Thread: Dishonored: Whispers from Dunwall Tower (CanadianVet & StarSiren)

Morning came entirely too quickly, but it was not unwelcome. Something brushed against Jessa's neck and caused her to stir. It was hot and wet and sent a shiver down her spine. She moaned softly and went to stretch, but found herself cradled in a warm embrace. It was then that she registered a body pressed against her back and something firm holding a breast. His touch triggered recent memories and she grinned. 'That's right, last night we, he.. well, I don't know what to call it but, it was amazing! But I must have fallen asleep! Mmm, I should do this more often.' Jessamine pushed her back against Corvo's body and tipped her neck to expose more of it for him to kiss. Her body was quickly growing addicted to the pleasure he gave her, or perhaps it was because she was still groggy from waking up. Either way, there was a small firmness now pressing against his palm as he awoke her arousal. Her eyes slowly blinked open and one of her hands came to rest on his, further pressing his palm against her chest. She had only gotten a few hours sleep, but if he wanted her again, she was more than willing to oblige him. Mmmm, morning Corvo. Did you sleep well? Her hand moved behind her until she found his hip. She let her palm rest on him and pulled his hip close against her rump. There would be such a scandal if I just didn't return to my room. Ever. Jessa rubbed her backside against Corvo while pulling him against her. She arched her back just enough to press her breast better into his hand. What if I slept in here, with you, all the time? From behind Jessamine, Corvo smiled against her neck as she squirmed against him, further pressing her breast into his callused palm. In many a way, he'd longed for such a thing for quite some time but until the night that had just ended, he had never dared to act on those feelings. And even yet, he was holding back still, for if he had his druthers he would have gone further than simply pleasuring her through her underwear with his hand, and finishing himself off in the bathroom. As she spoke, he had to find himself shaking his head behind her. I'm afraid that would be very, very unwise my love, said he. Of course he would want to spend every night with her. But such things were not to be. At least not just yet. And for now, he did have to protect her and her reputation. If it came out that she was canoodling with her bodyguard, he would be hanged and she would be seen as tainted. Oh, the Protector certainly had no compunctions about laying down his life for Jessamine Kaldwyn. But he would not risk her in any way and not just because it was his duty, but because he loved her as well. For now, my love, you need to get out of my bed, put yourself in the nightgown you were put into when you went to bed, and get under your covers. At that point, you can ring your servant... However your devoted guardian would be eternally grateful if you would be willing to go back to sleep for a few hours first. Jessa's displeasure was visible in her body language, but after a reluctant sigh she pulled away from her beloved bodyguard. I don't see what the big deal is. So what if people see us together. Maybe I want them to know. Have you considered that? But as much as she wanted their relationship to be public knowledge, she knew that it would cause problems for both of them and likely result in Corvo being dismissed from her service. That was the one thing she refused to let happen. Jessamine rolled out of Corvos bed and turned to face him. She had fallen asleep while still topless and she now stood before him and allowed his eyes to roam her mostly naked self as he pleased. The sliver of morning light filtering in from between the curtains highlighted her beautifully pale skin in a way that the midnight moon hadn't. Jessa blushed as he watched her and knelt on the bed a moment, stealing one more kiss before she had to leave. I'll go, but only because I love you. Goodnight Corvo. I'll see you on a few hours, I hope. Her smile could have lit the whole room as she crept back to her own bed. She donned her usual nightgown, which now seemed like entirely too much clothing, and crawled into her own bed. She missed the warmth and safety of Corvo's embrace, but her body we exhausted from the evenings escapades and she quickly fell asleep. Jessamine awoke in the middle of the morning. The bright light shining in through her window panes indicated an hour well past breakfast, as did the rumbling in her stomach. Jessa rubbed the grogginess out of her eyes and stretched her legs out. Her back arched delightfully as her legs straightened and her toes pointed. Mmm, how late did I sleep? No one had come to wake her, which was normal since her and Corvo had begun dallying, but she also never slept this late. She was certain she'd already missed her morning lesson, but knowing her tutor, she would have to cram an extra lesson in this afternoon instead. Despite her hunger, Jessamine dressed slowly. She wasn't looking forward to the busy day in front of her. When she was decent, she rang for her chambermaid. Breakfast was a whirlwind of activity as the cook scrambled to serve the princess something hearty enough to last until her midday meal, but light enough so that she'd still be hungry for lunch. Meanwhile her court tutor was busy lecturing her on the consequences of her morning actions. She now also had to rework her schedule to fit in the things she'd missed from sleeping in, and if that wasn't bad enough, she had a meeting with the Emperor immediately after her breakfast. She could only imagine what her father might want to discuss with her. Hopefully he wasn't angry with her and the meeting wasn't about her shirking her duties and studies by oversleeping. The princess was not happy about his request. But that was something he had pretty much expected. Of course he would much rather they'd gone back to sleep in each other's arms, but this was not something he could just let happen just yet. As much as he loved her, as much as he wanted to be with her, he was still her guardian. Of course, he would be made to pay and he would be lucky if he'd leave the Tower with his life. But the damage it would do to the Empire, to her? That was a risk he would not tolerate. When she rose, he looked at her in the grey, bleak light of the odd twilight hour. She was beautiful, there was no other way to put it and, in a way, it pained him to know she would be so close and yet so far for so long before the opportunity to do so again. When she pressed her lips to his, he held her there for a while, and when their lips parted, and just before she left, he offered her a smile. I love you too, Jessa. It was not long after her departure that he drifted back off to sleep. Corvo had not slept long. But those few hours had been a blessing in their own right. And, apparently, his instincts had not failed him for he could hear some movement next door. Oh yes, he had perfected the fine art of waking up at precisely the right time to match his charge's own schedule. It was later than usual, but it was not as though the day had been wasted... A quick shower was followed by getting dressed as quickly and efficiently as he ever did, and while he might be able to cadge some breakfast, he instead ate some of the apples, cheese and crackers that were always kept fresh in his quarters. And when he emerged, it was just in time for her head tutor's lecture, which was replete with references to her responsibilities as an imperial princess, reference to sloth as a sin and the neglect of her studies. But such was interrupted when he cleared his throat as he entered the study and took his customary position in the corner, where he could keep an eye on the whole room, the wide windows and the door easily enough. Considering the day's schedule had been thrown into disarray, Corvo himself did not know what would be on the agenda. All he knew was that the Emperor wished to see his daughter at her earliest convenience. And once her meal had been concluded, he followed her into the Emperor's working office. Much like there were a number of audience and presence rooms within the palace, there were different working rooms for the ruler's use depending on the purpose of a meeting. He had a grandiose formal office available, but such was not where the bulk of his day to day workload was being dealt with. Instead, it was in a much less adorned, functional space with elegantly simple furniture that had seen much use over the years and well-piled with paperwork. On one side, perpendicular to the ruler's desk, was another where his chief administrative assistant was labouring on some of the more trivial details, and directly opposite him was the Emperor's own Protector, a grizzled veteran with a lined face and a missing left eye, who was nominally there to protect his liege lord, but really was managing the stable of hand-picked guards who were the most visible element of the royal family's security. Corvo, as was proper, took position near the door after exchanging nods with the senior bodyguard, and once those picayune details were seen to, the ruler rose to his feet and made his way to his daughter and leaned forward, placing a kiss upon her cheek. Ah, daughter, I'm told you overslept this morning. It happens to everyone now and again. Now, you have some work today. A few audiences I need you to see to. Do you think you are ready? Jessamine hesitated outside the door to her father's office. Her morning lecture had been saved only through Corvo's interruption, but this time she would not be so lucky. Jessa cherished the moments she spent with her father, truly. Especially since they didn't come around often. But on a day like today, where she had already been scolded once, she found herself less than thrilled at this sudden invitation. Although given how busy Emperor Euhorn was at any given moment, perhaps he had not yet heard or had time to properly deal with her late start. Either way, standing around outside his office wouldn't change anything. With a sigh she reached for the handle and gave it a turn. The working office that her father had chosen today was, in a word, practical and that was good. It meant the Emperor had a lot on his plate today. Jessamine smiled and bowed appropriately as she entered the room and graciously accepted her father's affections. With the greetings aside, she settled into one of the leather-backed armchairs opposite Euhorn's desk. And he wasted no time getting to the heart of the matter and brushing it aside. Jessa beamed a smile at her father's dismissal of her 'heinous crime' and nodded. Of course, father. What other audiences am I to see? As it turned out, the little Empress-in-Training had several audiences to see and none of them were interesting. There was a minor dispute over the wording of a document that needed her attention because both gentlemen insisted relevant to the Empire. As it turned out, it was neither important nor relevant and proved a colossal waste of an hour of Jessamine's time. Next, she had to listen to her Foreign Affairs Liaison as he reviewed with her the scheduled events and itineraries of the delegates from Morley, Tyvia and Serkonos for the upcoming festival. The review included each continent's delegates as well, and they all had something to add to the discussion. Her head was spinning by the time the meeting finished. Then there was a naming ceremony for one of the castle guards. His wife had given birth to a baby boy and asked for a name and a blessing from the Emperor or in this case, Princess. The easy part was the blessing, which Jessa simply read from the Strictures. Naming a child, however, was much more difficult and after some debate, she finally decided on Gavolt. Thankfully, her afternoon of meetings and audiences was forced to a close as the hour came near for an important social event. The Horticulture Society was having a gala and Jessa had been asked to attend in her father's place. Never in a million years would the Princess had ever thought that an event like that would be seen as a blessing, but she had had it with the boring meetings and droning audiences. Besides, her lessons on Horticulture hadn't been all that bad. Jessa was changed into a garment befitting her station as Princess, groomed and deemed ready to go in a matter of a couple hours. With Corvo at her side, she mounted into the carriage in the courtyard and prepared for an evening with pleasant old ladies who gossip too much and amicable old men who drink too much. Oh, if only that had been the kind of evening it was. From Corvo's perspective, the meeting with the Emperor had been quite short and painless. If anything, all that had been covered had been things he'd grown accustomed to seeing. Euhorn had been ever presenting Jessamine with more and more tasks as time went on he he made a point to ensure she was being prepared better, towards the role of Empress with each day that passed. Granted, the parts of the agenda he had sent her way were, in the bodyguard's estimation, mere bagatelles. After all, he had been around the seat of power long enough to tell that there was nothing truly crucial involved. But therein would also lay a lesson a ruler sometimes had to deal with matters that might seem trivial, yet were of crucial importance in their own way. After all, if the small things were ignored, they could mean much in the way of trouble later on for a variety of reasons. But there was one thing that bothered the Serkonan. This 'gala' with the Horticultural Society. Normally, Corvo would have the time to study such engagements, plan for them, and make all sorts of arrangements. But the short notice meant he had not the time to do such things. Granted, he could, if needed, provide security to his charge cold, without having a chance to ensure of what would be in front of him. And that meant but one thing that the evening would be interesting, and not in the way he liked. Jessamine, thanks to her station, would need much time to make herself ready. While she would need to wash, see her hair done and get festooned into attire fit for her station and the upcoming event, all Corvo needed to do was to put on a pair of well-shone boots, throw on a finer vest, and his best coat. And, of course, see to his weapons while he made arrangements for transportation and an escort. But there was something nagging him, an itch at the back of his neck that just would not quit. Baroness Gloriaminda Sewell was the very image of the dowager noblewoman. Over sixty, slight to the point of frailness, gray-haired, dressing modestly but all too heavily painted for it to be truly proper, as though she held some notion of attracting a fourth husband. And she was the head of the Imperial Horticultural Society. But then again, she was a properly-born Gristolian noblewoman, and this role had been hers for the last twenty-seven years and she refused to relinquish it to someone else, as it had been passed onto her nearly three decades past. And one thing for certain, she had some deeply held ideas as to what was proper, and what was not. For one thing, her definition of 'gala' was hardly the one that was used within Dunwall Tower. For there was no brightly-lit hall with throngs of guests, low music and a small army of servants to see to their every need. Hell, there wasn't even a majordomo to loudly announce the princess' arrival, only a butler who was far past his prime to lead her into a rather cramped salon. But when they arrived, and Corvo entered first as was the protocol when he could not have put the right security arrangements into place. But, as soon as he crossed the threshold, he found himself faced by three young men, one standing in front of two others. All three had the bearing of self-important pricks all right, but the one who stood at their forefront, he fairly reeked of being a thoroughly obnoxious noble-born jackass all right. And all three, and the other half-dozen young men in this room full of much, much older gentles, were armed. From slender court swords and elegant knives to a few military-style sabers, and every single one of them bore at least one, if not more, ornate full-size pistol, some of them bearing several barrels. Granted, not a one of them carried anything that resembled Corvo's own pistol, a unique design with a revolving cylinder holding six rounds. And while all had the look of bravos who might have been in a scrap or three, not a one looked like they knew the first thing about real fighting. Unlike Corvo himself. And that was when the crone who was hosting this so-called 'gala' made herself heard. Your Highness, forgive me if I do not rise. There's no place for some street rat in this room. It can wait outside. As you can see, we are adequately guarded by men of proper breeding and quality. Far superior in every way to that. Jessamine had found the lack of fashionable decorations and lights outside the Baroness's home unusual, considering they were supposed to be attending a gala. At least, that's what the request had said. But as she alighted from the carriage and was escorted into the Sewell Mansion, she wondered if perhaps the Baroness had meant something different entirely. When Jessa was greeted by an old butler and led unceremoniously to a drawing room without any pomp and circumstance, she knew that her evening would not be going as she had envisioned. She glanced at Corvo after the butler left the pair of them standing before the closed doors and shrugged. At least she would have her Protector by her side to idle away the time. But apparently Baroness Sewell had other plans. No sooner had Corvo opened the door and entered the room did three armed noblemen approach and block his path. Jessamine watched them sneering at her Royal Protector from a few paces behind him. She did not bother taking in the rest of the room she already had an idea about the type of people who filled it. She had half a mind to storm in front of Corvo and push the men away, demanding entry to the event to which she had been invited. But her father's wisdom echoed in her head. 'A ruler exercises patience and caution. Do not let your emotions guide your actions. Think of what consequences you might bring to your people.' So Jessa did nothing, and would have continued that way if the Baroness hadn't spoken up herself. Your Highness, forgive me if I do not rise. There's no place for some street rat in this room. It can wait outside. As you can see, we are adequately guarded by men of proper breeding and quality. Far superior in every way to that. Jessa's composure and poise vanished as the bitter old crone spat those words from her lounger. She sidestepped out of Corvo's protective shadow and unleashed a fury of words upon the Baroness. Is that why you invited me here this evening? To mock and ridicule me? Don't say that's not what you meant. Every uncultured slight that you spew at my Protector is also spewed into my face. Do you know why I picked him? It was because he bested every man who applied. He bested the entire tower garrison. He even bested my father's personal guard. All those men, Gristolian-born. And all beaten by one Serkonian. This man that you see before you is not an it, or a thing, or a street-rat as you called him. He is my chosen Royal Protector and if you do not allow him entry, then I will have to tell my father that I, the Princess, was unwelcome in your home. How do you think the nobility will feel about you after that news gets around? The pause was not intentional, but the Baroness took Jessamine's breath as her cue to interject and interrupt, her pale face red with anger at the Princess's thinly veiled threats. How Dare you! You are an impudent child to come in here and speak to me that way! I said it before and I'll say it again that thing has NO place in my house! If the Emperor had bothered to raise you properly, you'd know the difference between men of worth and the shit under your shoes. And if you'd been taught any measure of respect, you'd know not to cross your elders. I'm older and wiser than you and as such, I know what is best. Hmph! Now, I expect you to behave like a proper young lady and apologize for your uncouth outburst. The Baroness motioned towards a chair for Jessamine, then let her gaze fall on the center man of the trio. Merritt there is my grandnephew, and finer stock than any you'll find in Gristol. He is to be your new Protector. But first, Merritt, be a good lad and take out the trash. ncountering armed men in the room was something Corvo had thought would be possible, but not so blatantly. That was the sort of thing that simply was not done. Between Imperial Law, custom and etiquette, there were plenty of places where one could find out just how one did not simply have armed retainer of their own in the presence of a member of the Imperial Family without clearing it through the appropriate authorities. And in this case, there were exactly three people in the world who could actually make Corvo Attano allow the presence of armed men he did not personally vet in Jessamine's presence. One of them was the princess herself, and the other two were back at the palace. And none had said a damn thing about this. Could the emperor have known? No, that was most unlikely. From the brief he had seen, they were supposed to discuss the floats and order of march for the Rhododendron Festival in four months' time. But it would seem that their hostess had chosen to impose her views on things on this evening, and apparently she failed to realize that regardless of how much she disapproved of the Royal Protector's presence, it was not her decision. Jessamine, well, she did let her opinion be known, while her bodyguard had remained stone-faced against the, really, rather mild abuse he was being subjected to. But it would seem the princess, on the other hand, did not think so little of those words. But what came next made the Serkonan's blood boil, and it was only his iron self-discipline that prevented him from snarling right then and there. The Baroness interrupted a member of the Royal Family, and scolded her like a child. That alone could land a commoner in jail at the very least, and see nobility fined. But then, she made a very, very bad mistake. She ordered Corvo removed by this Merritt fellow. One of her kinsmen, no less... Of course, Great-Aunt, replied the fellow named Merritt. What a fucking wanker , was Corvo's immediate thought. Oh, that bravo did cut a fine figure. Narrow of waist, broad of shoulder, with a strong square jaw, hair cut into a brush and pale blue eyes, wearing a perfectly tailored military-looking coat in bright, expensive dyes, with solid gold buttons, a court sword and a four-barreled pepperbox pistol. But the expression on his face, that look of utter contempt and superiority... the Serkonan wanted to wipe it off his face all right. And when his right hand came to the center of Corvo's chest and pushed against him, that was the start of it. Come on, go back where you belong you filthy... He did not finish his sentence, for when he started his second push, Corvo moved. His right hand shot up to capture his wrist, and he gave a hard twist, a twist accompanied by the crackling sound of the small bones in his wrist breaking. But even as he did so, he pulled on the injured joint, eliciting a choked gasp of agony that turned into a scream when his left forearm connected just behind the elbow, separating that articulation, and that turned into a frantic wail as the already tortured arm was further hyperextended and the bodyguard's left fist connected just behind his shoulder, dislocating it with a sickening pop. But that was not all, for Corvo's left hand shot to Merrit's waist and stripped the pistol from his holster, before his right foot came up and down in two sharp strikes. The first hit the side of Merrit's right knee and the joint bent most unnaturally sideways with a wet crunch, and the second was a heel strike to his left ankle in which the unmistakable sound of small bones being broken sounded once more. As Merritt came down, Corvo swung his captured pistol about and caught him on the side of the head. More bone gave way as his jaw was broken, but the wailing ended as he was knocked unconscious. But that was only the start. Surging ahead, the bodyguard pistol-whipped the fellow on his left-hand side even as he just realized something was happening, and while he went down bonelessly, his right hand came back to his waist and drew his own revolver in a quick flick, and grabbing it by the barrel he hammered the brass-shod butt first into the right-hand dandy's ribs and then in the middle of his forehead, felling him very much like a cow, before spinning it in his grasp into a proper grip and thumbing the hammer in the process. And by the time he settled into stance, he was threatening half the room with the pepperbox he had captured, while his revolver was pointing directly between the Baroness' eyes. And for the first time, Corvo spoke. I could see you charged with lese-majeste, hampering the Emperor's orders, threatening Her Highness and treason right here, right now, and I'd be within my rights to blow your head clean off your shoulders right this fucking instant, My Lady . The last two words were dripping with contempt, and it was clear that pulling the trigger and spoiling the rich paneling with a spray of hair, skull, blood and brains was certainly tempting at that moment. But it will not get the Emperor's will done. You have exactly one chance to get your illegally armed retainers gone from this room, without their weapons that is, and cry Princess Jessamine's pardon, or I start shooting. But what could be even most impressive was that the Serkonian never raised his voice past the level of a civilized conversation. But there could be no mistaking his supreme confidence in his own skills, not unless one was a thoroughly inept judge of men. And there was something to his tone, cold enough to turn a roaring blast furnace into a solid chunk of ice, something hard, something dangerous and barely constrained. The Baroness' scolding was shocking and unexpected. No one scolded Jessamine aside from her father, Corvo, her tutor and her ladies' maid. And even then, it wasn't really a scolding she received from them. More like stern directions on how to better her life. But this scathing retort was nothing like that and Jessa was so taken aback by it that she failed to reply. The only thing she could think of to say was a word of warning to Merritt after he pushed Corvo. Dont- But it was all she managed to get out before Corvo sprung to action. She had seen him in the practice field, and there was the occasional boy who got fresh with her in her younger days that he had to scare off, but this masterful display of physical prowess and superiority was unlike anything she'd ever seen. Not even during the testing matches had Corvo performed this aggressively, or this swiftly. It all happened in a matter of seconds, but standing behind him in that moment, it seemed to drag on for minutes. She knew it was a bad sign when she heard the sickening crunch of bones and saw the spatter of fresh blood fly from Merritt's mouth as several teeth were knocked loose. The beating went on for ages until Jessamine couldn't stand to watch anymore. She turned her head away and clenched her eyes shut. 'This is what he is here for. It's what he's supposed to do. I know that. I know and yet I can't watch. It's just too.. gruesome. ' When the dust settled and she heard the lifeless bodies thud unceremoniously onto the floor, she wondered if it was ok to open her eyes. Corvo's low, melodic voice convinced her of it and as he spoke she surveyed the damage. Three bodyguards dead- wait, they were breathing. So three bodyguards incapacitated and no one else so much as harmed. Corvo commanded the room with his pistol and pepperbox, but he didn't need them. His presence in that moment was intimidating enough. Never had Jessamine been so glad that he was on her side. MERRITT!!! The long silence in the room was broken by the Baroness as she cried out for her kin. Whatever hatred she had held for the Serkonian Royal Protector had been based purely on his race. Now she hated him as a person and wanted him gone from her sight. But he was threatening her with treason and his pistol hadn't moved away from targeting her head. So she did the only thing she could do she salvaged what was left of her reputation. Hankford! Hankford come quickly! Gloriaminda called out for her withered old butler, but as the seconds grew longer, she gave up on him and moved to the next plan. You three, gather my dear Merritt and his friends and place them in the guest rooms. And fetch the doctor! He must come IMMEDIATELY, do you hear? See to it that Merritt gets treated first. The singled-out nobles of the Gristolian Horticulture Society did not shirk in their duties. With some effort, all three men were lifted and hauled out of the room just as the butler appeared in the doorway. Corvo had fully entered the room and Jessa stood near his rear, watching the Baroness from his right side. She didn't realize how on edge she was until the butler spoke and Jessa had to surpress her yelp. Yes ma'am? Hankford inquired as to the nature of his summons, despite being taken aback by what he was seeing. Ah- Jessa quieted herself despite nearly jumping out of her skin at the old butler's arrival. Hankford, I'm not feeling well and shall retire early. When the doctor comes, tell him to come by my room after he's finished with the boys. Would you be a dear and escort our guests out? The meeting is over early tonight. Gloriaminda replied to her butler with every ounce of entitlement in her being. It was important to her that the others not see her showing an ounce of sympathy for that piece of scum who had just ruined her evening. It was also important that they understood who called the shots here. Just because it had a gun pointed on her, that didn't mean she had to give in to it's demands. On the contrary, it was her house and she was entitled to have who she wanted in it when she wanted them. She was just exercising that right. Yes ma'am. I do apologize for the lady. Her health isn't what it used to be. Hankford mumbled the same apology to each guest as he began excusing them from the room. He had started with Corvo and Jessamine, but since they refused to move from the key position that Corvo had obtained, the butler moved on to the guests. And they were all too happy to leave this controversial scene behind. One by one, the guests filtered out of the room until only Gloriaminda and her butler remained with the Princess and her Protector. With everyone else gone, the Baroness rose and slowly approached Corvo but kept her distance out of lunging range. Treason. Pfft. How can you know anything about the matter. You're Serkonian and your word will never best mine, even if you are her loyal lapdog. And you, young lady! I trusted you to make the smart choice and instead you side with that filth? How could you even- Oh.. oh I see now. I should have noticed it earlier. You reek of betrayal, choosing an inbred gutter-rat like that instead of a proper young man! Her attention returned to Corvo as she continued her rant. She's your personal bitch, isn't she? Yes, that must be the real reason you protect her. You must love the way she screams when you fuck her traitorous whore cunt. Serkonian dog. The Baroness smirked as her words cut Jessamine down. She knew from the Princess' expression that she'd struck a chord there, and so she continued. Oh, but don't worry. I'll be telling everyone about how much her highness enjoys being skewered and sullied by common trash. Why, she'll put every harlot in the city out of business once all the men come running to her for their jollies! Now, I have done as you so rudely demanded and emptied the room of all armed persons. And unless you plan on murdering me, there's no more need for those weapons of yours. So, you and your whore should leave my house and never come back. The Baroness spat in their direction, but didn't dare make a move past Corvo. She had seen what he could do and despite all her talk, he terrified her. Jessamine had retorts in her repertoire for almost any situation she came across, but she'd never received a tongue-lashing so fierce before. It left her speechless, mostly because much of what the Baroness said, or at least implied, was true. She did love Corvo and he loved her. She had already offered her body to him and had relished in his touch. But it wasn't why she picked him. She picked Corvo based on his skill and nothing else. Words flooded into the Princess' mind now and she picked the ones that made the most sense. You hold no power or authority anymore, Baroness Sewell. I shall see to it that your title is stripped and your holdings seized for the Empire unless you apologize this instant, both to me and to my Protector. He is a good man, which has nothing to do with his place of birth. And he is more skilled than any you sought to pair me with, that much is evident by the evening's turn of events. Furthermore, He and I- Jessamine paused. She couldn't lie and say they were not romantically entangled, but she couldn't admit to it either. She cleared her throat and began again. Either apologize or I will see you brought in for treason. Corvo's pistol never stopped tracking the Baroness. Already she had proven herself to cross the threshold into being a threat to the Empire with her behaviour. After all, what else would one call trying to supplant the Royal Protector with one of her own kin, someone who had never been vetted by the Emperor's own Protector, someone who was nowhere near as skilled as Corvo himself and whose only recommendation for the role, was, apparently, being of high birth. And now, the bodyguard was in a position where he did control the situation. He would be well within his own authority to shoot her where she stood. After all, his mandate was to protect the princess and protect the empire by whatever means he deemed necessary. And now, he knew one thing for certain he had made an enemy of Gloriaminda Sewell not just because he was a Serkonan and from the poorest of extractions, but now because he had put her golden boy back in his place with extreme prejudice. And he could tell the baroness was scrambling for anything resembling control on the current situation. She was not used to being at the receiving end of someone else's will and she knew full well that at this exact moment, all it would take would be a tightening of one particular finger and she would be ended. Once she had the injured men taken out of the room and dismissed the remainder of the members of the meeting, one might think she would come to see reason. But instead of remaining in her seat, instead she approached Jessamine, and when she did, Corvo shifted his position to remain squarely between the old bat and his charge. There was no way he would let her anywhere near the princess, not for any reason. But instead of crying Jessa's pardon as he instructed her to, she did the most unwise thing she could she launched herself into another vitriolic tirade. And then she spat, the gob of spit landing squarely in the center of Corvo's chest. His heartbeat quickened his his blood boiled in rage. No one spoke to him, or to Jessamine like this. Not ever. Not if their intent was to keep breathing. But despite the burning in his eyes his face remained completely impassive. But his index finger did tighten on the trigger, taking up the slack. He knew that all it would take would be a fraction of an ounce more pressure before the gun would bark and the large caliber slug would demolish Gloriaminda Sewell's head. And once more, the princess spoke, offering the dowager one last chance to save her own life. But this is when Corvo spoke over her. No more chances. No more apologies. His voice was low and even, but it was cold and hard, the voice of a man who had absolutely no compunctions about killing. And then, he moved. Lowering his pistol, he pressed the barrel between her sagging breasts and he started pushing, driving the woman back towards her divan and when he reached it, he gave one hard shove, one that robbed her of her breath as she lost her balance and fell upon it. And then, he started to back away, maintaining his aim. But once he reached the coffee table, he set down the pepperbox pistol in his left hand upon it, and then he kept on moving, his aim with his own revolver never wavering one bit. As Royal Protector, I find you guilty of treason and high crimes against the Empire. The penalty is death. Then, Corvo took a deep breath. Now here's what's going to happen, you rancid old bitch. When we leave, you'll take that pistol and blow your brains out. If you do this, we won't say a damn word about this to anyone. Your precious Merritt will inherit whatever you want to give him. This was as much a courtesy as the bodyguard was willing to extend. He was, to say the very least, hardly in an accommodating mood at this point. But if you're still breathing comes morning, that won't be the case. First, you will be attainted. You will be left penniless. Homeless. Maybe some of your friends and acquaintances will help you out, maybe with money, maybe with shelter and support but I wouldn't care to bet on it. And so will your precious Merritt. You old and tired and sagging, and him crippled for life. And then, when I will start hunting. First, I will kill those who helped you, if any. Then I'll kill Merritt. And the last thing you see before I kill you will be my face. And then, I'll make sure you're found exactly where you belong. And you know what will be the worst thing? There won't be a shred of evidence pointing to me in the end. You're not the first I'll have gone after. And odds are you won't be the last. You'll just be one more dead body in my service to the empire. To Jessamine. Your family will end, your house disappear and you'll just be an embarrassing footnote in some dusty records. Now make your choice. Which is going to be? And then, he reached back with his left arm, herding Jessamine towards the door. One thing for certain, he was not about to turn his back on that bitch, not when there was a pistol between them. And once he exited, he closed the door behind him, and only then did he turn around and put his left arm around his charge and started to guider her, faster and more forcefully towards the door, where their carriage waited. The old butler watched them leave. It was hard to tell what the old man was thinking. He had heard everything, that much was clear, and part of him was horrified, but there was a certain gladness in his eyes apparently, it was the first time someone had properly stood up to his mistress. And just as princess and protector went out the front door, a gunshot echoed within the halls of the manor. Jessamine flinched in Corvo's arms as the gunshot echoed through the house. Her eyes darted up to Corvo's face, trying to read what he was thinking, but he seemed focused on getting as far away as possible from this place. As he helped her into their carriage, the Princess took one last glance back at the Estate. She could swear she saw the butler mouthing a 'thank you'. The ride home was not long, but it seemed to Jessamine that they were in the carriage for hours. The silence around her was deafening, but she didn't know what to say. Too many thoughts swirled in her head but she dared not to speak lest she burst into tears. She felt the fit coming and didn't want Corvo to see it. This.. thing that had just transpired.. it was a part of her life. Every day, her Royal Protector was out there stopping threats to the Empire and to herself. It was nothing to cry over. And Gloriaminda had been a hateful, disgusting person anyway. Jessamine raised her eyes to look at her bodyguard. Is this what he really did for her? Every day? He threatened, murdered and maimed those who spoke out or acted out against the Crown? Did he even feel any remorse? How could he be so cold like that, but so gentle with her? Jessa's eyes fell back down to her hands. When had she balled them into fists? She didn't remember. Arriving at the Tower was a whirlwind of activity in itself, with Jessa playing the part of the puppet. She was helped from the carriage, led inside and through the hallways to her room and seated at her vanity. A servant arrived and Jessamine heard her own voice instruct the servant to leave and not to be bothered until breakfast. She didn't remember saying anything. A brush found its way into her hands as her hair fell from it's coiffured state and her arms began the motions of brushing. It was an odd thing to watch, as she stared into the vanity mirror observing herself brushing her hair out. She hadn't thought she was moving at all. But unless her reflection was a lie, there she was sitting stock still and expressionless, gently brushing her hair. Where was Corvo? A bubble of anxiety burst in her throat as she turned from her vanity and her eyes searched the room for his familiar shape. He was the reason for her animatronic state, but he was suddenly the only thing that mattered to her and she needed him desperately. Corvo? Corvo! Her voice took on an almost shrill quality as she began to return to her senses. Corvo knew Sewell would take the easy way out. This wasn't the first time he had offered the option of suicide or his brand of reprisals, and usually people took the way out they had some form of control over. A minority would gamble they could escape Corvo Attano, but they never did. One had come close, but he met his end on the docks even as he was boarding his ship. That one had been close all right, the Royal Protector had kept his word... The only words during the ride back were Corvo's orders to the rest of the detail, and their acknowledgements. He could tell Jessamine had been shocked by the experience. She would have to learn at one time that this was the sort of things he did to protect her, to safeguard the Crown and the Empire. It was a duty he did gladly and without a hint of doubt in his mind. But it was a lesson he had hoped to break to his charge much more gently. But his hand had been forced and now she knew on more than just an intellectual level that the silent shadow at her shoulder in public, that presence she always took comfort in, was a man capable of delivering the most brutal forms of violence and could appear to be utterly devoid of all human kindness. Upon their return, he ushered the princess back to her chambers. He would have to provide a report of the evening's events at some point, but for the time being he needed to see to Jessamine, and get her some place she knew was safe, where nothing could get to her. And so, once she dismissed her servants for the night, before getting out of her gown, no less, she seated herself to brush her hair, and he stepped into his own room, divesting himself of his coat, vest, weapons and boots. And then he heard her call of him frantically. He ran out of his room, barefoot and unarmed as he was called. There was no way someone could have gotten in, but still he came as fast as he could, and he quickly closed to distance towards his charge. Jessa, I'm here. What's wrong? Jessamine shook from head to toe as she reached for her lover. The brush lay on the floor where she had dropped it. Her gown was barely halfway undone. Her boots were still on and laced. Whatever strength the had in her body went to her fingers, gripping Corvo tight as she pulled his body against her cheek. Corvo, she.. why would she.. how could- Jessa wasn't making sense, and worse, the tears had begun. She cursed herself for being so weak as to cry over something as simple as duty. But a life was lost. She couldn't just overlook that, could she? Should she? Jessa didn't know anymore. I'm sorry, Corvo, I shouldn't be.. I know you have to.. Why can't it be simple! She just wanted the secrets to stop, just for one day or even one hour. She wanted to hold her lover and announce him to the world she wanted everyone to trust and support her as their leader she wanted no war or crimes or hatred. But that perfect world was a bubble waiting to burst on the pinpoint of reality. This was her perfect, imperfect world. The one in which her ruthless assassin was also her faithful protector and steadfast lover. The one in which vipers and wolves masqueraded as friends in the light and plotted evil in the dark. These were the cards she had been dealt by the Outsider and she had to learn to master them before they got the better of her. This was a lesson and a test. And what had she learned? Corvo is devastatingly good at his job. There are more untrustworthy people that she realized. She still mourns for those who die cursing her name. Had she passed or failed this test? She didn't know. But it felt wrong not to mourn a person's passing. For all the humanity that Corvo gave up to become her bodyguard, she could spare some and shed tears for the both of them. Jessamine cried into Corvo for several long minutes. Her fingers gripped him tightly as she pulled him close and let her confusing sorrow spill onto his remaining clothes. When she finally felt the torrent of tears subsiding, she sniffled and pulled back. Her hands wiped her messy face as she stammered an apology. She had known, in her head, about the kinds of things Corvo did for her. But she had never been there or seen them done before. Now she had an image to match her knowledge. It wasn't pretty. But she knew it was necessary. What could she say that would excuse her behavior tonight? Other than stammering several more apologies, Jessamine was poor for conversation. She just wanted to hold him, bury her face in him, fall asleep in his arms knowing that no harm would ever come to her. She just wanted.. him. Jessa looked up into his beautiful dark eyes, her own steely ones pleading as she spoke. Please don't go. Stay with me tonight..? The expensive ivory-handled and gold-chased hairbrush in Jessamine's hand hit the floor. But that was just the very last thing that told Corvo not everything was all right with his charge. But then again, her uncharacteristic silence and wooden demeanour on the way back from this so-called gala had already been a good indication of that. When she reached for him, he let her do so and he stepped in close, wrapping his powerful arms around her. Part of him wondered, now, what she would think of them? She had after all just witnessed his bone-breaking strength. He did not speak, though. At least not at first. There was nothing he could say to make it all better for the princess just then. Of course there were things he could say, but nothing that would be helpful. Why and how she could have said these things? Because she was a rancid, ambitious bitch trying to improve her lot by positioning her kinsman in a position to influence the princess how or why she would take her own life? Because turns out there was one thing in this world she cared about more than just herself. Truth be told, Corvo would much have rather taken care of that business privately, but that option had been denied him. He could not risk letting her go public with her accusations especially when there was a degree of truth to them. And he couldn't tell her she didn't need to apologize, and that indeed it was his job to do bad things to people who were a threat to her and the Crown. As for why it couldn't be simple, well, he could hardly tell her that for him things were extremely simple all right. After all, things tended to get quite simple for him when he would make sure those threats would never materialize. So he let her weep, getting it out of her system and he simply held her against him, letting her exhaust her sobbing and her tears. And when they did, she asked him a question. His every instinct was to say no, to refuse. But tonight? He could not. Of course, he answered as he took a callused hand, a hand that she now knew was capable of bone-breaking strength, and he brushed at the track of tears on her delicate cheek. Looking down, he could see she had only undone those hooks she could have reached along the back of her dress, and he could see her boots still on her feet. And she had dismissed her servants... Would you like me to help you get ready? Any other night, those words from her lover's mouth would have been a sign of progress towards Jessa's ultimate goal of bedding Corvo. Tonight, his gentle acquiescence, soft touch and simple request moved the Princess in a different way. She knew he loved her, but this was different. He wasn't offering to help get her naked or bending to her wishes. He was showing his care and concern. It was such a simple gesture but Jessa felt the unspoken emotions behind it. She sniffled a reply, heard it lost among her other sounds of mourning, and nodded her head. Her fingers tensed and relaxed in turn, pulling and then releasing his clothing. She let her head rest against him and exhaled loudly. Why did she feel so conflicted? The woman was poisonous to her and needed to have an end. Corvo hadn't flinched in his performance or faltered in his duty, so why did Jessa feel so conflicted? There was no other solution to this, was there? Could she have done or said anything differently to change the outcome? Or had the vile old woman been set down her path already? Was it some morbid scheme of the Outsider? And now that the deeds were done and the dead were gone and soon to be forgotten, what of her murderous lover? The thoughts gave Jessamine pause and she raised her head to look up into his eyes. Those dark orbs were seemingly filled with some emotion, and not at all void or unfeeling. They watched her with.. concern? Yes, and volumes of affection. That rough and calloused hand which so tenderly wiped away her tears had, not hours earlier, all but snuffed the life out of the Baroness and decimated the livelihood of her nephew. This voice which spoke comforting words in gentle tones was the same one that uttered the ultimatum which sealed Gloriaminda's fate. And yet, she could not let him go. She should be repelled by his presence because of what he had done, not clinging to him like a child. Her mind argued that this was precisely why her relationship with the Royal Protector was forbidden. Corvo walked a fine line as the keeper of the peace, but his duty required blood and sacrifice. He was clothed in death, while she represented the life of the Empire. In those moments, Jessamine came to an understanding about herself. She could live with the stench of extermination on her lover because she would not choose to live without him. This was the cost of their love, and tragic as it was, now that she knew, everything made sense. A weak smile broke the stoic grimace that had been her expression as she gazed at Corvo. No matter the cost, to the Empire, himself or his soul, he would always be there for her. And she would always take comfort in his wonderful, rough embrace. I.. She swallowed. Her voice had yet to be tested since the sobbing. Yes, please.. The faintest echoes of a smile lingered on her face as she spoke. Much time passed between Corvo's question and Jessamine's answer. But that did not bother him. He understood she needed to process what he had said, and how to parse it against what she had just experienced, and into the fabric of what she knew and felt about him. She knew he had won the Verbena Blade. She knew he had excelled in the selection process that had culled the applicants to the role of Royal Protector for her to a very short list, and what those had entailed. And she had to have suspected about some of his more discreet activities when he would leave at night. He knew just how closely he was being examined. Not physically, but in other ways. And he waited, patiently, as she made her decision. He felt her fingers open and close against him, delicate appendages against his muscular, bone-breaking frame. But then he felt the change in her breathing, and when he looked at her again he could see the ghost of a faint smile. It was not much, but he could tell she had come to a decision about him, one that she could live with. She accepted who and what he was. When she spoke, her voice was low, quiet. Her throat had been made raw from sobbing, and he understood that. And then, she acknowledged him, that she wanted his help. Of course, he replied just as quietly and as he pulled out of her arms and released her, he allowed himself to lay a single brief, soft and tender kiss upon her lips. Nothing like the feverish lip-locking of the previous night, but something that conveyed just as much meaning, but in a much milder form. So first he knelt, and with fingers that could deftly reload a gun, pick a lock, empty a pocket or crush the life out of a man's throat, he started undoing the laces of one boot and he pulled it off her delicate foot, an action that he followed by peeling the stocking off her leg, his fingertips grazing at the pale, soft skin of her leg. And, once he was done with one foot, he gently set it back onto the heavy, thick carpet and started on the other boot to repeat the process. When he rose, he let his fingers trail along the heavy, luxurious fabric of her skirts. And that was as much as he was allowing himself at this time. He wanted to feel her beneath his hands, to hold her, to all but rip those clothes off her. But not now. She needed to feel safe, to feel cared for. Upon reaching his full height, he walked around Jessamine and stood behind her. With a gesture that was both precise and delicate, he moved the entire mass of her lovely dark hair over one shoulder, the tops of his fingernails but brushing at the slender column of her neck. And then, he started working on the small hooks of her dress. One after the other, he undid them, each exposing first more of the perfect skin of her upper back and then the white silk of her chemise. 23 of them he undid before he reached the last one at the small of her back. And then, his hands came up to her shoulders and he pushed the heavy gown off of her and guided it down her arms and let it fall into a puddle of fabric at her feet. He could see the makeup on her cheeks, her neck, the tops of her breasts. It was a shame, he thought, she had to whiten the already creamy skin even further. Or that it was required of her to wear those paints in the first place. Her true beauty was natural, unforced, absolutely perfect as it was. And for a moment, he was tempted to bring his hands to those perfect breasts of hers, to feel them again. But instead he brought his hands back behind her and clenched his fists. Not now, this was not the time... So, to work he went on her corset, unlacing the whole length of it before he let it fall to the floor on top of her dress. As it fell, he saw how her chest fell back to its natural position, a figure even more enticing than the artificially elevated state that was the current fashion among young ladies. And then, almost by reflex, he pushed her chemise off her shoulders, letting that too come to rest upon the floor and leaving the princess naked from the waist up, and with nothing but her underwear from the waist down. His own heart was beating like a thousand drums in his chest, and the rushing of blood in his ears was like a roaring river. But still,, he kept his hands to himself and he slowly went back around the princess. On her vanity was a bar of delicate soap, squares of impossibly soft flannel cloth, and two bowls of water. He knew what these were for, to remove the paints from her so she would go to sleep her skin clear. But before he reached for them, he could not help himself and he allowed himself to look her over, from her eyes to her toes and back up. She was beautiful, and he was found himself blessed to no end that she had chosen him to be the one man she would share such sights with. Then, he took one of the squares, wet it and lathered some of the soap onto it, and once more his voice sounded. May I? Jessamine shut her eyes as Corvo began the laborious work of undressing her. The maid would have done it, had she not dismissed the poor woman. Surely news of Jess' mood had already made rounds through all the servants. There would be questioning looks and knowing glances tomorrow, but none of that mattered. As the heavy dress fell to the floor, Jess exhaled her fears and opened her eyes. For the first time in hours, she felt like she could breathe. Her lover's deft hands were making short work of her corset, but already a weight hat been lifted. Every now and again, he would brush her skin or graze her with his nails. More than once, she arched her back slightly into his hands. But through all of this, there was no sense of sexual urgency. This was something entirely new, entirely different. When she was finally disrobed down to her underwear, Corvo stepped fully out from behind her and she watched as his eyes beheld her form. It was not the passion of a red hot poker that she saw reflected in his face, but the peaceful admiring of something cherished. How strange this new face of love was! In that gaze, Jessamine felt more beautiful and more loved than ever. Suddenly she understood that perhaps love had nothing at all to do with passion. Perhaps that was a mere side effect. Maybe he was showing just how deeply she filled the chasm of his heart by these simple, respectful ministrations. He was calm and being careful and moving slowly. His breath fell steadily upon her bare shoulders, and despite her mental state, her skin rose in expectant goosebumps. For all the worlds, yes, she wanted Corvo. And he wanted her too, she could tell. But she was both certain and grateful that tonight there would be no lovemaking, no foreplay. Only this. Only the steady hands of the one man she trusted over any other gently stripping, cleaning and holding her until she was ok. Jessamine felt her lip tremble a moment later and coughed out a chuckle as new tears christened her eyes. Why on earth was she crying now ! This was certainly no time to cry, especially over Corvo. He was only doing what she had asked, or rather, what she had agreed to. As she blinked, the tears broke through the surface and drizzled down her cheeks. They were short-lived, however, and disappeared just as quickly as they had appeared. Somewhere amidst all those thoughts, a smile had crept onto the Princess' face. It was this expression she wore while nodding at her lover to continue. ..yes. Thank you. She sniffled away a dark thought as Corvo dipped the cloths into the basin and rubbed the perfumed soap onto the newly moistened spot. Her eyes closed as he neared so he could better wipe the kohl from her eyelids like her chambermaid always did, but the cloth slid across her bare skin elsewhere. She gasped as the pressure of his touch excited yet another new feeling within her. Her eyes opened and she watched him closely through those glassy orbs, mouth upturned, as he delicately removed her makeup.