Thread: A Kingdom in Turmoil  (ThickLeaves x Sketchyequine)

Eliza Blackburn was an outspoken and bullheaded young princess. She spoke out in times that she wasnt supposed to and spoke unkindly to individuals that she had no business disrespecting. She was a spitfire, and she had a spirit that had yet to be even remotely tamed. She had, up until a few weeks ago, gone where she wanted, did what she wanted, and thought what she wanted whenever it was that she wanted to. She was her own decision maker, and she was as thick skinned as the cows that roamed the kingdom acreage. Because of all of this, she was the apple of her fathers eye. His most prized accomplishment, yet he had to give her up. The old man was devastated, but the survival of the kingdom was more important than maintaining the ownership of his daughter- although he had never seen her as property. Eliza had grown up very quickly upon learning what it was that would end this war. She was to be married to the eldest son of the opposing king, and their joining would combine the kingdoms as well as end the bloodbath. Eliza and her betrothed were the key to save hundreds more lives from being taken as a result of greed and honor. There was nothing that Eliza could ever contribute that would be as important as this action for the princess. Therefore, she agreed to the marriage and didnt put up even the slightest bit of fight. She was willing because she believed in the kingdom her father had created. Not to mention the maternal instincts in the woman encouraged her to do anything possible to save the lives of innocent citizens. Their wedding day had been unexciting for Eliza. After all, Eliza felt no type of affection for the man at the other end of the altar. Before that moment, she had never even seen him before. However, Eliza was relieved to see that he was a reasonably good looking young man and not an obese pig halfway through his life already. Eliza could learn to be physical with a man containing the appearance of her partner. As the pair made eye contact during the ceremony, Eliza couldnt help but wonder what the man was like. She couldnt help but notice his lack of enthusiasm over the affair, and it took her by surprise. No, Eliza did not love the man before her, but she was excited because this marriage meant the war would end and her father and people would be safe from harm for at least a little while. He did not seem to share even that enthusiasm based on the stillness of his face. What are you thinking? She wondered, her brows raising quizzically although no words slipped between her lips. Her expression had always been worth a thousand words, even as beautiful as she was she had never learned to be stoich. The ceremony went by without a hitch, and soon it was all official although not entirely what the bride would consider memorable. However, it was technically official that she was a married woman- although the bedding that consummated the marriage had yet to take place, and Eliza hardly intended on going about it any time soon. Her groom might have been disappointed, but a royal womans greatest treasure was not to be given out so hastily. He had her hand, he would have to wait and work for her body. Only in time would the king be able to make love to his queen. After the ceremony, both bride and groom had a the next 24 hours to themselves before they were expected to attend the party celebrating their matrimony. Eliza had spent the time mostly roaming around the castle that she would now be a resident in. It had been decided that bride and groom would live in the Alby home, taking it as their own. The bride, dressed in purple silks with flowers entwined in her golden locks, wandered up and down the halls aimlessly the morning after the wedding. It was an attempt to learn how to get from place to place in the building that seemed like a maze compared to the much more humble castle her father had built for their family. The previous Alby king appeared to be one for riches, constantly taking over other kingdoms and making his own more grand. Elizas father, Joseph Blackburn, had had no interest in expansion. He instead used his time bettering his people, which allowed his army to be such an equal match with Albys even though they were fewer in number. When the party began, Eliza sat quietly beside her new husband as she feast began. This was the first time she had seen him after the wedding had come to a close. Her hands were folded in her lap neatly and her back was as straight as a well-fired arrow. She was a picture of elegance thanks to her etiquette training- training she had not really taken seriously until she heard the news of her betrothal. She was a quick study. She nibbled daintily at the dishes of meats, breads, and vegetables, always taking a sip from her goblet between bites to keep it all washed down. Not to mention, the sweet summer wine that fills their cups was devine on the tongue. Truly a treat that, even as a princess, Eliza had hardly known. However, her husband was obviously not as pleased by the food and drink. When he finally said her name, it sounded like it was a chore for him to even acknowledge her. It took everything that Eliza had in her not to roll her eyes at the man and just ignore him completely. However, impressions were important. It was far to early for a queen to misbehave alongside her king. She was going to need more wine just to tolerate him if he was going to be like this all the time. A drunken queen? Maybe. I quite like parties. She whispered back to him, defying him with a sweet and whimsical voice. I would never agree to any decrees of the sort. She shrugged her narrow shoulders and pushed around a portion of potato with her fork. I think the parties raise moral and let our citizens feel more welcome in our domain. The parties will stay however youre welcome to just not attend them. With an attitude like this you aren't much wanted anyway. She spoke coldly before she sood from her chair and smiled. She then took the hand of her father and lead him to the crowd of people who were dancing around and laughing with the jesters. The old man and his daughter both liked to have fun. This night would not be ruined for Eliza by her sourpuss of a husband. She would dance and laugh even if it wasn't with him. With that, Eliza and her father started to dance, and the blonde girls green eyes lit up with a warmness her husband had not yet seen. Her father twirled her around in expert fashion and she giggled like a child all the while. It was obvious to everyone in the room who did not yet know them that they cared deeply for one another. This marriage was not what Elizas father ad wanted for his daughter, especially not after meeting the whiny brat he was handing his daughter over to. The least he could do was make this celebration enjoyable for the new queen. Just seeing his daughter finally lighten up again brought a sparkle to the mans eye.