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

Solveigs stillness became something more akin to a tense readiness in response to the change in the mans tone. As he rose from his chair, instinct made the womans right hand slide up the sheath to her fathers sword to grip it tightly. Her left hand twitched, but she resisted the urge to reach for the handle. Instead, as his voice raised in what she surmised was a change in tactic, Solveig squared her shoulders and tipped her chin a notch higher to meet his gaze. There was a new intensity about the man, yet another side of him revealing itself in his apparent frustration getting the best of him. She wondered if his temper was longer or shorter with men, or if he adjusted his tactics on the fly to suit what thought he needed most in the moment? Whatever the case, she was learning more about him, and that provided her some ground to stand on. The Empire, it appeared, was his. It was not shared among its many kings and stewards. The will of the Empire was his will and his will alone. That could be good for her, or very bad, depending on what she decided to do next. The politics were much more simple, of a fashion, because she would not need to barter and scheme with other rulers for better position for herself or her people. However, it meant that all things were given and taken by the hand of this man, and this man only. His favor was paramount, and through him all blessings would flow. It was no wonder they called him the God-King. The Emperor giveth, and the Emperor taketh away. Thats how it is then, she murmured as he emphatically asserted that the only opinion she needed to care about was his. Those inhuman eyes of his seemed to glow with the impetus of his words. Solveig wondered if they pierced the very souls of the common men and women that came beneath his scrutiny. Even she felt a strange need to cover herself, as if he somehow could see things that she didnt want him to. A sensation that increased as those eyes slid down her body and up again, not once, but twice. Far from shy, it was an unfamiliar sensation to feel her cheeks warm with color as her eyes narrowed. What kind of better deal. She asked sharply, keen to see just where exactly this led. His boldness didnt bother her, she was accustomed to brutes and cads, that was every Northman that had ever lived. What set her teeth on edge was the explicit nature of the contract. 100 nights of sex wasnt exactly a tall order. It was less than a year, and it wouldnt be the first time she had bartered her body for power. As she considered her options, her eyes traveled down his form. The armor masked most of his form, but he seemed as strong and capable as he was shrewd and tactful. The more she thought about it, the more questions she had. Releasing her death grip on the sheath, Solveig stepped around the man to get space between them again. She needed room to breath, and to think, and time to allow her heart to slow its frantic rhythm. I thought I just about had you figured out for a moment there, she admitted as she picked up the wine he had been drinking and gave it a sniff. It smelled sweet, and she wrinkled her nose before she set it back down. But, it wont be so easy to learn your mind, will it? Admittedly, she should have known better, but she had been banking on the idea that his generals were the reason for his military success. It appeared he indeed was the true architect of his empire. Youve given me much more to think about than I expected, not the least of which is whoring myself to you to keep my nation, she chuckled lightly at the term, something I would imagine highly agreeable to those waiting outside, actually. They would enjoy seeing me humiliated, Solveig paused to offer him an apologetic smile, not that it is or intent, to do so correct? All the pieces were on the board now, and a shrewd coldness settled over her as she turned over the many options. She was working out the angles, looking for a weakness, trying to find a way to walk out of this tent the victory. Despite herself, however, she was beginning to think surrender was the only option after all. And, all her goals were met her people would be left in peace, according to his promises. But, she had no reason to believe those promises. Yet 100 nights, she murmured, uncertain of his motivations in making such an absurd deal. He was an Emperor, women surely were not in short supply, and Solveig was no great beauty. Will you be staying in Ravenswrath or touring the valley? the question was one of curiosity. She needed to know more of his mind before she agreed to anything. Obviously, I dont expect you to live in this tent for next several months. Or even for the rest of the day, she sighed as she folded her arms across her chest, her ample breasts pressed higher from the small movement. One of the things I meant to broach with you was welcoming you into the keep. Our food stores are low, but as I hear it, you have gathered up much of the supplies that had tried to make its way past your camps. The people should see you, and you should feed them if you mean for them to accept you as ruler or ally whatever it may be. Well into the negotiations and passed her moment of panic, Solveig had calmed into the task at hand, despite her obvious discomfort in the warm tent. And, you need to taste mead. That swill you drink is little more than rotten fruit.