Apricity

[StrangeVsWeird]

"Is everything to your liking, your highness?"

Every morning began the same in the beautiful kingdom of Aventa. The sun rose over the twin peaks standing guard to the east, casting golden rays over a land lush with trees, plants, animals and waters. Those rays stretched over rolling hills and valleys of wildflowers to reach the shores of Fire's Sea, glinting off the golden spires of the marbled palace that called the edge of Aventa home. Built within the grand city of Vyra, the palace soaked in the morning sun and breathed life into its inhabitants and those surrounding.

Every morning began the same for Aventa's king. Maverick Torvald the Defender--in smaller circles the Charmer and even smaller circles the Deceiver--rose in the early morning hours to cross his bedchamber and lean against the frame of the archway leading out onto a balcony overlooking Vyra. He would let his gaze wander over the stirring city, spending the silent moments contemplating various topics--some serious and some trivial--up until dawn peeked up over the eastern mountains and it was in that moment, the king cleared his mind and simply watched its rise.

Maverick couldn't remember when he had begun the habit, but the place he leaned his shoulder into was now so worn, it fit the curve of his muscle perfectly. It was a detail lost on him. The only thing he seemed to give his attention to in those moments was that sunrise and he wouldn't move from that spot until those brilliant rays spilled over the balcony and touched his toes. Then, and only then, would he quietly push himself off the edge of the archway and turn to begin his day.

On typical days, he'd shower and dress in his usual attire of a light dress shirt and pressed slacks and make his way to the sitting room that had the best view of Fire's Sea. It's where he preferred to have his breakfast, the meal not so much important as the morning tea was.

This morning was a typical start to any day. He sat in his white leather chair and picked up the current book he was in the process of reading. In this instance, it was the second book of a series describing the adventures of a ragtag team of creatures referred to as 'aliens'. Maverick, for the life of him, couldn't help but be intrigued by the sheer absurdity of the creatures in general, but it was an added pleasure to be taken through foreign worlds of weightlessness and flying ships.

"It's quite fine, Reginald," the king replied absently, turning a page before reaching for his tea. "And how many times have I told you that you can call me Maverick?" He lifted a brow, an ocean blue glancing at the older gentleman.

"At least once more, your grace," was always the reply and the king could only shake his head with a soft smile. Reginald has been in his service for twentysomething years, but the man was either stubborn or just loyal to tradition. The day Reginald called the king by his name would be the day the world ended. Returning his gaze back to his book, the king took another casual sip of his tea.

"What's on the agenda for today, Reginald? Court? Meetings? Racing?" He smiled at the last, eyes glittering with the thought of the thrill. The older man sighed, in clear disagreement with the king's choice of entertainment.

"Actually, your highness, today has been cleared for the semi-finalists event of Vyra's most popular competition."

Maverick grew still, his eyes lifting from the page to gaze out over the waved waters of the sea. "Is that today?" His voice was quiet, but strained.

"Yes, sire."

"Well." A soft sigh escaped him. "That's disappointing."

MAVERICK TORVALD

Maverick​ Torvald​

Age Unknown | Human | King | Cursed


"Verick", "Erick", "Rick", "Mave"
Face claim: Mark Bercher​​

::appearance::
Ocean Blue | Auburn | 6' 4" | 157 lbs​

Attire:

Classy, though not too formal. Mostly dress shirts in varying colors, depending on his mood. Occasionally will be seen in a simple T and crisp jeans. Wears a necklace at all times with a pendant of an intricate symbol, either of pewter or silver, with an opal in its center.
​

Hair Style:

He doesn't do much with it, really. The curled red locks tend to have a mind of their own and so, nature tends to style his hair for him. Enjoys facial hair, but keeps it tidy.
​

Notable Markings: TBD

::personality::​

​

::likes::​

Dark Chocolate | Ice Cream | Birds | Reptiles | Hiking/Rock Climbing | Adventure | Sunrises | Tea
​

::dislikes::​

Cats | Night | Seafood | Most of his nicknames | Dishonesty
​

::hobbies::​

Drawing/Painting | Reading | Racing |
​

::habits/quirks::​

Scratches at his beard when thinking | Occasional Smoker | Nail Biter | Cannot have hands/fingers touch his food
​

::talents::​

Drawing | Speech/Charmer |
​

::history::
CURSED
​

 

[Viverescribere]

---

Adelia Fitrei

---

"Adelia Fitrei!"

The shrill call cut through the otherwise peaceful silence that the young Duchess had so eagerly been enjoying. She had been sat in the corner of a stall, one opposite the door, on an upturned bucket. A mare stood along the wall to her left, back foot cocked and eyes closed, snoozing, as Adelia groomed the foal that the mare had given birth to only a month ago.

"Adelia Fitrei, you better answer me, young lady!"

A sigh escaped her and she gently leaned forward to press her lips against the foals forelock, "If only all mothers were snoozing right now." She murmured to it, fingers brushing down the side of it's neck as the young creature nibbled at her puffed, black gilet. Reluctantly standing, she collecting her grooming tools before reaching over the stable door to unlock it and step out, ensuring to bolt it closed once she was out.

"Why didn't you answer me the first time? By God, look at you. You're a mess!" Adelia's mother, Priscilla scolded, hands on hips as she observed her daughter.

Adelia looked down at herself, hands brushing over the padded areas of her gilet. There were a few dirt marks on her cream jodhpurs, dirt and dust caked under her nails and maybe her hair was a little unruly, but what did it matter? "It's not like I'll be going anywhere looking like this, mother. Just-- calm down, for once in your life."

She moved past the highly-strung woman, grabbing a bucket to fill with feed which she then lowered into the stable beside the mare's for the other horse that occupied it.

"I don't think you quite understand the importance of today-- everything has to go--"

"Perfectly. Yes, funnily enough I understand well enough." Adelia turned on her heel to face the Duchess, arms folding across her chest, "I understand that the only reason why I'm in this fucking competition is because of you and dad. Both of you are to blame for the shit our family name is in. Yet I'm the one having to clean up after you. I'm the child, I shouldn't be having to clean up after your messes."

Priscilla stood, slightly bewildered by her daughter's outburst but soon composed herself, "You watch your language. There's no way you'll be making it into the finals if you act like this. The public, nor the King, will stand for it."

Adelia stared at her, it now being her turn to be simply astounded, "Really, that's what you took from that? Unbelievable." The young woman reached up to unzip the gilet as she turned away again, walking furiously out of the stables with Priscilla chasing after her.

---

It was too soon that Adelia found herself in the car being driven to the royal palace. Her polo and jodhpurs and riding boots swapped for a deep green dress with nude, closed-toe heels. After showering, her hair had been blown dry and brushed into submission with only a hint of make-up to keep it all looking natural. The family's PR adviser sat in the car with her, going over a few topics and what would be expected throughout the day.

To Adelia, it all seemed like one big circus. If she had it her way, she wouldn't have allowed herself to become an attraction in it. However it was all for the sake of her parents, even if she did detest them at this point. The sooner she was kicked out of the competition, the better. At least then she could be left in peace to work on that foal back on the family estate.

Exhaling heavily, the young woman leaned back into her seat as the car began to slow. She found herself drowning out the voices to focus on herself and what she needed to do.

It was a mental preparation, especially considering the first few rounds hadn't held the best experiences with the young King.

How she was still in the competition, Delia wasn't entirely sure. The Fitrei PR adviser seemed to suggest it was the public enjoying the friction, at one point sexual tension was even brought up. It caused her to laugh in the poor woman's face. The only tension she experienced with the royal was one that could be found in the form of knots in her shoulders and back.

And that was just with the King. Adelia didn't even want to consider the other woman she was supposedly competing with. No one in this silly little PR stunt was stupid, they all knew Adelia's reason for being on the show. She just wished she could scream that it wasn't her choice. Not that anyone believe her anyway.

"Right, we're five minutes out. Are you ready?" The adviser's voice brought the young woman back to reality, and Adelia looked away from the window. She sat up an ran her hands over the pleated skirt of her dress, "As ready as I can ever be."

Adelia Fitrei

Adelia Fitrei

NAME
Adelia Fitrei

NICKNAME/S
Addie
Delia
Lia

AGE
21

OCCUPATION
Daughter of a Duke

ATTIRE
Depends on the function and the occasion. When in the public eye or having to socialise with family/friends, she will dress smart-casual: well-known brands, soft summer dresses to fitted pencil dresses, smart blouses and tapered/fitted trousers with heels. When on her own estate, she will change to riding jodhpurs or well-worn denim jeans and comfortable, loose blouses/shirts with wellies, riding boots or hiking boots depending on her activity for the day.

TATTOOS
Curling around the side, and just under, her left breast || Slightly smaller || "in the language of flowers, snapdragons are said to represent both deception (perhaps tied to the notion of concealment) and graciousness"

PIERCINGS
Ears || standard lobe ||

SCARS
None of note

MARKINGS
None of note

FACE CLAIM
Amber Heard || Actress ||

PERSONALITY

LIKES
Hot chocolate || The colour green || All animals || Romance novels (guilty pleasure) || Grooming horses || Nature || Foraging || Embroidery || Wildflowers || Loyalty || Honesty || Compassion || Watching certain sports e.g. ice hockey, football (soccer), field hockey || Action films || Marshmallows || Carrots || Historical documentaries || Certain kinds of music ||

DISLIKES
Hunting for sport || Animal abuse e.g. horses being whipped/dogs being beaten || Being humiliated || Being the butt of a joke || Being told what to do || Judgemental people || Turnips || Blueberries || The colour red || The smell of thyme || Roses || Her father || Horror films || Unjustified rudeness || Rum and raisin ice-cream || Strawberry sauce || Fireworks || Dark chocolate || Cheese and onion crisps || Seafood/fish || Rock music ||

HOBBIES
Horse riding || Reading || Studying medicine/healing || Rehabilitating injured animals || Playing piano || Playing violin ||

HABITS/QUIRKS
Clears her throat when nervous || Ambidextrous || Twirls a strand of hair when lost in thought || Sometimes, when alone, will walk barefoot on natural land e.g. grass or sand || Tends to avoid eye contact with arguing with someone ||

TALENTS
Horse riding || Dancing || Rehabilitating animals || Playing piano || Playing violin ||

POWERS
Communicating with animals || Healing animals || Surviving natural poisons e.g. snake bite/poison berries ||

FEARS
Being worthless || Being unloved || Being played || Guns || Drowning || Being buried alive ||

HISTORY

Hex Code: #185e1d

 

[StrangeVsWeird]

"Okay, one more time, your highness. The names of the finalists…?"

Maverick didn't bother looking at the reflection of the stick-thin woman standing behind him. He kept his eyes steady on his own, though unseeing, as he dutifully held his arms aloft for the tailor to ensure all was as seamless as possible.

Spoiler

The king didn't want to admit that ever since being reminded of his necessary participation in the evening's event, his outlook on the day had soured. He didn't want to admit it, but it was true nonetheless.

He didn't wish to memorize names of women he didn't care for. It made more sense to learn the name of the one who won the contest. That woman, after all, would be the one he married. It made sense to know the name of his bride. To know the name of a woman beforehand was simply ridiculous, irritating, and sometimes tiring.

"Paige Deverick." He had done it anyway, knowing that if he didn't play the part, the Council would have more reason to unseat him from the throne. Paige reminded him of a dog. Not that he'd ever tell the woman that, but his interaction with her had always seemed one-sided. No matter what he said, her little brunette head would bounce in agreement. "Adell Fitrei." His voice was flat, his lack of enthusiasm doing nothing to deter the woman behind him.

"A-del-ia," she corrected promptly with a rasp indicative of tobacco smoking and he watched the short woman scribble something onto her clipboard, imagining how tempting it was to suck down a cancer stick himself. The image of the blonde named swam up into his mind's eye and he thought better of tainting his scent with that of smoldering tobacco.

Adelia Fitrei. There had been twenty and now there were only two and of the two, Adelia was sure to mention the unpleasant smell. She was one to speak her mind and it was a trait Maverick had a difficult time deciding if he approved of it. On one hand, it was nice to witness unfiltered honesty, but on the other, there were some things he'd rather not have brought to his attention.

It was a reason the people have guessed he had remained single. He was a particular person and if he was going to marry, it would be to someone that measured up to his expectations. Or so the whispers claimed.

The truth was far more darker than any loon could imagine and the closer this competition drew to a close, the more nervous he became. Was it possible to deny the winner her betrothal? What would the Council do then?

So many questions swept back and forth through his mind. They gained strength with each pass and he didn't realize just how strong they had become until he suddenly found himself stepping out of a limousine. It was the flashing of cameras and bombardment of voices that snapped him back to the present.

His smile was easy, a practiced warmth he wasn't entirely sure was genuine. Yes, he loved his people, but the spotlight has dimmed in his eyes over the years and sometimes he wondered how much people loved his title more than they loved him.

Tonight's event was being held in the Grand Theater. It was one of his favorite places. The entrance was guarded by a golden statue of a proud lion and he had never once passed the image without indulging in the local superstition of touching a paw that supposedly bestowed good fortune.

He did so in a lighthearted nature, though somewhere deep down, he may have been hoping that one day, the lion would lift his curse.

It was only another moment when Maverick found himself backstage. There was another man who did a quick sweep of his outfit while a dark-skinned woman reminded him of tonight's purpose. He was handed a tablet that listed pre written questions and it was tonight's event that the Kingdom of Aventa, along with her king, would get to know the finalists on a deeper level.

All three would take the stage, the king asking the finalists those questions, and it would be tonight's event that will determine how the people vote the winner.

 

[Viverescribere]

---

Adelia Fitrei

---

Adelia hadn't indulged in the local superstition of touching the golden paw of the lion like the King did. Nor did she handle the cameras as well as Maverick had done. Since the last time she had to deal with the aggressive raucous of the media, Adelia preferred to avoid any instances where they may be involved. Of course this competition made that impossible, but that didn't mean it got easier with each round she made it through.

Not to mention, she had no idea how she managed to make it to the final two. Not with how badly marred her family name had been when it all started, her parents were to blame for that of course. Not that she would dare to bring that back up. She couldn't turn to the cameras and say that they were the ones that forced her into this little competition to be the king's betrothed all in the hopes of bringing their family name back out from the gutter. Instead, she swallowed back those words and simply dealt with the whispers of rumours of her involvement and of her family's history with her chin held high.

However with the theme of the final evening being on a more personal level, Adelia feared what sort of questions were going to be asked. She prided herself on her honesty, even if it got her into trouble sometimes. How could she ask someone to be honest to her if she wasn't going to provide them with the truth herself?

With that fear in mind, she waited on the edge of the stage, sweaty palms clasped together. She wasn't sure what she was more afraid of at this point: getting so far to fall at the final hurdle, or actually winning and having to be betrothed to the king. That only meant more media circuses, and also having to spend the rest of her life with a man who clearly wanted nothing to do with the sanctity of marriage. Also, they didn't exactly see eye to eye on many things. Perhaps it would be better if Paige won, the other young woman seeming to be happy to agree to anything the king said or suggested.

Just as her mind turned to her competitor, the name was called and she watched as the bubbly brunette bounced onto the stage at her introduction to the crowd. Waving and smiling and even a few kisses blown. Adelia winced at the fakeness of it all, yet knew she would be forced to do the exact same thing. Her parents would nag her indefinitely if she wasn't seen to be trying.

When it was her turn, Adelia chose a more subtle and classier approach. Instead of blowing kisses, she showed a warmth she didn't feel through the broadness of her smile, keeping only to waving rather than any other theatrics.

Standing near her leather armchair, both she and Paige waited until the appearance of the king, which obviously sent the crowd into a loud applause. The two young women continued to wait, only sitting themselves once the king had done so too.

She lowered herself carefully into it, gracefully and poise of her class, before crossing her legs one over the other at the knee and clasping her hands over the top knee.

Adelia just prayed that they wouldn't leave a damp mark on the dark green pleats should she release it.

 

[StrangeVsWeird]

Every seat within the theater held a body. Twelve hundred people sat in the audience and the king couldn't even begin to fathom how many watched from the comforts of their own home. It was a spectacle, he supposed. Maverick was only ever seen during press conferences or on the off chance of being caught racing, but otherwise, he was elusive for a ruler of a kingdom. He enjoyed his privacy and enjoyed the solitude. It allowed him to think.

It didn't necessarily make him nervous to have so many eyes upon the three of them, but he could name a few places he'd rather be. The stage was flooded with warm light from an unknown source, the backdrop fading from one scene to the next--beautiful pictures the audience had captured of their kingdom and submitted for the chance to be displayed on the show. Maverick was the kind who could appreciate the pictures, who could get lost in the beauty, but he was making an effort to be dutiful to the expectations of the council. As such, his focus was on the tablet in his lap.

It listed all the questions he was supposed to ask in a neat little fashion. They all had purpose, he supposed, and some of them really drew out an individual's personality. It seemed absurd, though. He understood the premise, but some of the questions listed would be best suited to ask over dinner. Privately. Kept between two people, especially two people intending to marry.

He lifted his gaze from the tablet, first assessing the one to his right. Paige, who wore a creamy pink pencil dress, parted red lips to reveal a dazzling smile. The host of the show, Benjamin Gold, had the spotlight, rattling off a synopsis of what had already occurred and what would be expected during tonight's event, so Maverick was in no rush to formulate opinions of the two that sat before him.

Paige was as bubbly as ever and the king shifted in his chair, bringing a shining shoe up to rest an ankle on his opposite knee. Steepling his fingers, he offered a warm smile to the excitable brunette over them. Based on ratings, she was the most favored of the two. She exuded kindness, was ten times more interactive with the audience, plastered her good deeds all over social media and had a much smaller dark cloud of rumors and naysayers hanging over her head. She was perfect in the eyes of his people, in the eyes of the Council and he had a sneaking suspicion the only reason she wasn't just handed the engagement ring was to keep up appearances of a fair competition.

Luckily, he had the final say. Or, he truly hoped he did because for all the gold that glittered about Paige Deverick, he saw it as clever flashiness to deceive fools.

...perhaps he was being too harsh. She may truly possess such an agreeable personality, but even then, he couldn't bring himself to accept such a trait in a woman who was to become his wife. He didn't need someone to agree with him. He had plenty already doing so. Adding another did nothing for him.

It was why Adelia Fitrei had caught his interest and why she now sat in one of the two chairs across from him. Based on popularity, the much more composed brunette should have been voted off long ago. He was the reason the daughter of Duke Fitrei moved through the rounds. At times, he had debates with his Council long into the night over why she should move on to the next event. She made it difficult, but he had managed, short of reminding the Council who the groom was, let alone who was still king.

Of the twenty women who began, Adelia had been the only who didn't swoon at his mere presence. She had been the only who had the gall to tell him he looked gaudy in red and of the twenty women, she was the only who seemed to share his dislike for the theatrics. It was almost as if she, too, had been forced to participate.

His gaze drifted to her. She sat off to his left and closest to the audience. She had a knee clasped, the green of her dress bringing out the warmth of her hair, the color of her eyes and if this had been a one-on-one dinner or other such event, he would have complimented her on her choice of attire. For all the interesting tension that could build between them, she was his chance of getting out from under this apparent obligation of taking a wife.

If she won, but didn't wish to marry, he couldn't force her to, now could he?

He offered her the same smile he did the other, his gaze sweeping to Benjamin Gold as the man directed the audience's attention to him. His smile broke wide, teeth sparkling in the light zeroing in on him and the two contestants.

"I believe we're ready, Ben." He replied to the question spoken, his blue gaze eyeing both across from him. "No pressure," he murmured, a smirk dimpling his cheek as a chitter of laughter breezed through the audience. He cleared his throat, gaze dropping to the tablet that he swiped at to power on. "These are prewritten scenarios," he informed both the women and the audience watching. "I've been asked not to ab lib," he joked as he scanned over the first question.

"Alright, starting on my left." His gaze flickered up to her face. "Ms. Adelia Fitrei, what is it you would do on the first day of being crowned Queen?"

The question hardly left his mouth before Paige let out a squeak of excitement, scooting forward in her chair with mouth open and ready to answer, only to catch herself and attempt to reign in her enthusiasm. She looked like a woman who needed to pee.

His gaze drifted back to Adelia. This was going to be a long night.

 

[Viverescribere]

---

Adelia Fitrei

---

Thank God that there was water. Adelia reached for the glass in front of her, previously sat on the small coffee table in the centre of the three armchairs. She allowed her first sip of the night to buy herself some time, stomach squeezing and chest constricting.

The honest answer would be that she didn't expect to be crowned Queen, and thus didn't have a single fucking clue what she would do. However, that simply wouldn't do. So she thought back to the Fitrei family's PR ageny and took a deep breath in, the action hidden by her leaning forward to place the glass back on the table. Adelia had the good sense to not roll her eyes at Paige's reaction, not really looking forward to the excitable answer the other woman was bound to give. She could only imagine all the 'great ideas' Paige must have.

"I'm assuming in the lead up to being crowned Queen that I would have had the opportunity to learn some of my duties. I wouldn't wish to go into this blind. Knowing what is going on in the kingdom, what my potential future husband has been working so hard on with the Council behind closed doors... I would wish to know. I wouldn't be able to... do my duty as Queen if I didn't know what was needed, or wanted, by the people I'm there to serve." She began, head tipping to the side thoughtfully, fingers clasping back onto her knee.

"My first day as Queen... I would like to meet the people. Go into the towns, invite - at random - groups for dinner or lunch at the castle, hold meet-and-greets. I would like to get to know them and... allow them to get to know me." Her gaze turned onto the audience, pausing now and again to address the camera, "How can I expect to know what you best need or what you would like if I don't know who you are? How can you trust me to try and help if you don't know me?"

Pausing for a moment, she finally tore her gaze away to look at Maverick, studying him for a moment, "Simplistic, I know. However I am a great believer in honesty and transparency, and I would like the people to see that from day one."

 

[StrangeVsWeird]

Maverick didn't necessarily have an idea of how Adelia would answer, but he knew it would be uncoated honesty. He still was caught by surprise, however, along with the audience inside the theater. He regarded her a moment without saying a word, his gaze then drifting out toward the audience and up to the balcony where the Council members sat. A pleased smile touched his lips. She had just given him all he needed to push her through into the Winner's circle.

As far as the king was concerned, they could wrap up the event of the evening now and call it for what it was. Adelia was interested in the people. Not once did she mention anything about being a doting wife to the king. It was a contrast to her opponent. Given the same question, Paige was geared to describe how she'd ensure the king was cared for, his needs met in every way. It wasn't something he personally wanted to hear and although the people loved her and would approve, the unexpected answer from Adelia turned their heads.

There was a silence that broke out into whispers. Heavy, at first, likely weighing her words to the image they had painted her with. He's heard the rumors. Adelia was seeking wealth. She was seeking fame. She was seeking anything but the heart of the king. Although the latter may be true--she did seem quite disinterested in such--her claim to want to know the people was unexpected and something they hadn't considered before.

This show, this competition, was meant to follow the structured dating of their king. It was about finding love and Adelia turned that aside and brought the people into the mix instead. It was interesting and certainly bold. The first answer of the night would blaze a trail straight through the finish line for her.

The heaviness within the theater lifted, whispers rising into chatter until someone in the far left of the audience began to clap. It would be the first of a number of applause Adelia would receive through the rest of the evening.

Maverick continued with the questions. Most were structured as 'what if' scenarios and the evening's event had ended on a good note for both competitors. Paige had been the most popular for a long time, but Adelia managed to grab the audience's attention and keep it.

The evening ended on the suspense of who would win, to be revealed within three days.

○●○●○●○​

Adelia Fitrei had been named the winner, earning her the title of Royal Bride. She was given a second publicized interview, one Maverick didn't attend. Reginald had met her afterward, informing her that she'd be moving into the king's castle within the week. All arrangements had been prepared so that the only thing she needed to worry about was deciding what she'd like to bring with her.

Castle By The Sea

It's been a week and half since the Grand Theater event and Maverick didn't realize how stressed he had become throughout the entire process. From start to finish, it took nearly six months to weed through twenty women and now that it was over with, he could get back to enjoying what he liked to do best.

Or, at least he thought he could until a different kind of stress began gnawing at the back of his mind.

Adelia was moving into the castle. His castle. The one he's shared with only those in his service and they were instructed to stay out of certain areas. Now he had a bride-to-be and he couldn't necessarily treat her as one of his servants.

…could he?

It was a moral dilemma and one he chewed on ever since she had been named Royal Bride. When the fateful day of her arrival finally saw the light, Maverick resolved that he'd just have to discourage her from wandering too much…

He had a feeling it'd be easier said than done.

"I will show Ms. Fitrei to her bed chambers once she arrives, sire, and then--"

"That won't be necessary, Reginald. I'm of a mind to offer her a tour of the castle myself," Maverick gently interrupted, giving his longtime servant an easy smile. Reginald simply nodded his understanding and left the king to the rest of his morning tea.

Maverick wore a simple outfit that day: a loose powder blue dress shirt, sleeves cuffed at his elbows, with dark jeans. If he wasn't king, no one would be able to tell him apart from the upper class citizens. He never liked making a show of his position and if he had it his way, he'd walk the castle halls shirtless and in sweatpants. He had been discouraged numerous times. His castle may be built upon jutted rock, but it didn't mean it was entirely private.

When he was told of Adelia's coming, Maverick left his study and waited on the second landing of the grand staircase. When the large doors opened to reveal her, Maverick made his way down to her. Reginald had been dutifully waiting by the door and instructed fellow servants on assisting on as she needed.

Grand Staircase

"Ms. Fitrei." Maverick held a smile for her, his voice warm in his address of her when he was near. Clasping his arms behind his back, he gave a slight bend to his waist in greeting. He held her gaze a moment, but allowed it to travel behind her. "I trust the transportation was pleasant?"

 

[Viverescribere]

---

Adelia Fitrei

---

There was still a strong, unwavering disbelief that lingered in Adelia's mind regarding her win. She hadn't expected to win, and from that, she wasn't sure how exactly to feel. There was a sense of relief, for the whole circus show to be finished and that she no longer had to compete in that fiasco of a show. Yet there was also dread. The media would never leave her alone now, as Royal Bride, she would one day become Queen - because even though she hadn't been competing for the King's hand (since she never believed she could win his heart), she wouldn't be able to back out of the betrothal now.

The stain on her family name was already too great, and to add the scandal of running away from the King was another tabloid headline that Adelia knew she had to avoid.

So she was backed into a corner, with only one door open to her. Marry the King.

It went without saying that the next week and a half had left Adelia feeling a little harassed. Not that her parents cared. Priscilla and Henry Fitrei had been delighted and showered their daughter with attention and gratitude. Not that Adelia cared for it. But yes, harassed was one way of putting things. The family's PR agent was constantly updating her with what designers now wanted to dress her, that magazines and tabloids still couldn't get enough of her.

Of course the faint whispers of the previous rumours still remained, but it seemed that her performance in the final round had quenched a lot of them. Yet another moment where Adelia could prove that honesty truly was the best policy. Not that she mentioned her abilities, however. She wondered if the people, if the King, would care for her powers. Well, not that it mattered, besides it wasn't as if she was being a hypocrite. She wasn't lying to them about what she could and couldn't do.

Withholding the truth was different.

---

Upon nearing the castle, Adelia couldn't help but simply marvel at the sight of it as the royal carriage brought her closer to it. It was absolutely gorgeous, and the future Queen couldn't help but feel slightly impatient at the idea of going for a horse ride along the beach that the palace overlooked. Her mind drifted to the young foal and mother she had left behind at the Fitrei estate, slightly disappointed that she wouldn't be able to help in the nurturing of the young stallion. However she was grateful her request to bring her own mare - a dapple grey Irish Draught called Laoise (lee-sha) - had been accepted.

Apart from that, what Adelia brought with her were her clothes and toiletries and perfumes. This was to be her new home, it was where she would live, now, for the rest of her life.

Once the carriage rolled to a stop outside the main doors, she carefully climbed out and straightened her suit jacket. She hadn't been sure what to expect, and with her mother's influence (plus the PR agent), Adelia had settled for a dark green trouser suit with a black blouse and black heels. Green was not only her colour, but her lucky one. And by God did she pray for luck.

However she didn't immediately head inside, but instead took a detour to check on the horses that pulled the carriage. She stayed with each of them for no longer than thirty seconds each, ensuring they were each healthy and happy before allowing herself to be directed inside.

Stepping inside the castle, she was not surprised to see that the grandeur on the outside was reflected within. Her eyes did not know where to land first, but eventually settled on the King who had been waiting for her.

Adelia's own lips formed a polite smile and provided a curtsy in response to his bow. "King Torvald. I must admit, I hadn't expected to see you again after the Finals." She confessed as servants moved around behind her, the start of many trips to carry her luggage up to whatever room had been picked out for her.

"The journey..." She trailed off, peering over her shoulder to study the carriage for a moment before glancing back to him, "was pleasant, once your men listened to my advice that something was wrong with the left lead horse. A stone, a rather sharp one, poor thing, stuck in the hoof. How they didn't notice the limp, I have no idea."

Adelia did have an idea how they didn't notice. The poor creature's limp had been so subtle that even Adelia would have missed it if it weren't for her gifts. However so long she had been making up excuses for her reasons on reading animals so well that it was almost like second nature now to justify her words.

"But yes, pleasant... You look well, the blue suits you, as do the rolled-up sleeves."

 

[StrangeVsWeird]

Maverick's smile had slipped upon Adelia's revelation of the horse, his gaze settling over her shoulder on the back of one of the men getting ready to pull the carriage away. How long did it take her to convince them they had to inspect the horse's hoof? How long had the thing been limping in discomfort? Or had it been in pain? Perhaps it would have been more noticeable if the latter. Still. The men should have inspected it the first time Adelia gave it voice.

They would have to be spoken to.

His gaze glided back to hers at the compliment received, his smile returning as if it had never left. "Thank you. I am quite fond of blue." His smile widened. "And of comfort." His head tilted slightly. "I was unable to say before, but you do look quite lovely in green." The compliment was genuine, he was intrigued to discover. Usually the compliments he gave were out of expectation and although most held some truth, he never had any feeling behind them. This time was different.

Things seemed to have always been different with Adelia.

"Welcome to Castle Vyra." He slowly turned on a heel to face the grand staircase, pivoting to Adelia's left. "Allow me to offer a tour." His gaze trailed to look at her out of the corner of his eye. "Though I would understand if you'd rather spend time settling in your room first."

 

[Viverescribere]

---

Adelia Fitrei

---

"Thank you..." She murmured in response, looking down briefly at her outfit as if to check herself over. A hand raised to gently brush at the sleeve of her suit jacket, also both cuffed fashionably at her elbows, to then straighten the garment with a light pull down on the hem. Adelia wasn't entirely sure if the King was being honest, or simply polite. It was why she preferred animals, in that respect; you always knew what they were feeling.

However her compliment was also genuine. The young woman did feel like the blue brought out the depths of the matching shade in his eyes. Not to mention, she was a bit of a sucker for strong-looking arms in rolled sleeves. Both figuratively and literally. She only hoped that, behind closed doors, her future husband truly wasn't afraid to figuratively roll up his sleeves and get to work.

Clearing her throat, she was quick to pull herself from her thoughts and watched Maverick as he moved to stand beside her.

"My room will be there to settle into this evening. I'd appreciate a tour; refresh my memory and stretch my legs." She turned her head to look at him, "Although with how large the palace is, I'm sure I'll need a map for the first few weeks." Adelia commented lightly, an attempt at a joke.

They may have experienced some tension during the competition, and even butted heads a few times, but Adelia knew that it was now time to make the best of the situation. She would make that clear to him when they were alone on the tour he was about to provide. Since she didn't truly know just how the King was feeling about the whole scenario, or exactly how he felt about her winning, she knew she wanted to address those topics. It would be necessary, to know where they stood.

"Perhaps, if you wouldn't mind... we could finish the tour at the stables. I wouldn't mind checking in on Laoise, my mare. This will be as equally a big of a change for her as it is for me... I would like to make sure she is okay."

 

[StrangeVsWeird]

A soft chuckle escaped the king's chest, his eyes glittering with mirth at Adelia's lighthearted comment about the size of the castle. The corner of his mouth quirked up into an impish smirk, the child at heart peeking out from around the corner of a stone wall. "Yes, I certainly wouldn't wander too much. It'd be weeks before someone found you." The comment was in jest, but a small part of him, the dark and hidden side, hoped she would consider it a warning.

Perhaps, in a way, it was. The castle was quite extravagant in its size. He was only going to show her the grounds, the first and perhaps a room or two of the second floor, one being her bedchambers. It'd be all the time they had before the sun began to set and dinner was served.

It had taken him years to know the castle like the back of his hand. Not only were there the rooms and hallways of each floor, but there were hidden passageways and underground levels cut down into the rock. Hells, he didn't even know there was an escape route into the sea until nearly a decade of living within the walls.

Of course, that was all so very long ago.

Maverick nodded his head to her request. "Of course." Of all the things she requested to bring with her, of all the things he could think she could request to bring, the mare had caught him by surprise. So she was a horse lover. It would make sense, then, that she had such concern for the one leading the carriage.

He wondered if she were also a dog person. Some were dogs. Some were cats. Apparently, some were horses. He's sure he's asked before, but it was difficult to keep track of who said what when courting twenty women at once.

Gods, was he grateful all of that was over. Now he only had to focus on the one and even then, perhaps the effort wouldn't have to be maintained for long. She could say she didn't want to marry and that would be that.

He pulled in a quiet breath as he rocked back onto his heels. "Shall we? I'd like to show you the study first. It's my favorite room." He gestured with a graceful sweep of an arm, indicating the room was upstairs on the second floor. Sliding his fingers into the front pockets of his jeans, he smiled down at her before leading the way.

They climbed the stairs and were a few yards down the East Wing's hallway, well out of earshot of anyone else, when the king suddenly changed the subject. He had been pointing out various items, giving general information of statues or portraits, explaining things as he would to a friend who hasn't visited him in some time. As if she had been to the castle before, as she very well could have considering it opened during holidays and special events for public tours, the king didn't delve too deep into any one detail. Though, it all had been idle talk. He really didn't want to waste time getting to the heart of what he'd truly like to discuss.

"I regret that I was unable to attend or even watch your Winner's interview." He broached the subject as if he were commenting on the weather. "I'm very interested to know your thoughts about winning this competition."

At the study's door, a heavy thing depicting a maiden on a bench reading beneath a flowering willow tree carved from dark oak, Maverick pushed through and held the door for Adelia to enter. Unlike the hallway decorated in themes of crimson and gold, the study was a large room accented by the books that lined the thirty foot walls and the shelves that were placed in neat lines every five feet apart. Study may have been an understatement, but he didn't wish to call it a library.

At the back of the room, it led out onto a large balcony that overlooked the expansive sea.

"I spend a lot of time in here," he commented softly, his gaze wandering with a smile as bright as a child's in a candy shop.

 

[Viverescribere]

---

Adelia Fitrei

---

Taking in the information he offered with interest, Adelia had to wonder the last time she had been to the castle. Perhaps it was when she was eleven, her tutor had arranged the trip as part of her history lessons. However she had not returned since. She found it rather odd and even obtrusive to be wandering through a place that someone called their home without the owner present. Yes, she had mentioned about welcoming the people to lunch and dinner, but she would be there. She would be the host and able to learn about them as they in turn learned about her.

Not to mention, how easy could it be for one person to sneak off from their tour group to enter parts of the castle that was off limits? Perhaps it was just as well she had seemingly won the people over in the last round of the competition - she didn't fancy potentially finding herself alone with a crazed fan of the king who believed she didn't deserve to win.

Although she could feel that underlying tension that lingered within him, the words and explanation of pieces that hung on the wall merely a mask for something he truly wished to discuss. How Adelia knew that, she wasn't sure. Perhaps it was the fact that she had to interact with the man for the past few weeks. Or maybe the King was more animal than human. The mere thought had her smirking to herself, amused at her own joke, which she was quick to hide.

Especially at his next question.

Her eyes raised and head turned to look at him, having previously been admiring the etchings on the door they were approaching. Her gaze lingered on him as he opened the door, body pausing as she attempted to figure out just what he meant by his words. Eventually Adelia moved forward, entering the study.

His words were briefly forgotten as she marvelled at what he called a study, lips parting at the beauty of it. She stepped to her right to look at the books, a hand raising to graze fingertips along the spines. From there she walked, trailing her hand continuously over the shelves, in an anti-clockwise rotation.

"I'm interested to know your thoughts on me winning this competition too, Your Majesty." She mused finally, pausing at the balcony doors to look out. A hand rested on the door frame, other hand slipping into her trouser pocket as her one leg relaxed to bend at the knee.

Adelia took in a deep breath of the fresh sea air, eyes closing against the dying rays of sun. She could understand why he loved it up here. She would too.

"Perhaps not in the same way as you wanting to know what I'm thinking, however. No, I'm curious because... your line of questioning seems to suggest that you have something to discuss, a comment to add. It suggests to me that you're wanting to know if I'm... serious about following through on the 'prize' I have won. Let's face it, you're not bringing up the subject because you want to know what I said at my interview... it would be far too easy for you to simply watch it back."

She turned her head to look at him over her shoulder, yet she couldn't hold his gaze for long, not when their conversation had the potential to turn into a conflict of words. "To be frank with you, King Torvald. I didn't expect to win this competition. I didn't expect to make it through the first round. Yet now I'm here... and I feel like I'm in a more difficult position than ever."

Looking back to the view, Adelia sighed and shook her head, finally fully turning to face him. Both hands moved into her pockets, and her eyes flickered to and away from his. "So, shall we talk? In the... privacy of your study? I'm assuming that's why we've started here first."

 

[StrangeVsWeird]

It's been a long time since a person other than himself or a servant had been inside his study. He kept it locked during public tours. It was a sanctuary for him. A place to reminisce peacefully. He didn't like the idea of it being tainted, so his nerves hummed their displeasure of not only allowing Adelia to set foot inside the room, but to run her touch along the spines of books that seemed to shiver at the touch of a warm hand.

A gaze as clear as the ocean tracked her through the room. He watched the way she moved, what passed over her face in thought. He had done the same before. He read people's nonverbal messages. It helped him get to know someone better. It helped to determine the weight of their honesty.

Tucking his fingers back into his pockets, Maverick strode down the center of the room, coming to a rest a couple feet behind Adelia. Her gaze was casted toward the sun. His was still roaming her profile, taking in the way the sun threaded gold strands through her hair and the way she leaned against the frame in a similar fashion he would do every morning. Even when she glanced over her shoulder at him, his gaze didn't waver.

He could be looking at the setting sun, but there was no comfort in the beauty of it. He much preferred to watch its rise.

He tilted his head, his smile having faded in thought as she finally turned to face him. Was she nervous? Her lack of holding his gaze didn't go unnoticed. "You've always been quite intuitive." He allowed the simple statement to hang for a moment before a light chuckle broke the silence. "Yes and no," he answered her last question first, finally moving to her left where a corner of the room had been fashioned for a seating area. Evidence of his recent visit still sat on the small table next to a large armchair, the teacup half empty and his book laid open on its pages upon the seat.

Taking it up into a gentle hold, the king gestured with a nod of his head to the couch and to his armchair's twin. "Please, take a seat. Whichever you prefer. I would very much like to talk." He positioned himself with his back to his own chair, but remained standing and would do so for as long as Adelia was. "While the room is private, it wasn't the only reason I brought you here first. This truly is my favorite room and I wanted to show it off." He gave a small smirk, a breath of laughter, but then he sighed, his gaze dropping to the left page of the book he held.

"I could have watched your interview afterwards if I was so inclined, but I prefer to have you tell me without all the lights and cameras in your face. Such things can cloud one's mind and I didn't want distraction to inadvertently skew the truth." He kept his tone casual and his gaze flickered up to her. He dwarfed her and he wondered if his size was why she seemed to have a difficult time holding his gaze. "I am curious to know how serious you are. If I may say, you didn't seem too interested in the competition, nor in the--" He chuckled and shook his head. "--prize if you should win. Which you did, so it's not abnormal for me to wonder what your true intentions are."

 

[Viverescribere]

---

Adelia Fitrei

---

Eyes followed him, cautiously and, yes, slightly anxious as to what would be done and said next. However, Adelia swallowed back her paranoia. There was no way he would know her every thought and emotion that was experienced during the length of the competition. Perhaps this was something to do with her powers. Maybe he knew about them.

She was certain that his security would have run a thorough background check on all the contestants before the competition started. But who was to say that a second, deeper one hadn't been completed on her now, as the winner?

It was difficult to tell what he knew, and what he may still be oblivious to. His body language was casual, seemingly uncaring to what may occur but that only made her feel all the more suspicious. Interrogators never let on to what they knew or what they themselves were about to reveal. And this was the King, what did he have to lose by confronting her on certain matters?

Adelia continued to study him until he looked back up to her, from there her gaze lowered. A reflex, one picked up from her time caring and observing animals. In order to avoid conflict, and potentially avoid the animal hurting itself further or lunging at her (or even another), a submissive stance had to be taken. Unfortunately it had become a habit with her human counterparts. A defensive reflex, one to keep herself (as well as others if necessary) safe.

With a soft, yet heavy, sigh, the young woman approached the seating area to take up the twin armchair. It was more enclosed than the open space of the sofa, and helped make her feel more secure. Like a bird in a nest.

"I suppose I could redirect that question back to you, Your Majesty. You didn't exactly portray a sense of interest for this competition all the time, did you?" She bounced back as she settled into her chosen seat, legs crossing at the knees, "But it's only polite to answer your question since you asked first," she sighed, running fingers through waved locks, "I have no true intentions. I didn't enter the competition in an attempt to get you to love me like I was supposed to fall in love with you. Nor did I enter it for fame or money. I certainly didn't enter it with the ambition of becoming queen."

Licking her lower lip, she directed her gaze up onto him but it lingered for a few moments before turning down onto her hands, which were clasped again around her knee.

"I... entered the competition simply to satisfy my parents. It's no secret that the Fitrei name had lost some stars behind it, and as their daughter... they wished for me to enter in the hopes I could display the name in a better light."

 

[StrangeVsWeird]

Maverick silently regarded her for a long, thoughtful moment, his gaze resting on the crown of her head whenever she looked down and away. He had remained standing even as she sat, not truly recognizing that doing so may have been intimidating. It happened when he chewed on words. His attention turned in on the inside of his mind, so was hardly conscientious of what he was physically doing. Finally, after what seemed like he may not respond at all, he closed his book onto a finger and scratched at his chin where his trimmed beard made it itch.

"Did it for your parents?" It was more of a rhetoric than anything else, his gaze leaving her to roam over the spines of books that stared out at him. "You'd be willing to marry a man you hardly know and certainly don't love for the sake of establishing your family name back into the public's good graces?" His gaze trailed back to her, trying to read her body to help him decipher the puzzle suddenly sitting before him. "I personally have no quarrels with Duke Fitrei. I didn't realize his favor had waned with the people." Maverick may be perceptive and may be old enough to have mastered certain aspects of memory, but following politics of the upperclassmen was something he wasn't entirely involved in.

Petty squabbles and ill-natured rumors were handled by a committee he had appointed for such occurrences. If something couldn't be handled by the committee, then an appearance before the king could certainly be requested. Fitrei hadn't graced his courts, so whatever put a stain upon their name was something they felt didn't need his input on. His gaze wandered away from her, his lips pursed in thought as he bounced the book off the fingertips of his free hand.

"So very interesting," he seemed to finally conclude in a soft voice to himself, stilling for a moment before transitioning down into the chair as if remembering he wasn't alone. He placed his book on the small table next to him after inserting a cloth bookmark and sat back into the chair where he was comfortable. He matched the crossing of his legs, but his hands formed a cage before him and he leveled his gaze on her over his fingers.

Whatever air of ease that had been around him settled down into something more somber. "Marriage is no light matter, Ms. Fitrei. For all you know--" A gleam entered his eyes, a sharp smirk pulling up along with the lift of a brow. "--I enjoy the company of numerous women." He watched her carefully for her reaction, mindful there were details she had poked at that he had yet to address.

 

[Viverescribere]

---

Adelia Fitrei

---

"People do odd things for the people they care about." Adelia muttered, a finger lightly tapping against her knee. Her eyes continue to struggle with remaining on his face, head ever so slightly turned and chin dipped so looking at him meant having to look up through lashes and almost from the corner of her eye. Simply submissive, in a conflict-avoidance sort of way. "They had entered me and I wasn't about to tell them no."

Since he didn't know what had happened, she wasn't entirely eager to divulge all details. Of how her father had cheated on her mother first, having enjoyed a few months of the secret before it got out to her mother. The mistress had wanted more, and had turned up at the door, having believed Priscilla had been out (since they had learned of her mother's schedule ages ago). However she didn't know that Priscilla had come back from riding early, having taken a fall (simply from when she was trying to mount) and ended up twisting her ankle in an attempt to catch herself.

Hell broke loose.

Then Priscilla decided, a day or so later under a haze of white wine, to make things even. How much more of a cliche could it be, when Priscilla ended up sleeping with the riding instructor.

How the news got out, the whole debacle, the Fitrei family never knew. But it was how Adelia found out; seeing it splashed over tabloid headlines. Her parents had to sit her down and explain, after they had had it out with each other.

It wasn't even her mess to fix, yet there she was, sat in the study of the King with the future to marry him.

Her trip down memory lane was cut short, with Adelia's eyes focusing back on the room as Maverick finally moved to sit in the chair opposite. Now he wasn't staring so intently on her, she allowed herself the opportunity to watch his behaviour, see his actions. She settled back into the seat herself, hands releasing knee to gently glide up over thigh until they clasped together again just in front of her lower abdomen. She could feel the change in the air and it set her on edge slightly as she forced herself to continue looking at him as his gaze finally met hers once more. It was difficult, however, with her fingers tightening around each other as she fought against her instincts to look away.

Adelia didn't dare give him the shock or surprise that he may have been looking for, instead allowing her expression to remain neutral, even unimpressed. "Marriage isn't a light matter, you're quite correct. Which is curious, since you have allowed the decision of your wife to be made through a reality television programme." She drawled back, hands moving to rest on the arms of the seat, fingers on one hand gently drumming against the ends.

Clearing her throat, Adelia sat up again and leaned forward. Her elbows rested on her knees but her hands remained holding each other.

"Your Majesty, if what you're looking for is the confirmation that you can continue... enjoying the presence of other women during our marriage, then who am I to stop you? And, should the time come that you ever actually manage to find a woman you truly love, then we'll figure something out. But I'm under the impression that, for now, you need this marriage as much as my family do."

Her eyes studied him for a moment, this time being the one to watch for a reaction. She then stood and straightened out the suit jacket, brushing down the material soon after. "Now, if you're quite finished trying to poke me into a reaction with your proverbial stick, myself being the bear of course, then perhaps we can continue with the tour, hm?"

 

[StrangeVsWeird]

"I wouldn't say I allowed it," Maverick commented, his voice soft enough that he might as well have been speaking to himself. The entire thing was absurd, to have a show determine who to marry, and he had been fighting it for years before the council finally threatened removing him from the throne. He didn't venture to say more. For one who couldn't meet his gaze for long, her responses were certainly bold. He remembers there were times he noted the same thing before, during outings when they both were playing the charade of being excited about finding and marrying their love.

He tipped his head, a hand coming up to support its weight in the crook of a forefinger and thumb while bracing his elbow on the armrest of the chair. His eyes shimmered with a sharp curiosity and perhaps a shade of displeasure. He didn't care for her answers. Giving her husband permission to continue seeing these women? Even if just a hypothetical scenario, it soured his stomach. Despite how he came across, he was serious when he stated marriage was no light matter. He believed in its symbolism, believed in its purpose of joining two souls into one. It was why he had avoided it. He didn't wish to marry a woman who didn't see him as the half to their whole...and even if he did find such a woman, he believed himself wholly incapable of being even a part of anything sacred, let alone a half.

His gaze rose with her and he lifted a brow at her last words. "Oh, you've reacted plenty, Ms. Fitrei." His voice was still soft, his tone even as if conveying she revealed much more than she may have been willing to. He regarded her a moment, weighing the consequences of dismissing her from the study and sending a servant to complete the tour in his stead. "Are you a bear?" He asked her suddenly, finally shifting to rise up from his chair. "Under all of that?" He stepped close, his gaze roaming over her profile as if searching for a tuft of fur of this bear she mentioned. He was referring to her submissive mannerisms.

What smile had been on his face before decided not to make another appearance. His gaze found hers once more, a silent moment saturated with tension hanging between them, before he brushed passed and strode to the door. "I'll show you your bedchambers." The tension seemed to have melted from his shoulders within the short distance. When he opened and held the door for her, he regarded her as he had before: she was a guest in his house and he will remain hospitable. "From there, I'd like to show you the kitchen and dining down below and then we can wrap up at the stables. I think that's all the time we'll have before dinner is served."

 

[Viverescribere]

---

Adelia Fitrei

---

Shit.

That hadn't been how she expected things to go. Immediately she resented the way he looked at her, the way he spoke, as if he had her all figured out already. Although she knew, she knew he hadn't. He truly had no idea what was going on in her life or in her head. How could he otherwise? He had no knowledge about her family's fall from grace, he had said so himself. He had no interest in watching her winner's interview. He had no interest in this whole circus act in general.

A part of her ought to be relieved. If the King didn't wish to be married, then that meant a free ticket out of the whole situation and it wouldn't be her fault.

Yet Adelia was so painfully aware of the fact that her words had probably rung true - he needed this fiasco of a marriage as much as she did.

Not that Adelia didn't want to be married herself one day. No, that wasn't how she wanted things to seem. She had been like every other little girl, all those years ago, envisioning what dress she would wear and the handsome prince she would marry (or in her case Duke or Baron or whatever else). She did believe in the sanctity of marriage, and all it held dear. She believed in marrying that one person who you really did love with all your heart and being with them for the rest of your life.

Despite the shady, poor example that her parents had provided her with.

However, her dreams were not quite the reality she was living. Nonetheless, as the dutiful daughter, she could hardly say no to her parents just as, unknowing to her, Maverick couldn't say no to the committee.

She didn't like the idea of her husband playing around with other women. It made her feel ill, and almost hurt, at the prospect of him wanting to enjoy spending time with other women. But who would she be to stop him? She knew he truly didn't love her, as she didn't truly love him in that capacity. Adelia had come to terms that this was merely a business deal, one that could provide them both with what they wanted. That didn't mean it didn't hurt to think that her marriage would be spent sleeping in different bedrooms (or at least that was what she envisioned) or not being wrapped up in a loved one's hold at night.

However she had been truthful in what she had said. If he truly did find another that he would love for the rest of his life, she would happily step to the side. Even if it meant forming some sort of reason for their untimely divorce. Who would she be to stand in the way of his happiness? Who would she be to cling on to their marriage of convenience when he could be in one of passion and warmth?

Her eyes blinked. Once, twice, and then for a third. Until she focused back onto him at his question. "More like a bird," she murmured eventually, although her mind was still with her previous thoughts and she didn't really recognise what she was saying to him, "A bird with... clipped wings."

His brushing past acted as a jolt of electricity, the sensation pulsing through her and clearing her mind as she sharply turned her head to look at where he had just passed by. It never felt as though she could say the right thing to him, as though every little comment and response she provided him with allowed him to judge her further and create an image of her, an opinion of her, she knew was incorrect. He could never know the real her. She wasn't sure anyone would ever be allowed to.

"You know, the journey has drained me more than I expected. Perhaps, if you wouldn't mind, we could just visit the stables and then you can show me to my bedchambers. I can freshen up before dinner, and you wouldn't have to bother yourself with giving me the rest of the tour. Perhaps a member of your staff can provide me with the full version tomorrow, I'm sure you'll be otherwise engaged." Adelia then requested. A rather abrupt change, or at least a request to change. However she wasn't sure how much longer she could remain in his company without feeling as though he would peel what he deemed to be the truth from her skin.

She turned to face him, having been watching the sunset for a moment longer, and offered her own pleasant smile, "I would appreciate it very much. It may also give me a chance to wear something more... comfortable for the longer walk." She provided an excuse, although one had already been given.

 

[StrangeVsWeird]

A bird with clipped wings.

It hit him out of nowhere, the image stabbing a sharp pang through his heart Maverick would have never guessed would be possible. He stilled, his gaze transfixed, as if disbelieving there was a woman capable of making his heart feel standing right before him.

She hadn't done or said anything to cause such a reaction before, but then again, it was a raw moment. When the moment dissipated and her eyes came to finally meet his own with a bright smile, she found him staring, a faint crease between his brows as if struggling with making sense of something suddenly cryptic. What irritation he had shown before settled down into the depths of his person, the sharp edges about him softening so that when he spoke, there was a gentleness that hadn't graced his words before.

"Of course." He inclined his head in acknowledgment of her wishes. "I failed to consider that today was a big day for you. It only makes sense that the journey has wearied you." He paused a moment before adding, "I'm sorry." What he was apologizing for, he would leave up to her interpretation.

Maverick was quiet as he led her down the hall, the grand staircase and out toward the stables. He didn't divulge any more information about the castle or the paintings or the figurines that lined its interior. If she had said anything, his gaze flickered to her, but the sight of her only had him mull over what he had felt in his chest. If he was acting odd, he didn't seem to care. Crossing the grounds still shrouded in silence, he came to a rest fifty yards away from the stables. The structure was made of old cobblestone and the light of the sun setting generated a sense of nostalgia somewhere beneath the pang his heart still ached from.

"I'll wait here." Letting out a sigh, he slid his fingers into the pockets of his pants and only then did he tip his head to look down at her and offer a small smile of encouragement. He didn't say why he was staying behind, but the horses tended to get nervous around him. So, for their sake, he usually kept a wide berth.

 

[Viverescribere]

---

Adelia Fitrei

---

As he came to a stop a decent away from the stables, Adelia looked up to him with a soft furrow to her own brow. The stables sounded like it held life, at least more than just the life of her beloved Laoise. The sweet aroma of hay was nostalgic to her, familiar and comforting. It was often why she spent many hours in the stables at the Fitrei estate. That and the fact she knew she wasn't about to be judged by the creatures within the small building. Because there weren't only the horses for her to converse with, but also the stable cat and the dogs that were kept near by.

However this wasn't the Fitrei estate, this was Castle Vyra. She couldn't know for certain just how they ran the stables here, or what other animals they allowed to linger near the horses.

"I won't be long." She murmured, offering her own small smile out of politeness. It may not have been the best start in the study, but she wasn't about to be rude for no reason.

Slipping away from him, Adelia was soon pointed in the right direction of Laoise, and she breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of the familiar dapple grey mare. She approached the gentle beast and wrapped arms around her neck, uncaring as to if she got grey hairs on her suit or blouse, the soft snort in response was all she needed for the tension to melt from her shoulders, and the young woman stepped back. A hand raised to form a fist so knuckles could rub tenderly just under where the mare's forlock rested.

"Are they treating you well?" She whispered the question, knowing that the answer would be yes but needing to ask it nonetheless. "I can't stay too long, but I will be back tomorrow. Perhaps the day after we can go for a ride. The beach looked gorgeous, didn't it? Fancy a splash in the sea? Perhaps we could even take a picnic. Of course with a carrot spare for you too."

She laughed warmly at the bouncing head which seemed to nod in agreement, her hand moving to rub against her mare's cheek, "Alright, well that settles it. I doubt we'd be missed regardless." She spoke the last part in hushed tones, as if sharing a secret, a smile once more forming as Laoise began to nibble at the hem of her suit jacket, "Yes, I can see you're hungry. I'm sure someone will be around shortly with your food. Be patient."

With a final rub and scratch to the neck, Adelia made her way back to Maverick. While the smile had settled back into one of politeness, the kind she wore when dealing with the press, the gleam of contentment and warmth still shone in her eyes.

"Do you not like horses, King Torvald?" She asked as she approached him, brushing off any little hairs she could see along with the faint mark the mare had left on the hem of her jacket. "If so I... apologise for making you bring me out here. I could have waited until after dinner and had one of your staff show me the way."

Clearing her throat, she looked back at the stables, lingering for a moment. It wasn't until something jumped up the side of her leg did she bring her attention back to where they stood. She chuckled, upon looking down, to see a very excitable Pointer dog.

"Down." She commanded, softly yet firm with no room for discussion. Oddly, the canine obeyed immediately, although it's front feet fidgeted and tail wagged furiously in a fit of attention-seeking energy. Brushing off her trouser leg, Adelia crouched down carefully and offered up her hand for the animal to scent it. Once familiar with her scent, she reached out to stroke him. The same warm smile that had taken place on her expression while she was with Laoise was back, only growing as she scratched at the Pointer's left ear. She laughed a little again as she watched eyes droop, almost closing, in pleasure at her attention.

Her knee bent so it stablised her, pressing against the dusty cobblestones, as she began to rub his neck with both hands, "What about dogs, King Torvald? Or are you immune to their charms too?" She addressed the King, but kept her eyes on the canine and grinned as it moved to flop onto it's side, offering his belly to her.