her neck tightened, and he pressed her wrists into the wall even harder. He leaned in, not intending on stopping this time as he approached her neckline.

He gave her a sucking kiss, letting his teeth graze her flesh and allowing himself to taste her.

Mina gasped softly as Munir's grip tightened around her neck, a mixture of surprise and arousal coursing through her veins. But as his lips trailed down her neck, she felt a pang of uncertainty. She had always been open-minded and unafraid of exploring her desires, but there was something different about this moment, something that made her heart flutter with nervousness…and she had a secret.

"Munir, w-wait…" she whispered, her voice quivering with emotion. "I need you to know something." She paused for a moment, gathering her courage. Harlot. Whore. Slut. Lady of the night. All these phrases rang through her mind, but if they knew the truth…"This... this will be my first time."

Her words hung in the air between them, the weight of her confession sinking in. She looked up at him, her eyes searching for understanding and acceptance. "I want this, I want you, but I also want, no, I need you to know the truth," she said, her vulnerability showing. "Everything I am, everything people perceive me as…it’s all been a ruse."

Mina took in a shaky breath as she looked at him. "I want to explore this passion between us, but I want it to be with someone I care about deeply," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I care about you, Munir. More than I ever thought possible."

Munir’s kisses stopped just before her collarbone. The way Mina began to speak made him nervous. His hands naturally dropped to his sides as Mina continued to speak. His breathing was steady, but his hands gave his feelings away. They trembled slightly and the most minute amount of sweat gathered in his palms…

As Mina finished her words. Munir’s eyes dropped slightly. Gone was the lust and raging fire from before. What replaced it was a sense of serenity and adoration. His arms wrapped around the small of her back, keeping the pair of lovers close. He leaned in and kissed her deeply and tenderly. His voice was soft and full of care as he said “Lady Mina Blackwood. I love you.”

At the end of his words, he gently led her to his bed, allowing her to slide under the covers before he did so himself. “You will be the last woman I take to my bed. From now, until my last day…” Munir said to Mina tenderly. His hands deftly began caressing her body, taking care to exhibit both passion and care. His lips picked up where they left off, claiming what is his.

The fire crackled in the hearth. The curtains fluttered in the wind. The sounds of passion echoed in his chamber and thus, the hapless playboy has found his safe harbor, his home.

Date: Evening of Sola 22nd

---

The fire had died down to embers, casting a warm glow over the room as Mina lay snuggled against Munir's chest. Her fingers traced lazy patterns on his skin, and she couldn't help but smile contentedly. Munir's words had touched her heart, and she felt an overwhelming sense of love and affection for him. It was a feeling she hadn't expected, but one she welcomed with open arms.

She looked up at Munir, her eyes soft and filled with adoration, yet a spark of mischief was there too. "I think you admitted to loving me earlier," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling of the fire, and then she giggled. "You've stolen my heart, Munir. I never thought I'd find someone like you, someone who makes me feel so alive and cherished."

Munir sighed with contentment. He was spent, but in the best way. He had one arm wrapped around Mina, and his head was propped at an angle against the headboard. “Mmm. I don’t know. I wonder if you could have been hearing things, because I was…well…we know what happened. I might need medical attention from the absolute gashes you’ve dug into my back…” Munir teased. Of course she was right. He said the ‘L’ word earlier. He said it and meant it.

“Just your heart? It seems my skills were rusty.. I want your heart, your body, everything. I want it all… He quipped and gave the top of Mina’s head a tender kiss. He held her close, allowing their naked bodies to remain connected under the blankets and their body heat to entangle.

They laid there in each other's arms, basking in the afterglow of their passion. Mina couldn't remember a time when she had felt so complete, so content. For the first time in a very long time, she felt happy. But as she nestled closer to Munir, she could sense a change in the air, a tension building. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard the heavy footsteps approaching the room.

Then. The door to his chamber burst open. Hakim stumbled in after Count Sebastian who had charged in. Sebastian’s eyes fell on the two of them and his face was flushed with anger, his eyes burning with fury. "Mina!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the room. "What is the meaning of this? How dare you!"

“Uncle!” Mina scrambled to sit up, clutching the sheets to her chest, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“Hakim. It’s alright. Leave us…” Munir said nonchalantly, dismissing his retainer with a small wave. His other arm instinctively went to wrap around Mina’s waist as she sat up, covering up with a sheet. He pulled her down towards him in a motion to look like he had claimed her as his. He gave her a reassuring kiss to her temple and whispered “It’s alright, my Moon and stars. We’ll be alright ... Looking up at Count Sebastian, Munir addressed him without fully sitting up, as if his being with Mina was something that happened matter of factly. “Count Sebastian. How good it is to see you. Yes. It is as you are thinking. Mina and I were, moments before you entered my room, connected, both mentally and physically. Now. I am a stranger to Kolonivkan customs but in Alidasht, this can go one of two ways. I’m sure you’ve heard of my reputation, so I will let you guess how this proceeds from here…” Munir said with a disobedient smirk on his face.

Count Sebastian's face contorted with rage and his eyes flashed with something dark as he saw the scene before him. Without a moment's hesitation, he lunged at Munir with surprising speed and strength, pinning him by the throat against the wall.

"You dare defile my niece, you wretched scoundrel! Make her another of your play things?! Risk her to end up just like her mother!" he hissed, his voice unnaturally cold and menacing. His grip on Munir's throat tightened, and a low growl emanated from deep within his chest.

Mina screamed in horror, desperately trying to pull her uncle away from Munir. "Uncle, stop! Please stop! Let him go!" she cried, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never seen her uncle like this before, and the sight terrified her. But what terrified her more was what she saw in that grimace, what she knew could be coming next, and she desperately tried to yank her uncle away. Instead, Mina was tossed aside like a ragdoll and crashed against a side table. She let out a pained cry as she felt a warm trickle down her arm, glancing down to see a small gash and blood. She dipped her fingers in it in shock at first, but a fierce determination overcame her as her now bloodied hand went to push herself up. It almost seemed like she muttered something before pushing herself up once again.

"Sebastian, stop! Please, let him go!" Mina pleaded, tears streaming down her cheeks. She couldn't bear to see Munir hurt, and she couldn't understand why her uncle was reacting with such violence. Something in Sebastian faltered for just a moment, as if being hit by some trance. ”I love him!

Of course there were sounds of commotion. To which Munir’s retainer heard and charged back through the door. Upon seeing the situation, Hakim immediately drew his sword and made a move at Sebastian. To which Munir thrusted his hand into the air, to stop Hakim. “Count…Sebastian… I can…ex-explain… if you… un-hhhand me..it… it is not…as it seems…” Damn this man is stronger than he looks, Munir thought. He can feel the air leaving his esophagus, and was tethering on losing consciousness.

Her words seemed to snap her uncle out of his trance for a moment. He looked at her, his eyes wide with surprise and realization. He stumbled over his words as he tried to address Mina, releasing Munir in the process.

"Mina, I... I didn't mean... I was just... trying to protect you," he stammered, his voice shaking with remorse.

"Get. Out." There was an unsettling chill within those two simple words. Sebastian looked stunned for a moment, but then he tried to reason with her again, taking a step closer.

"Mina, please, I didn't mean to hurt him. I was just trying to protect you. You don't understand..."

"Get out! Get out!" she screamed, her voice filled with anger and pain. She grabbed a nearby pillow and threw it at him. Then another one.

Sebastian stumbled back, finally realizing the gravity of his actions. He looked at Mina with tears in his eyes, his voice breaking as he tried to apologize. "Mina, I... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you or him. I just... I was worried... I love you, Mina, and I just wanted to protect you..."

But Mina didn't want to hear his apologies. She felt betrayed and hurt, and all she wanted was for him to leave. She picked up another object, a small decorative vase, and threw it at him with all her strength. "Get out! Get out!" she screamed, her voice hoarse from shouting. Her show quickly followed and then the other one as she pelted her uncle with anything she could grab and throw.

Sebastian stumbled out of the room, tears streaming down his face, and Mina collapsed back to the ground, not remembering when she'd stood. A raw, pained, and angry scream escaped her just before she began sobbing uncontrollably.

Upon being released, Munir crumpled to a heap on the floor. Gasping and coughing, Munir tried his best to stand up and gather himself. He heard the back and forth between Sebastian and Mina, and wanted so badly to interject. However, he did not fully regain his composure until the very end, just before Sebastian left.

“Count-Count Blackwood. You and I will have a r-r-real conversation one day. Man to man… Hakim, see the count out.” Munir said, sending his retainer to make sure Sebastian was alright.

Meanwhile, Munir moved slowly back towards Mina, picking her up from the floor and just held her in his bed, letting go of a few small raspy coughs in between. “There there, my Moon and Stars. There there. I’m here. I’m alright… you’re alright…”

Mina clung to Munir, her body trembling with a mix of fear, anger, and sorrow. His presence was the only thing that could bring her a semblance of comfort in that moment of chaos. The weight of her uncle's betrayal and the violence she had witnessed, her own violence she displayed, weighed heavily on her heart. She felt broken and vulnerable, but she also felt an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude towards Munir.

”I know he’s just worried I’m going to end up like my mother, unwed and with child. He doesn’t want me shunned as she was, risk me being driven mad like her…but that rage and violence…” She trailed off, shuddering some at the thought of it all.

"Thank you," she whispered through her tears, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for being here, for protecting me, for loving me." In that moment, she realized how deeply she cared for him, how much he meant to her. And she knew that despite the challenges they would face, she wanted him by her side, to be her safe harbor in the storm.

“Oh my dear. I can make sure you’re with child after tonight. But then I will wed you, and you will be my queen. None in Alidasht or Kolonivka shall shun you, lest they suffer the wrath of Alidasht. It is only right I am by my queen, to protect her when needed and to support her in all things…” Munir said, holding Mina close to her.

To be truthful, her ‘violent outburst’ went relatively unnoticed by Munir, as he was gathering himself. In the moment, he simply held onto her, giving her soft, gentle kisses on the head and cheek, while allowing their body heat to mingle.

Mina's tears continued to flow as she listened to Munir's words. His offer to make her his queen and protect her was both comforting and overwhelming. But his comment about ensuring she would be with child after tonight struck a nerve. She knew he meant well, but the weight of her uncle's anger and disappointment still lingered in her heart. She was also beginning to realize what the consequences of her actions could be and it frightened her greatly. She understood his desire to marry her and provide her with security, but in that moment, it felt like he was reducing her to a mere pawn in a game of politics and succession.

"You can't just say things like that, Munir," she snapped, her voice quivering with emotion. "You can't treat me like some pawn in your plans, or some vessel to fulfill your desires. I am not just a means to an end."

Her words were unjustified and harsh, but in that moment, she couldn't help but lash out at him. Her uncle's actions had rattled her, and the wounds from her past were still fresh. The pain of her mother's tragic end still haunted her, and she couldn't help but project that pain onto Munir, even though he meant well.

Through Mina’s outbursts, Munir remained steadfast, holding her gently but firmly, and constantly offered small, reassuring kisses wherever he could. With a commanding, but still gentle tone, he said “Lady Mina Blackwood of Kolonivka, I need you to hear me, and hear me well. You’re the singular object of all of my desires. You vex me in ways no one and nothing else has before. And I wish for nothing less. You say that I can’t treat you like a pawn. Of course I cannot. You’re the Queen of my chess board, free to move as you pleased. You say that I cannot view you as a simple vessel of my desires. Of course not. You’re to be my Queen. The mother of our beautiful children and the shining jewel brought to Alidasht from the North, not a simple vessel. You say that you cannot simply be a means to an end for me. Of course not. You are my end. You alone are what I’ve been searching for, in this life or the next. I will not probe into your family history. Because they are not my concerns, should you choose to keep them from me. However, know this. Whatever tragedy has befallen you in the past will not repeat themselves. I will not allow it, even if it shall take my entire being to prevent.”

With the end of his words, he shifted slightly on the bed, noticing that Mina felt cold, even under his blankets. Slipping from the bed, he allowed the sheets to fall from his still naked body as he walked to add a few more logs to the slowing embers in his hearth. He also snatched something from a nearby table as he returned to the edge of the bed. Bending down on one knee, he extended his hand to Mina “May I have your hand, Lady Blackwood?” Held in his other hand, if Mina chose to look, would be a golden ring, made amber by the fire in the hearth. On the ring is a singular gemstone, obsidian in color, with something etched in it.

Mina's anger had been a mixture of fear, confusion, and her own past pain. Munir's response to her outburst was unexpected, and his words struck her like a tide of emotions crashing over her. The strength and depth of his feelings for her were evident, and it overwhelmed her. As he spoke, her anger began to subside, replaced by a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

His proclamation of how she vexed him, of her being the Queen of his chessboard, the mother of their children, and his end – it was all so much to take in. She felt a mix of vulnerability and tenderness, but also a pang of panic. This was moving far too fast, and she was unprepared for such a momentous decision. The weight of his expectations, as well as her own, bore down on her, making her feel as if she were drowning in a sea of uncertainty.

Munir's proposal, kneeling before her with a ring in hand, was an image out of a dream she hadn't dared to dream. But dreams, she knew, often held secrets and shadows. As her eyes locked onto the obsidian gemstone, a rush of memories surged through her. The weight of her past, the secrets she held, her own hidden fears – they all swirled within her, threatening to break the fragile surface of her composure. How could she explain everything to him? How could she tell him her darkest secret? How could she put him at risk like that?

She held her breath, torn between the undeniable connection she felt with Munir and the fear of revealing her true self, her family's history, the shadows that had haunted her. It was too much, too soon, and she wasn't ready to lay everything bare.

"I... I appreciate your words, Munir," Mina said, her voice trembling with a mixture of emotions. "And I don't doubt your sincerity. But this... this is all so sudden. I have…things from my past that I'm not ready to share yet." She felt a surge of guilt for withholding the truth from him, but she also knew that this was a decision she needed to make for herself.

Tears welled up in her eyes again, and she felt her heart shatter with the weight of her conflicted feelings. "I need time to think, Munir. This is a decision that will shape both of our lives, and I can't make it lightly." She offered him a tearful smile, her heart aching as she realized she might be pushing him away. "Please understand. I... I need to find my own answers before I can give you an answer."

With that, she gently pulled her hand from his grasp, feeling the absence of his touch like a physical ache. She turned away, her tears falling freely now. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she slipped from the bed, hastily grabbing her wrapping herself in the bedsheet and abandoning her clothes altogether. She needed to be alone, to sort through her thoughts, to face the secrets she had kept hidden for so long.

Without another word, she fled from the room, her heart heavy with the weight of her decisions and the emotions that threatened to consume her as tears freely flowed from her eyes now.

A wave of darkness rushed over Munir as he listened to Mina speak. It seems as if she is not ready to accept his, albeit hasty, proposal. He steadied his nerves and refrained from interjecting as Mina continued to speak. As Mina finished her words, Munir felt as if the fire in the hearth had turned to ice, and the light from the moon gave way to the darkness of night. It felt as if his world was crumbling and being blown away like sand. As Mina pulled away from him, he found himself instinctively reaching out to try to find her hand once more, grasping at nothing but shadows.

“Mina… I…” was all that Munir could eke out as Mina made a hasty exit from his chamber, leaving her clothes behind. Munir sighed and allowed the ring to tumble from his palms, metal bouncing against the granite floor. As Mina made her exit, the door to his chambers was left open, and Hakim stepped in. “Dearest Hakim. Please take Lady Mina’s garbs, package them so as to not give away their truth, and send it to her chamber. I bid you good evening. I wish to be alone for a while as well.” Hakim merely bowed his head slightly before gathering up Mina’s robes and made his exit, the chamber door creaking shut behind him.

As the night settled, Munir sat near the fire and idly poked at the charred wood within, occasionally adding a log or two to keep the fire burning. The gold ring with the etched obsidian jewel remained where it had fallen, casting a long shadow across the polished floor of the impossibly cold chamber. The despair within him grew to be a barathrum…

“I don’t care about your past. I don’t care about your family. I certainly don’t care about whatever it is that troubled you. I accept them all…You’re all I want.” He whispered to himself, suddenly faced with a dolorous reality.

A faint shade of pink crept over Sjan-dehk’s face – just as a flutter tripped through his heart – as Kalliope’s soft lips brushed against his cheek. The kiss had come as a surprise, but it would be an egregious lie if he claimed it to be unwelcome. Without thinking, he reached across to touch the spot where she had kissed him, and upon realising what he was doing, swiftly changed the action to a scratch against an imaginary itch before wiping his hand across the lower half of his face. His eyes turned to the sea, the sky, the trees, and even the crowd. To anywhere and anything but the pretty lady beside him.

“I-It was nothing,” he managed to stammer out and pulled his hat lower over his eyes. “Nothing you should thank me for, I mean. Anyone else would’ve done the same. If not to defend you, then to put an end to the shit spewing from her mouth.” He snuck a sidelong glance at Kalliope. With an awkward shrug, he cleared his throat and added, “And besides, I couldn’t just stand there and let her get away with all the abuse she threw at you. That’s not the Way. Not the Jafin Way, or any Viserjantan Way.”

He cast his eyes over his shoulder at the group as he led Kalliope away, but it wasn’t the venom-tongued princess he looked at. Rather, his eyes lingered around the man who had initially accompanied Kalliope to the beach. Cassius, if Sjan-dehk wasn’t wrong. But that didn’t really matter. What did, was that Sjan-dehk was almost certain that the two of them were in an intimate relationship, if Kalliope’s words were anything to go by. Part of Sjan-dehk didn’t want to believe it – for whatever reason – but the larger part of him was occupied by a more immediate concern. He was currently dragging Kalliope away, and she had just given him a peck on the cheek. It didn’t take much imagination to see how Cassius might interpret things poorly, and that was a barrel of troubles Sjan-dehk could go without opening.

Thankfully, it didn’t seem as if he noticed. The man was far more occupied with Charlotte, and that brought Sjan-dehk even more confusion. Was he so brazen that he would court another lady whilst his partner was within sight? Or was this how things simply worked here? Either way, Sjan-dehk didn’t like the look of him, and this was yet another feeling for which he had no explanation. The man looked normal enough, and he seemed polite enough as well. And yet, just looking at him brought Sjan-dehk great unease.

Sjan-dehk pushed those thoughts away – as best he could, at least – and continued leading Kalliope away and further up the beach. There was definitely something wrong with him, and the sooner he could return to his Sada Kurau, the sooner he could figure out what it was, exactly.

“I guess we’ve just got poor luck, then,” he quipped in response to Kalliope’s answer to his question about the princesses of the region. Casting a sidelong glance at her, he continued, “That it’s the mean cunt that we have to deal with, and not any of her nicer siblings.” He paused for a moment, his mind chiding him for being overly-judgmental of a person whom he had only just met. An unpleasant person, to be sure, but still a stranger, nonetheless. “But I was serious about my pity,” he said a little awkwardly. “The Way teaches us that there are very few people that are inherently bad. As much as I think she’s a little shit, I hope she isn’t one of them, and that she’s just the product of a troubled life.” Even as he uttered those words, he realised just how silly they sounded. A noble’s life could be hard, he knew, but all the same he wondered just how troubled a princess’ life could get.

Well, that was really none of his concern. He could only react to what he heard and saw, and what he saw and heard was a princess being unnecessarily mean and cruel.

He stopped a fair distance away – close enough to keep an eye on the group, but still far enough away to stay out of any altercations that might arise. “Don’t listen to her nonsense,” he said with a sigh and turned to face Kalliope. She did tell him that she was fine, but concern still lingered in his mind. How could he feel otherwise? Layla’s words hadn’t been directed towards him, and yet even he felt their sting. He imagined that they must have left some sort of a mark on their intended target, Kalliope. “All she did was make a lot of assumptions and attack your character. None of it was worth the spit she spent on them, and definitely not worth the effort of even reaction. Though I guess I failed on that one.”

“And maybe I’m making my own assumptions here,” he continued, giving Kalliope’s arm a gentle squeeze and offering her a little smile. “But you’re not what she makes you out to be, if you ask me. If you were that sort of person, you wouldn’t have paid your respects to Izahn. That you did makes you better than most in my books. The little princess can say whatever she likes. It doesn’t change who you are. It doesn’t change that she’s acting like a cunt, and you’re not.” He leaned in a little closer. “Besides, I doubt she contributes to society as much as she thinks she does. Not as much as you, in any case. You work for a living. I find it hard to imagine someone like her doing the same.”

Then, he stood back, and quickly took his hand away from Kalliope’s arm. “Probably should’ve done that a little sooner,” he said apologetically with a bow of his head. Discomforting as it may be, he had to remind himself that Cassius and she had some form of involvement with one another. He had to take a little more care with his words and actions, at least until he became more familiar with local norms. “I, uh, I should let you carry on with your day, I suppose.”

Time: Late Morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Interactions: @princess Charlotte ★ @FunnyGuy Lorenzo ★ @Lava Alckon Farim ★
Mentions: John
Aesthetic:
★ Swimsuit
★ Dress
★ Hair & Accessories

---

Olivia sought to distance herself from the madness. She sat on the blanket and adjusted one of the umbrellas to shade her. This had been too much drama for her. Briefly, she forgot that Count Asshole steadily approached them. Distracted, she took a sandwich from the picnic basket. For the moment, she concentrated on it and blocked out everyone else until she finished. While she consumed her sandwich, Liv watched Cassius set Ruby down beside them.

Now finished with her food, she reached over and moved sand out of Ruby’s hair. Olivia knew she owed Ruby from the other night. These ladies had saved her life and for that, she owed them. At that moment, Liv knew she would protect them with her life. During the confrontation with Princess Bitch, Charlotte noticed her struggle to use magic and had aided in calming her down. She offered her friend a sandwich once she’d settled down beside her and looked at Cassius as well. ”Would you like a sandwich, Sir Cassius?” she offered quietly.

Unexpected yelling caused her to jump and whirl around. Now what the hell is happening?” The scene before her was bizarre and unimaginable. Lorenzo clutched the legs of the Shehzadi and begged for mercy. Bewildered, she watched the arrangement and looked at Charlotte with confusion. ”What on earth?” she inquired. She wanted to stand up when the familiar voice of Count Asshole reached her ears. Despite her disguise, Olivia tensed and stared at Charlotte with fear. It was lucky that the Count did not see her expression.

While he addressed everyone, Olivia took deep breaths and relaxed as best she could. His footsteps became louder and finally, he had approached their blanket. Charlotte had briefly glared at him then stared at the sand determinedly not meeting his gaze. Olivia stuffed her face with her sandwich to reprise her from having to answer. Once she finished chewing, she briefly met his gaze and smiled sweetly.

”Nice to meet you,” she replied courteously. Charlotte had taught her basic mannerisms thus far, so she went with a safer answer. On the subject of speaking with him and providing her name, she did not commit and smiled at him until he’d walked away. She was unaware of how she’d been holding her breath, until her lungs screamed for mercy.

Olivia took several deep breaths and turned around. Charlotte now addressed the Lorenzo-Layla situation. Much to Olivia’s relief, the Princess Bitch now left the scene, after extracting herself from the Duke’s clutches. Could they finally have peace? She sighed and buried her head in her hands, overwhelmed.