Thread: Spoils of War (DareToDream and Nightingale)

Illayna felt her heart sink when he answered her, and she visibly flinched. Richard nearly growled and reached a steady hand but Illayna shrugged him off. Her eyes staying fast to Marcus' own as she spoke her next words carefully. What those men.. what they did.. was against protocol.. what they did was wrong.. and if I knew of whom they were.. I would have them face death. My... She stopped, her words stolen from her. She dropped her hands from the horse, as if she was trying to physically stamp down her anger. Princess please.. Richard pleaded, sensing the tremble in the woman as she attempted to recollect herself. I am sincerely sorry for your loss My Lord.. May she never know such torment again.. She whispered softly, just loud enough for him to hear her. It was then he spoke words of department, and Illayna nodded, Gently reaching to show one last stroke of affection to the beautiful creature. Carry him well Ariana .. and Tread safely Sir Marcus.. Even in Aurelian.. some are too bold. with those parting words she let Richard guide her back away from the horse and its rider, and lead her on the walk back towards came. Princess.. you should not speak so freely with them. Are they not our enemy? His words, she knew were posed as a question.. but meant so much more. Forgive me, Richard.. but as much as I am my fathers daughter.. it does not mean I agree with his methods.. nor do I agree with those of the High King. Richard took in these words, and released a heavy sigh. My Lady.. - Enough Richard, we're here to enjoy ourselves.. I will see to it that we do just that. It's not often I get to escape the boring walls of my chambers, nor the routine of the Temple. The man could only sigh heavily and agree. For one instant in her life.. she was free of fear, free of worry, or regret.. she was free. How often could a princess, in times of war.. say that she was free? Not. Oh, and Richard? Please refrain from telling my father.. I don't think I'd fancy being kept under lock and key inside camp.. it would be rather boring. She smiled as sweetly as he could, and the man let out a deep, hearty laugh. Aye, as you wish Princess. As loyal as he was to her Father, Illayna knew even Richard grew tired of these trying times. As did all men. Illayna had known this war her entire life.. and she wished so greatly for something different.. and the more she thought upon it, the more her mind drifted to that man. Marcus.. the name fit him.. even the title. She remembered the draw of his eyes, the tone of his voice. She played it back in her memory.. she wanted to remember it, for as long as she could. For a brief moment in time, two kingdoms had shared words and not swords. Though, now she was certain since her title had been spoken in his presence, she would not likely see that man again. At least not upon speaking terms. For the princess to be caught speaking with the High Knight of the High Kings order, she would certainly be taken for treason. This thought deeply disheartened her, that man had appeal.. there was something about him, she could feel it deeply. He was different, and oddly how she longed to speak with him without guard or soldier. She longed to meet him alone, to know him on their own terms and not the terms of war or forced peace. How cruel this life would be.