Thread: Belle du Jour {Prince x Showmeyouloveme}

Valmont, you scoundrel! Already sneaking off with the lady of the house! joked Bertrand, a blonde haired and stocky man fond of wine, food, and women. You waste no time. Now that I've seen her, I know exactly why you dragged us to this low class affair. I remember this girl. She was the one you doted on in your youth, added Guillame, a brown haired and tall man that was lithe and skinny in contrast to Bertrand. He had a bit more tact and discretion, but was equally prone to womanizing. These were Valmont's closest companions and enablers of his rampant debauchery over the last several years. Guillame leaned in to elbow Valmont, I do hope you have gotten over that embarrassing crush. God you followed her like a puppy. Miria was safely out of earshot, but Valmont glanced over his shoulder out of caution before raising his arms to soothe the pair. She is as fetching as I remember, but I'm not an innocent youth anymore, Valmont said with a cocky grin. We had a stroll tonight, but the next path we walk will lead under her skirts, I assure you. That sounds like a betting proposition? The usual terms? countered Guillame, raising an eyebrow. He was friends with Valmont during those days and seemed suspicious, as if challenging whether Valmont would treat her as he did his other trysts. Seeing Valmont hesitate, if only for a second, he pushed, If not you, then Bertrand or I will take the terms with pleasure and tell you how she is in bed. Of course, the usual terms. 100 francs to me when I take her honor, said Valmont cooly, giving Guillame an imperious stare. And... you will tell her you only fucked her because of a bet? added Bertrand, picking up on Guillame's suspicions. He didn't know the history, but gleaned that perhaps Valmont might not be his normal self with this woman. Of course. She is nothing to me, said Valmont, grinning casually as he felt his stomach roil. Together they proceeded towards the dinner, his friends resuming their banter as Valmont felt a strange regret at his decision to come to this party. Good, Valmont. Well then you must help Bertrand and I find our targets for this fete. I hear the Comtessa De Lacroix's youngest daughter is making her first appearance.... -------- Guillame was seated with Valmont at Miria's head table and they both toasted her words with broad smiles. It was a wonderful spread and she had managed, against all odds, to pull off an elegant and fashionable meal for the first time she hosted a party. Clearly, her years of good upbringing were not forgotten and in any other situation, Valmont would laud the woman for her social ambitions and display of taste in this event. Tonight he looked around and wondered why she bothered. Why did she want to enter the vain, superficial, catty, and ultimately, meaningless life of court that he was forced to dwell in? To live in the country, granted with a better match than her current Lord, didn't seem so bad in contrast. Marquise de Coventry, or may I call you Miria? asked Guillame as the food was served and wine refreshed. Perhaps you recall me from our youth. I wasn't at court often then, but I was friends with Valmont. It was hard to pry him from your side I remember. Do tell, where is the Lord Coventry? Is he ill?