Thread: An Empire in 100 Nights (Rosewood x LeatrixSage)

Her respone wasn't quite what he had expected. He had expected outrage, anger, disgust and resentment. Even fear or panic would have been understandable, if somewhat out of character. But this was closer to quiet acceptance than anything else. She didn't seem appalled at the notion but obviously she didn't exactly embrace it either. Her sudden change of topic told him enough, she was processing all this and wanted to talk about something else. Fair enough. Obviously I don't intend to humiliate you in front of them. They don't even need to know, no one needs to know, he said casually, it wasn't a concern for him whether others knew or not so this was something he could easily grant her. You can also take some time to think about my proposal, I understand it's a decision not to be taken lightly. But do not take longer than a week, I have other matters to attend to and what decisions I take may depend on yours, he said. I'll stay in Ravenswrath until it has been sorted out and the lives of it's people are back to normal. Afterwards, I intend to tour the valley and see it for myself to gain a better understanding of the place. One can never know too much, after all, he said, as he turned to face her again, letting her keep the distance between them. His earlier outburst had been brought under control and he was capable of thinking clearly again, no longer possessed by his lust and passion for her. I want to let my cartographer chart the place out, to add to my collection of maps. And I am legitimately curious to see what the valley is like, the world has many beautiful views to offer and I intend to see as many as I can before my end. Perhaps you'll able to see some of what the Empire has to offer. I think it will surprise you to see how beautiful the world outside your valley is, he said and for a moment he gave her a charming smile. As for the keep, it's up to you whether I go there or stay here, he said, the moment of charm passing as quickly as it had come. Either way though, the foodstores we have are going into the capital and I'll be there to help hand them out among the populace. Though I strongly doubt they will think any better of me even if I do, he said with mild mirth in his tone. It was true, these people were quite loyal to their own and wouldn't be so quick to accept him even if he improved their lives. Debts of blood were hard to forget, after all and he owed them a considerable one. So I intend to head out tomorrow to distribute the vote. I want you and your men there to lend it a degree of legitimacy and help them accept the reality of the situation, he said with a tone of authority from which it was clear that this wasn't a request. It was an imperial decree. He would not accept no for an answer on this one and if she opposed him on this he'd force the issue and make it happen by himself. When she criticized his wine and suggested he drink mead he gave a booming laughter born of genuine happiness. What other woman, or man for that matter, would dare to call his wine 'rotten fruit'? Most people cowered before him as though he would eat them alive if they said the wrong thing in the wrong tone. While that kind of fear could occasionally be fun it was something one quickly grew tired of. It made you feel like you were a giant in a pottery story, like your every step was a devastating calamity. There was never any room to be yourself. But not with her, she was willing to speak out against him despite just having her nation conquered. What a prize she was, so bold and so full of life! How he would enjoy having her share his bed with him, seeing what rich moments they could share between the sheets together. And you'd have me drink rotten honey instead? he teased, with a broad, boyish smile on his face. I'll be more than happy to try yours if you try mine. Does that sound like a deal? he asked, still smiling.