Thread: Lonely Lies the Crown (Annabeth & Khaos)

I have someone bringing me my stuff. You don't think that I would leave you alone to go nearly halfway across the castle to get ready do you? He asked. Rennes sighed at the mention of the silk dress. You know good and well Seraphine I do not 'play' with any of the servants. She tripped, started to fall and I reflexively caught her. He explained for what felt like the millionth time. He knew she was teasing him though, it was one of her little tricks that he allowed her to get away with. That or playing the total innocent and try and choke him to death with flattery. What he failed to say was that there was only one person he wanted to play with. It was one of the very, very few things he kept from her. Dodging the swat aimed for his head he gave her playful grin in retaliation. She was truly a beautiful woman now. Something he had the pleasure and privilege to watch happen over their years together. Taking in a slow breath he masterfully suppressed the thoughts of her body into a deep, dark corner of his mind. There was nothing wrong with the occasional thought about her during the late hours of the night when he had more leeway to allow his mind to wander, but they were fantasies that could never come to fruition. She was a Nobel, he was a glorified weapon that wasn't even given a surname at birth, an asset forged to safeguard the beauty standing before him. Well there is a Holy War going on Sera, everyone is in a mad scramble to lay claim to the Holy Land before the enemy does. He said with obvious disdain. Rennes had always been uneasy with the idea of fighting a war in the name of a God whose first commandment was to abstain for killing. As Seraphine's outfit was getting it's final touches a young man entered the room panting. He held an obviously heavy bundle in his wiry arms. You things Sir. He said to Rennes. I am not a Sir, I am Rennes, nothing more, nothing less. Understand? He asked in a firm, but friendly tone. Yes S... Yes Rennes. The boy said with a quick bow to Seraphine then to Rennes before running out of the room. He was followed by the ladies as Seraphine dismissed them. Standing alone in the room with her Rennes began to rummage through his delivered bundle. Lifting the black leather gambeson he looked it over. It was a custom piece of his own design. Inside the diamond shaped quilting were steel plates instead of just wool for added protection. The collar was high reaching just below his chin and went down to his knees where it flared out slightly and the front was held closed to the waist by silver buckles and twin leather belts around the waist. He was already wearing a chain-mail tunic under his outer tunic which had deep crimson sleeves and a deep violet, almost black body. Pulling the gambeson on he fixed the buckles and slid his sword and dagger onto the belts before buckling them. Opening a small wooden case that was brought along with is other things he pulled out several knives and began tucking them away. A piece of shaped lodestone was stitched into the inner wrist of each sleeve allowing the steel blades to stay in place while he moved about regularly but a strong enough flick of his arm would dislodge them and deliver them to his waiting palms. Two went into the built in sheaths on the inside of his boots and one hung between his shoulder blades on a leather thong under the rest of his armor. A last of last resorts. Listening intently as always to everything Seraphine said while he prepared himself for the meeting he just gave her a look that spoke volumes. Rennes was a man of hard proofs and certainties, especially when it came to her safety. Allowing some strangers so close to her under the rumor that they're members of the court of a long dead King was the exact opposite of that. Though in a strategic view having an ally in the East was a very good thing in this war. It would be hard to fight a war on two fronts, and if there could be an alliance with the east it wouldn't be so far fetched for the various warring houses to unite in a more complete stand and finish this idiotic war once and for all. Pulling out two more accessories, a ring and necklace he carried them over to Seraphine. Taking her right hand in his he slid the ring onto her index finger. On the side of the band hidden by the design on the ring was a small button, when pressed a short, thin needle extended from the center of the ring. The needle was coated in a highly concentrated toxin that caused nearly instant paralysis for several hours. Next he brought up the necklace which was a beautiful silver cross about three inches long. The bottom of the cross could be drawn down to reveal a hidden knife about two inches in total length. Reaching around Seraphine's neck his deft fingers quickly clasped the chain and he tucked the cross down the bodice of her dress. These were of course extreme last measures as only dying would permit Rennes allowing Seraphine to have to use them. But as with the training they did together it was the only way he could for absolute certain uphold his oath to her to protect her no matter what. She would be familiar with them as he had educated her in their uses over the years, as well as how to use them. Remember, if anything happens go for the soft spots. Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and groin. He coached her for the thousandth time. Rennes frowned at that information. He was uneasy about the request for a private audience with the four most influential members of the kingdom with limited security. Seeing the worry in those gorgeous eyes was almost more than Rennes could handle. Reaching up with both hands he gently cupped her face and tilted it up to look at him. His eyes, the color of dark, rich earth locked onto her winter sea ones holding them intensely. Seraphine, when have I ever been more than a rooms length away from you? How many times have I allowed anyone to get within ten steps of you without my permission? He asked all hints of mirth removed from his tone. Lowering his face he rested his forehead against hers, much like he used to when comforting her as a child. As long as I am around you are safe from everything. He said in a low whisper. Removing his head from hers he planted a light kiss on the middle of her forehead before stepping back. Now you have far to many things to worry about as it stands, so allow me to do the worrying for your safety. It is my purpose in life after all. Flashing her a warm smile he straightened his back and put on the airs of a guardsman. Shall we meet our audience my lady? He asked his tone perfectly reserved and all familiarity hidden from it. He wouldn't give their guests the slightest clue as to who he was to her, which in proxy would shed light on his skill. Their ignorance of him played very well in his favor.