Thread: Retribution Sought with Royal Blood (Lady Bloody Ava & Primeval Exile)

The ancient realm of Himilrad has known the leadership of the Conradin family for centuries. High King Wilhelm's great great grandfather became the first High King when he slew Gunther the Mad, the emperor of the confederated volk states. The very castle Edwin was raised in once was home to the demonic tyrant who's shadow cast gloom over the hinterlands. Brungerburg castle has never been sieged in all it's existence with its towering smooth stone walls guarded by watchful towers, to the clever location of atop a hill with it's back to the sea. Invaders would have to march uphill coming from a single direction. Within the metropolis within there was great gardens and farms to sustain the populace for a time should they ever be blockaded from supplies. In other words, starving Brungerburg out was no easy task. Edwin had the great privilege and heavy responsibility of being the first born son of the High King. All his life his father groomed him to one day take his place and carry on the continued success of the family line and the realm itself, keeping the status quo. Edwin's mother Brunhilda died during childbirth leaving him to be raised by a wet-nurse who became more or less his mother. Her gentle attitude and compassion for others left a greater impact upon Edwin than his distant and calculating father who lived in a world of paranoia and hungry for expansion of power. Where his father the King saw enemies everywhere, Edwin saw the world in a much different light. Rather than have the volk of his realm serve him, Edwin planned to instead serve the volk or people who's hard work and sacrifices made it possible for him to live the life he had. This was the morning Edwin would formerly meet Arabella Conradin as his future betrothed. It was only a few seasons ago they celebrated the end of winter in these halls along with the entire extended family. Ever since they were children they were best of friends, along with her twin Gabriella. When his father informed him of the decision that Arabella was to be promised to him, it was a strange sensation. Surely she had developed into a lovely woman but he hadn't spent much time thinking of her in that way. Still, duty bound and willing to serve the interests of the realm Edwin obeyed the wishes of his King. Brushing his shortlength straw colored hair with a thin silver comb before his mirror, the prince smiled an awkward cheesy grin inspecting the whiteness of his teeth. His strong jawline and ice blue eyes were strikingly handsome, even to the scar on his chin. Underneath the fine white tunic he wore was an athletic body developed from years of fencing tutoring as well as archery training ever since he was but a boy. The fancy blue hose he wore with the luxuriously fur padded leather boots seemed to tie in nicely with his navy blue jerkin embroidered with gold. For the sake of the realm, it is your duty to marry your cousin. The future of our kingdom depends on you. He spoke those words staring at himself in the mirror as if to make light of the situation while psyching himself up for it, pushing away any feelings of discomfort for the notion. With a forced chuckle he exited his chambers to meet his father in the main hall. Torches light the way through the stone passages . Armed guards were stationed everywhere this deep in the keep who came from lines of guardsman who devoted their lives to protect the royal family. Edwin looked into their eyes and nodded to them, acknowledging them while he passed them by rather than regarding them as ornamental furniture like some others do. High King Wilhelm Conradin sat upon the white marble throne rattling his fingers upon the armrests, waiting for the other parties to arrive. Above his head on the peak of the throne was the Gunther the Mad's skull encased in amber. It served as a reminder to all who gazed upon it why the Conradin's rule and how they came to be. Armed guardsman littered the hall and flanked the king. They stoically stood at attention dressed in fine glittering armor with a blue tabard featuring the Conradin coat of arms, a golden skull and cross swords. His son the Prince soon made his appearance stopping at his side and bowing to his King. Ah Edwin my son, you are here. Good. The king smiled and looked up at his son who simply nodded. Their relationship was always formal, after all Edwin's father was his King first and foremost. There is a saying , that we must keep our friends close, and our foes closer. Wilhelm's grey eyes settled onto the Prince while he spoke plainly to him. At that moment the King looked very old, and tired, however there was still storm clouds brewing in those eyes with the ever threat of lightning. When you are King, you will come to realize everyone is a potential foe. Everyone. No matter how well you treat your subjects or not, someone will always covet what you are and what you have. Especially those nearest to you. He sighed softly looking off to the Heavy iron braced oak doors that would soon open to reveal the invited party. I made this decision because I fear my brother covets this throne. Even being a Duke the highest level of nobility second only to royalty, a man cannot help but want more especially if its so close one can taste it. Bringing him into our court on a formal note will give him greater access to the governing of this realm. You marrying his daughter provides him with a son that is on the path to the highest office in our land, cementing his legacy. Edwin spoke plainly I understand father. As always I am prepared to serve the realm in whatever capacity I can to the best of my ability. I understand your reasoning and I submit myself to your greater wisdom of such things. The prince had a way with words, eloquently obeying and praise has carried him far with the King. Rarely has he ever spoke his mind in earnest. In his lifetime that lead to many a death sentence for others. Wilhelm the Merciful indeed. The King went on Besides, at least you two have always gotten on well. I think together you two will find its a perfect match. Not to mention she is quite exquisite upon the eyes. It could have been much worse. Would you have rather married the homely daughter of the Southern Principality of Vaegir? Wilhelm gave Edwin a knowing grin and chuckled softly. All you need to do is give us a son. The rest will fall into place. It was then Lady Arabella and Duke Geoffrey entered the hall escorted by the Dukes own guard. King Wilhelm stood up and beckoned to them. Lady Arabella Conradin! The king met his brothers gaze and bowed his head graciously. Brother. Approach the throne. Edwin looked upon Arabella for the first time regarding her as a woman rather than the cousin he caused mischief with as a boy. She was absolutely beautiful. The way her hair was braided to the form complimenting dress she wore Edwin felt something biologically stir in him that hadn't before. Shaking such thoughts away and burying them, he met her gaze and smiled knowingly, shrugging his shoulders slightly in a way neither of the fathers noticed. With a simple look they understood each other as they always have. It communicated that he too was helpless in this affair, his warm smile indicating it was going to be alright. He loved Arabella , and would do everything he could to make her feel safe and comfortable. Thats the one thing about their relationship that will never change, that he will look after her and her sister and keep them safe.