Thread: Lords and Ladies (LingeringDesire & Greeneyed23)

Fenice watched in awe, but kept it in check as the male shed seen last night entered behind the archbishop. His manner of dress and attitude differed from the others. Allowing her eyes to roam about the room they always seemed to return to the male. His dark skin, the breadth of his chest, the way he carried himself both standing out and demanding a silent attention. Jealousy welled up in her when she noted the other females taking note of him as well it was discouraging to know theyd have more access to him than she would. Not that she ever needed access to a male, her cheeks tinted red as her thought meandered down that road. The lips of the archbishop startled her from her, less than perfect thoughts. S-same to you archbishop Her eyes trailed to the male once more but she nodded and smiled at the words of the wise male. The announcements started, bringing a smile to her lips. Her head nods to some others ask for her hand so they might kiss it, others offer gifts or small tokens. Clipped to her dress and between her bosoms sits a handkerchief. One lucky male would have this as a token, IF, she saw fit. However, doing so would put someone at risk. Especially if the male was the one, she wished it to be. The hours pass slowly but each knight is entertaining in his own way. Kind Sir Boris she whispers when his name is called. He was close to her heart and each year she wished him well and prayed for his safety. The flowers given her were delicate in scent and vivid in color, each were placed in a vase of water, together among the rest but nearest the top. She smiles and thanks each of the children and makes a note to see that the family is properly fed while staying, even if it means a few coins leave her purse to do so. Her cousins, little trouble makers, as she fondly refers to them spring forth when beckoned by her father. Causing them to blush she returns the soft kiss, placing one on each of their cheeks. They promptly wipe them off and the crowd laughs uproariously. Everyone knew the boys were only there out of duty and not really trying to win the competition. Fenices eyes are on the only man left to be announced, same as the others. Neebo, she knew it was improper to refer to him by his given name but it rolled silently off her tongue. His voice was calm and full of authority and respect. It was something she could have easily gotten lost in closing her eyes, she did, momentarily. As he says he wanted to make their two worlds one her eyes shot open, the way he stated it led her to her naughty thoughts from earlier. A few giggles from the maids close by caused those pangs of jealousy to swell up, she suddenly wanted nothing more than to rush forward and lay claim to him, but that wasnt how things worked. Her smile widened as the archbishop spoke she knew he was the answer to her prayers and her hopes. The archbishop had always been on their side the advisors hated him with a passion and failed at a few attempts to see him through to the grave. Eyes moved slowly over him once more, as he pulled open the lid to the first chest being presented when he stopped. Curiously, she tilted her head at him, he said she was beautiful. Sure, many men had stated the same but none seemed to mean it in the same manner he did. Watching him bow at her feet, she almost stood and pulled him from the position of respect, but she refrained. There was something about him that called to her it wasnt sexual by nature but a kind of kindred spirit. As though she knew, hed protect her life with his. Staring down at the top of his dark head she held her breath, only to gasp at the flowers he produces. She tucks one behind her ear and has the other placed in its OWN vase of water. The scent of the flowers are strong but beautiful. His words caused her to pause. What did he mean, her face on his lips? Fenice nods her head reaching out a slim hand and strokes his soft hair gently. Standing she places a soft kiss on each of his cheeks, that was what he meant wasnt it? She stood looking up at him, an electrical current charging the room and ready to snap. Her soft intakes of breath were all she could hear. The kerchief her mind spun to it but giving him the thing now meant that all would be against him. In private, shed see if it could be arranged, she would bestow the token of approval and adoration to his keep. The soft velvet fabric of her dress felt heavy, as she stood there unsure if shed given him what he asked.