Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 3:56 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

The wedding had been delayed for a bit while Simone recovered, and by the time it rolled around, a month had passed. When it was finally time for the day, there were last minute, rushed details that were being panned out. Simone’s wedding dress was one of them. It had almost been complete, but some unexpected, last minute adjustments had to be made.

Vale, of course, had an inkling of why, but even her gossiping had it’s limits. Besides, she had a feeling it would be relevant soon.

Lewis excused himself from the small gaggle of people and walked over to Vela, “Well, she won’t have to deal with all of this for much longer.” It was obvious that he wasn’t enjoying the social aspect of it all either. But, royal duties and all. It wasn’t long before the wedding dress was complete. Sure, the kingdom was practically rushing the ceremony, but they were all happy that things were going well for King Lewis and Queen Simone. The reality was setting in that the Queen was a benevolent person, and that she calmed the Tyrant Phoenix’s rage. There were,m of course, rumors that the Queen was spiteful though, and that if anyone wronged her that she would sic the King on them.

Rumors or not, it was enough of a deterrent at least for the time.

Wedding bells rang as Lewis and Simone stood upon the podium. There was a resounding applause as the two kissed, sanctifying the marriage in the eyes of the kingdoms. Simone stepped forward, addressing her people with a bright smile.

“I’d like to announce…that I am pregnant as well…your valiant King is going to be father…”

The cheers roared across the lands…

—

Roughly eight or so months later, Simone was smiling. In her arms was a crying baby boy, and Simone was practically crying with joy. “Oh my sweet baby boy…welcome to the world.”

Lewis was at her side, smiling. The times had been kind to him, and the Kaliyota Auclair Kingdoms had grown and prospered. Things were looking up in the world…

Simone sighed, “I miss them…you know. It might be time…”

Lewis sighed, “I know. But it was a fun escape, at least for the time being… I bet Xeik is panicking.”

“DAMN RIGHT I AM!” a voice resonated, shaking the world around them. “WHY THE HELL ARE YOU TWO SLEEPING LIKE THIS!?”

“I mean…we wanted to?” Lewis replied with a smirk. “These are fun. First one might have been an accident, but this…well…what can I say? I’ve always wanted to be a tyrant king.”

Simone frowned, “Excuse me, though…a harem? Really?”

Lewis looked back at her, “Uh…I didn’t write that.”

“Uh huh,” Simone responded. “Well…you’re lucky that I love you.” She was playing with him. “I miss my own little tyrants though…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 3:40 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone was listening to them and chuckling. “I would love to.”

There was chuckling as she thought about it. “We can use the magic here to tell all the residents of Kalitoya. I just need a moment to recover and then we can reactivate the magic here. Every time I think I’ve recovered enough something else has happened but with Lewis… I think I can do it now… After all he is a king of Auclair too.”

She tapped her finger to her lips, “As for conquering a kingdom… You could always say that the queen has changed the king’s way of thinking but he isn’t scared of starting to conquer again?” She tilted her head. “That or there is this kingdom directly south that has always made me upset… We could take them.”

Ah, the tyrant king needed a tyrant queen. The thought alone made Xeik grimace.

–

The magic of the kingdom reactivated and the people were happily using magic devices again in their everyday lives. A wedding was to happen and nobles from all over Kalitoya and their allies were invited. Even people who weren’t affiliated were invited to the massive luxurious wedding.

The large cathedral was decorated with the best of the best when it came to flowers and there was no small detail left out. The flags of Auclair and Kalitoya were flown high together all throughout the city. Simone had a look on her face though as the maids made her standstill on top of the pedestal as they readied her for the wedding.

“Cheer up Simone, it’s almost over,” Vela chuckled.

“I don’t like being pricked by needles over and over again…” The seamstress was trying her best not to get the queen but she would fidget causing the seamstress to miss what she was doing.

“Just stand still… Please…”

Vela left the room and entered the throne room where Lewis was entertaining all of his guests, “The queen is about ready to die having to stand still for her last dress fitting. She looks mad.” Vela was giggling about it. “She hates standing around I guess.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 3:25 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“Then I guess that’s where we’ll be once you’ve recovered,” Lewis stated with a smile. He pinched Simone’s cheek. “And…if it suits the Queen…” He paused. “We can try for another…” The thought was out in the open now, but he dare not wait for a response. Instead, he stood up, squeezing Simone’s hand.

“We need to get things ready, though. Once Simone is able, I want a proper ceremony for the masses. The people of Auclair will want to know that their Queen is alive and healthy…as well as married.” He smirked. “And if you’re up to it, you can address them. After all, these are your people, Simone.”

There were plenty of things to do and plan. The moment Lewis realized there was likely to be more paperwork involved, he sighed. “And…of course all the paperwork that needs to be done.” He sighed. “And I guess plans to conquer the next Kingdom…”

“You still want to do that?” Xeik asked.

“Not really…but I have an image to maintain, if you’re to keep writing these ridiculous pamphlets…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 3:19 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Vela peeked her head in, “I delivered the letter of treason to Saoirse’s father. He was pissed at her more than he was about her being dead.” They had worked fast once Lewis had stormed out. “Saoirse conspired to drug and murder the queen.” She didn’t say the rest because she noticed that Simone had fluttered her eyes awake.

Lewis went to her side and held her. She snuggled into him. “Xeik told me… about the baby.” A baby that was probably not even two weeks old in her womb. A new life snuffed out by carelessness. She didn’t even know so she could have protected them. “If I had known I wouldn’t have gone with Jerome…”

“Simone, we don’t even know when you lost the baby.” Xeik spoke and shook his head. “It could have been the push.”

It was the first time Vela was hearing any of this and she was quiet and not her bouncy self. “I shouldn’t have left your side.”

“Vela, I told you to. I thought all this time Saoirse was trying so hard because of her father but her greed is just as much as his is. I suppose in that instance I am still naive.”

“Do you intend to do what you said?” Vela tilted her head.

“Yes, I do.” She nodded. “Xeik, I’m hereby disbanding the harem. The women will be guests but off in the side palace where they can live their own lives. I would be a liar if I went back on my word even if it was to Saoirse. If they want to go home they can.” She took a deep breath and looked up at Lewis, “I’m tired, Lewis…”

Vela clapped her hands and Simone winced, “Sorry! I meant to tell you the maids put together a martial suite for you both now. A new room! In the commotion, it was all they could do to remain calm just in case Simone survived the fall.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 3:09 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“Wait, you were-” Lewis was about to go off on Xeik for spiking his drinks, but the realization hit him. “Wait…Simone was…” He paled. “Simone..was…..” He looked back at Simone, and then to Xeik. “She’s a dead woman…” He pushed past Xeik, and made his way to the dungeon.

—

There were rumors of what happened that day in the dungeon. They say that her screams could be heard through the entire Kingdom. The screams of a woman who had dared stand against the Tyrant King, and dares to try and assassinate his Queen. The rumors even stated that she was given life extending magic even to prolong her torment, all so that the sadistic King could show her just how badly she had fucked up.

In the end, though, they were just rumors. No one could prove anything. No one dared go near the dungeon, and no one could find Saoirse’s body in the end. Some say that Lewis let her go, banishing her from the Kingdom. Others say he had no desire to deal with ehr any longer, and slit her throat the moment he walked in.

All in all, it’s just another tale…

—

“You still writing those stupid books?” Lewis asked as he walked into the infirmary.

Xeik had been jotting down notes again, and smirked. “Look…propaganda is a powerful tool when used correctly. We spread these things around, and people will think twice about coming to face you. Just got to spin it right.” He paused. “So what did you do?”

“Like I’d give away my secrets,” Lewis responded. “Besides…I thought you liked the mystery.” He looked over to where Simone’s bed was. “She awake yet?”

“Off and on. If you go over, I bet she’ll wake up.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 3:00 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone made a noise and flickered her eyes but went back to sleep almost immediately. “She’s going to need her rest,” Xeik came in. “There… is one more thing I want to talk to you about though.” He wasn’t sure how to handle this with Lewis. Would he care?

He brought Lewis over to the corner of the room. “Vela, go be with Simone… This is private.” That meant it was something Xeik didn’t want anyone to know about. “Lewis, what I’m going to tell you… You can’t go berserk over. Simone needs you.”

He cleared his throat, “She was showing signs of early pregnancy but it’s not there anymore. The fall must have… Or it could have been the kidnapping with Jerome. I didn’t want to say anything before. I had stopped putting potions in your stuff when I knew Saoirse wasn’t going to be with you.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 2:54 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis grumbled, “Fine…” Guards had finally managed to catch up with them, and Lewis more or less threw Saoirse into their arms. “To the dungeons with her…”

The King rushed to the infirmary, and to Simone’s side. Xeik was already giving Lewis the go ahead, which meant things were better than they had initially appeared.

“Simone? You’re alive!?” There was genuine concern in his voice.

Xeik took a step back, and looked as Vela came in. “Have you…ever seen him like that before?”

Vela shook her head, “Never.”

“She’ll live,” Xeik said after a moment. “It’ll take some time for her to recover, but…it wasn’t as bad as we thought. A lot of blood, but that’s about it. Maybe a minor concussion…it could have been much, much worse…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 2:45 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Luck had been on Simone’s side… Or perhaps it was the same stubbornness that kept her alive those two years with Felix. Xeik rushed her to the infirmary and immediately set to work. “VELA, go tell Lewis.”

Vela nodded and took the short route up as she flew to the top of the tower scaring Saoirse into the arms of Lewis who was about to strangle her. “Now isn’t the time to kill her! Xeik told me to tell you that she’s alive but barely! She survived the fall! He’s stabilizing her now!”

Vela was attempting to get the king to see what he needed to see, “God damn it Lewis go be with your wife! We can deal with Saoirse later! Lock her up in a cell!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 2:41 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It all happened so quickly, and they all rushed to see what had happened. The moment he saw her form, seemingly broken and bloodied, his mind seemed to forget about anything and everything. He and Xeik rushed over, with Xeik more or less shoving Lewis out of the way. He needed room to check her over, and Lewis wasn’t responding to words.

Vela pulled LEwis back, and slapped him. “Get your shit together, Lewis…”

“What…what happened…” Lewis asked.

“Saoirse…she shoved her. Simone was trying to find a peaceful route and-”

“Where is she,” his eyes darkened. “Where the fuck is she.”

Vela hesitated. “She ran for the towers, I think…”

Without a word, Lewis pushed past her.

—

Saoirse found herself in a strange place. She couldn’t have known it, but it was the same tower, the same ledge that Simone had tried to throw herself off all that time ago. It was here that she had run…she knew what she had done was beyond redemption. She had murdered the newly crowned Queen. Nothing she could say or do would change that.

“Don’t jump,” Lewis said from behind her, eyes cold eyes trained on her.

For a moment, she was hopeful. That was Lewis’ voice. Her Lewis. Had he finally changed his mind? Had he come to coax her down? When she saw the look on his face, though, her hope turned into dread.

“Why? What even is the point…”

“So I can kill you myself,” Lewis responded. “For murder of the Queen…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 2:27 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“Come on Vela…” Simone beckoned her and the angel was right at her side as they ventured the halls. Simone saw Saoirse going up the stairs and went after her. “Saoirse wait,” Simone’s voice was humble as the queen caught up to her at the top of the stairs. “Vela, can you give us some space?” Vela nodded and went around the corner where she could keep her eyes on the two of them.

“What the fuck do you want?” Saoirse was crying.

“You don’t actually want Lewis,” Simone’s words were gentle. “You have an expectation set on you to make you want him… but you never even took the time to learn how he really was. You tried to force it based on how you thought he was. The rumors. The slander… But you never knew the real Lewis.”

“Don’t fucking try to understand me,” Saoirse cleared her tears and glared at her.

“Saoirse… Let Lewis go. I’ll have an official word put in that part of our marriage was to dissolve the harem and that you had no choice but to go home.” Simone put her hands on Saoirse’s shoulders. “Your father can’t be mad at you if I’m the one who does it. You have no control over wha–” Saoirse got angry and shoved Simone as hard as she could.

There was a scream and then silence as Simone lay at the bottom of the stairs.

“Saoirse! You fucking moron!” Vela yelled and ran down the stairs. “HELP! We need help!”

Knights ran into the banquet room. “Master Xeik! The queen fell down the stairs there’s blood everywhere!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 2:19 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis was glaring at Xeik, “You let her guard the bedroom?”

Xeik shrugged, “What else was I going to do? She was the only sober one. Shocking, I know…”

Lewis sighed. “I guess…it feels good,” he finally answered.

Saoirse slammed her hands on the table, but didn’t say anything. She seemed almost on the verge of tears. In the end, she stood up, and bolted out of the room.

Vela blinked, “Oh wow…we finally figured out how to shut her up. All it took was marrying off the King…”

Lewis closed his eyes. “Gods forgive me for this…Simone, maybe you should go talk to her. Take Vela with you for safety.”

It wasn’t the best idea, but it was all he could think of. Maybe it would work out where Simone could force Saoirse to back down. Or…maybe it would end with Saoirse finally leaving. What was the worst that could happen?

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 2:07 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“…What’s a Lewlew?” Simone tilted her head as Lewis facepalmed.

“You really don’t remember do you?” Vela slammed her hands on the table. “Boy, do I got a story for all of you. It was a beautiful night in all of Auclair. Saoirse was planning on getting Lewis’s dick but our new queen swooped in with her drunken intimidation which only spurred our king LEWLEW into action. Simone yelled IT’S TIME FOR YOUR PUNISHMENT. And what was his punishment? MARRIAGE TO HER! Our dear king Lewlew has never been interested in having a queen but he almost jumped at the chance to have her! Just like he jumped at the chance to go save her and the look on his face as he worried for her!” Vela was being dramatic as draped herself over Drake. “It was so romantic!”

Simone was blushing. “So… I called him Lewlew?”

“Oh yes,” Vela got up and bounced around the room. “The love in your two’s eyes! I had no idea you felt that way! And then when we were guarding your room last night to make sure you didn’t leave… I heard Lewlew moaning ‘I love you, Simone’. To my shock and surprise,” Vela draped herself over Xeik dramatically now. “Our king has a heart and it is his queen’s.”

Simone was bright red. “And… did I respond?”

Vela opened one of her eyes from her dramatic pose, “Oh I heard you yell you loved him back.” Simone was now fully bright red. She couldn’t remember anything and it wasn’t how she wanted to tell Lewis her feelings.

“So I repeat… How does it feel to be married Lewlew?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 1:59 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis groaned as the door slammed, wincing at the hangover he had. “Well…that could have gone worse at least.” He smiled. “So you’re fine with what happened then?”

“Of course,” Simone responded. “I’m very happy…” she blushed as she rolled out of bed to get dressed.

The two finished getting ready, and when Simone asked if he was adequately prepared to face the world, he groaned. “Not really, but we’ll have to do it eventually, so might as well.”

She smiled and took his hand, leading him out of the room and down the hall. “There’s nothing that you…my husband, can’t face…” The way she said ‘her husband’ was very timid, almost as if she could barely believe it to be true. But, she was smiling as she said it. It was impossible to see it any other way; Simone was the happiest she had ever been.

As the entered the dining hall, there were stares and whispers. They made their way to their seats, and as they sat down, silence permeated the air.

Vela, of course, felt the need to break the silence. “So…King Lewlew, how does it feel to be married?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 1:41 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“I was always creative with my punishments.” There was a smirk on her face and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him back into a kiss. Lewis was over her when Saoirse burst in and Lewis bolted upright. He was clearly pissed off at being interrupted.

Simone hid behind Lewis once the door broke in. She took a deep breath and pursed her lips. The night had apparently been… passionate.

“Saoirse,” Simone said as Vela gave her the thumbs up. “This would have never happened had you not spiked Lewis’s drink last night.”

“What? What are you talking about,” Saoirse’s anger was slowly melting.

“I switched our drinks to be on the safe side last night. If I’m conniving what the fuck does that make you.” Her face was grim as her eyes darkened and drilled into her. “Oh… And Saoirse? You’ll address me as queen now or it’s treason.”

The door slammed and that gave time to get dressed. “I knew it was a good idea to switch drinks last night. This is no normal hang-over I have.” She sighed a bit and slipped on a simple dress before helping Lewis with his own clothes. “Ready to face the world?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 1:32 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis groaned as he heard Simone speaking. “Oh…I remember….” He thought for a moment. “Some of it.” He winced as he rolled to his side, but smiled when his eyes laid upon Simone’s form next to him. “I..” His eyes widened. “Oh. You…made me marry you. I mean…I wanted to, but it was…” He thought again. “You said it was my punishment.”

The King smirked. “But we’re married now…apparently?” He sat up, and chuckled. “And…from the looks of your back…” He winced, feeling scratch marks across his back as well. “And mine…I’d say it’s consummated and everything…” Not that it wouldn’t have stopped him.

Of course, before anything else could happen, the door was busted in, and a very angry looking Saoirse marched in, with an equally pissed off Vela.

“You slut,” Saoirse yelled, pointing. “How DARE you-”

“Lewis, I tried,” Vela sai, practically growling. “I wanted to leave you alone, but she DEMANDED-”

At the door was Xeik and apparently the whole harem, all of which started talking the moment the door opened.

“Everyone just SHUT UP FOR A MINUTE,” Lewis yelled, holding his head.

Everyone quieted down, shocked at Lewis’ outburst. “Xeik. Did it really happen like I remember it?”

Saorise looked confused. “Did…did what happen?

“Yes,” Xeik replied. “You two actually got married last night. It was official…”

“And…why didn’t you stop me?” Lewis asked. “Normally you’re pretty good about not letting me make drunk decisions.”

“You threatened to burn the whole castle down,” Xeik replied. “I figured the marriage was going to happen sooner or later, so there was no real harm in it.”

“But…but…IT CAN BE ANNULLED, RIGHT?” Saoirse yelled. “Sex! That’s right! Sex needs to-” Her eyes laid on the numerous bite marks, scratches, and other signs that were across both Lewis and Simone’s body. “…you…conniving…BITCH.” Even the harem started to gossip among themselves.

“Okay, OKAY!” Lewis yelled, making sure everyone quieted back down. “Can…can we have some privacy please?”

“Oh, right,’ Xeik replied. “Everyone out…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 1:22 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Xeik was putting his hands up as he came to the royal couple. They were the evening spectacle. Surely Saoirse had no way of knowing THIS was how this night was going to end. She was busy getting all prepped for the night with Lewis in her room. “You two have to think about this. You don’t want to do this ri–”

“I AM THE PHEONIX TYRANT,” Lewis yelled as his hand lit on fire. “I want to get married RIGHT now!” Simone was squealing as she used Lewis as a crutch. “I will burn this whole place to the ground!”

“FINE! FINE!” Xeik motioned to the pastor. “Alright, Lewis… Simone… I’ll let you two get married.”

“Yay!” Simone tried to clap and almost fell down as Lewis caught her. The wedding was quick in front of the knights and others who were cheering them on just as the wedding concluded.

“May I announce the Pheonix tyrant and his queen!” Xeik said before facepalming. Simone squealed and jumped into Lewis as he hoisted her kissing her again. “Okay! NO! You two are not doing that right here!” He escorted them back to Simone’s room and closed the door. “Whatever you do… Don’t let them out… AND WATCH THE WINDOW TOO!” Though from the noises in the room… They wouldn’t be leaving any time soon.

Saoirse was left to wait in Lewis’s bedroom all night… and she was pissed in the morning when he never showed up. So when the bells rang and people came down for breakfast everyone had big eyes as they looked at the two empty chairs at the front of the table.

“My head hurts~” Simone snuggled her naked form against Lewis. Her eyes snapped open and she felt Lewis’s chest and then his neck and finally his face as she peeked up at him. “Oh~ You ended up in my bed? I can’t remember what happened.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 1:13 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis was about to tell Simone off for merely switching the drinks instead of getting a new one, but the Princess was far too crafty for that. She had already taken a sip before Lewis could do anything, and she gave him a smile.

“Please,” Simone said as she took another sip. “Whatever it is…it won’t kill me.”

He had to be okay with that for the time being, and sighed. Tonight was going to be an…interesting night for sure.

—

The first hour of the party went about as expected. Things were quiet and going nicely until the knights showed up. That was when the party got hectic and crazy. Despite this, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Simone had already downed two drinks, and Lewis was nursing his second.

“L-Lewis?” Simone asked, looking at him with wide eyes. “I feel funny. Like a good funny…” She leaned into him heavily where they were sitting. “Like a really good…like…remember when we were on the bed and you…you did that thi-”

Alarmed, Lewis put his hand over her mouth, “I don’t think everyone needs to know that…”

Simone merely started giggling madly, pulling his hand off. “But Lewlew…it was fun…and it felt goooodd” She swayed a little, giggling again. “Another drink!” She said as a servant passed her.

“I think you’ve had quite en-”

“More!” Simone demanded, pouting.

How could Lewis say no?

—

Three hours later, Lewis was stumbling across the dance floor. “S-Simone?” he hiccuped. “Where’d you go Simone?”

Simone giggled madly. “I’m right here…on your arm, you… you silly…” She giggled again. “Right here…”

“Oh…” Lewis smiled. “I missed you. I thought you left me…”

“Why would I leave you?” she said, a little more seriously. Her face was still flushed. “You…you were the one who…who signed me away…”

“That was fake…” Lewis replied. “Besides…I got you back…”

“Got me…oh…OH RIGHT!” She yelled suddenly, pointing at him. She had a drink in her hand, which sloshed about. “PUNISHMENT! I-I GET TO PUNISH YOU!”

“Wha?” Lewis thought. “Oh right…”

Simone giggled. “Howww about…whips…”

“No.”

“Oh boo…” She frowned. “Chains? OH! SPANKINGS! The King should be spanked!”

“I think you’re too drunk to be making…making decisions,” Lewis slurred. :Maybe you sho-”

“Fine. Then…marry me now. Right now.” Simone grabbed his arm. “Right. Now.”

Lewis stared at her for a good moment, which was really hard to do when the room kept spinning. “…mm….kay…” He smiled. “I think we got…there’s a guy here…right here…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 1:00 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It was a big deal with two people of nobility wore matching outfits. So when Simone met up with Lewis the house help was in utter awe. Simone was good at what she did, and what she was doing was forcing Saoirse into a corner. “Simone! You match Lewis!” Vela’s voice rose and she got excited.

It was a black cold shoulder dress with thin shoulder straps. It matched Lewis’s with gold inlay and the dark blue colors accenting black. It was a high-low dress where the black fabric parted at a gold ring at her bust revealing the dark blue short fabric under it that flowed to the ground in the back layering with the black nicely.

Her hair was in light curls and half pulled back as she took Lewis’s arm with hers. “Try not to worry too much tonight. Just stay with me and everything should be fine.” She hadn’t heard the conversation but she put two and two together. “Just do your best Vela.”

“Yes Ma’am!” She saluted as she wandered off to find Drake.

“Introducing King Lewis and Princess Simone,” the announcer yelled as the crowd turned to them.

“Oh, they look so good together,” one of the harem girls said. Saoirse was seeing red. Matching outfits? What was the princess up to? There was no way that Lewis knew about this but she would. She gritted her teeth and now had a new mission.

Bringing over drinks Saoirse offered them to Lewis and Simone. “To celebrate your safe return and the conquering of Croix.”

Simone looked at Lewis’s drink with skepticism. Saoirse turned her back and Simone switched the drinks. She shook her head at Lewis not to worry about her. As long as Lewis was with her… That’s all that mattered.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 12:48 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis smirked, “It’s not an attitude. It’s pride.” He thought for a moment, and then corrected himself. “Okay…it’s pride, and a bit of an attitude.” That got a smile from Vela as she agreed.

Saoirse was not at all pleased with the turn of events. She looked at Lewis with a shocked expression, trying her damndest to make sense of what had just occurred. “Did you see the audacity of her? Lord Lewis, certainly this isn’t the behavior of a princess, let alone someone who associates with you.”

Rhenakos was cheering from the back of the knights, “I dunno lady…the knights certainly enjoyed it!”

The King rolled his eyes, “Shut up, Rhenakos. Don’t you have a wife and child to tend to?” There was an ‘oh shit’ from his direction as he ran off. “Idiot…” He glanced at Saoirse. “I expect you to behave yourself at the party.”

—

The party was just starting when Lewis walked down to meet Simone in the entryway. It was customary for the King and his partner to enter at the same time. At least, that was what he was told. Whether or not it was true didn’t matter much to him. The King had dressed up in a brilliant navy blue vest, adorned with gold floral inlays, and black dress pants. All in all, Lewis cleaned up quite nicely when he wanted to.

Before he could meet Simone, though, he spotted Vela. Quickly, he pulled her aside. “I want you to keep an eye on Saoirse. Things aren’t adding up…and-”

“Can’t you just have her killed already?” the angel asked. “She’s a pain…I know it was her.”

“We don’t have definitive proof. Not yet,” Lewis replied. “I can’t endanger the treaties that I have. The Kingdom of Requia is far more powerful than you realize…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 12:33 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone arched an eyebrow and got a look on her face, “Lewis, my king, I think my hands are still hurt from you holding them so tightly when we reunited~” She gave him a pout him and Lewis got closed before pulling her over on his horse. She snuggled into him and stared at Saoirse. “I think a party is a great idea.”

There were whispers in the crowd that Lewis had conquered Croix to get Simone back. Which to be fair was exactly what happened. Some said that it was because the conqueror didn’t realize how much he missed Simone, which to be fair, wasn’t what happened but Simone didn’t correct it when she heard it.

Once they had stopped at the castle Simone got off with Lewis’s help. “Saoirse.” Her eyes went to Saoirse now that it was just them, the knights, Lewis, and their friends. Vela was watching Simone carefully. “This is what I think of my betrothal to Jerome.” She ripped her dress off and threw it in front of Saoirse. “He makes me vomit. Or made me vomit, Lewis got a dragon and single-handedly saved me. To which we had a passionate embrace and kissed. I do wonder how Jerome came about thinking the letter he had was legitimate.” She didn’t say anything more as she stood there with a white corset and white slip. Lewis was quick to put his cloak on her.

“What?” She said to the look on his face. “I’m going to get dressed in clothes Lewis picked out.” She was taken by her maids back up to her room where she happily modeled several dresses that the maids picked out until they found one for the party.

"…I'll have whatever Simone eats for breakfast please because that girl has attitude." Vela finally spoke up. The knights were all red in their faces and even Xeik was blushing. For Simone, it was a moment of liberation.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2021 12:10 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis rolled his eyes, “What did I tell you…I don’t want to think about her right now. Please just let me have my freedom, however temporary it may be…”

The night passed with laughter from them all, and by the morning, arrangements had been made and settled. Things were stable enough that Lewis, Simone, and the rest of the group could head back without having to worry. Since the whole bonfire was such a hit, Lewis was met with a cheering crowd as they departed.

–

Their travel back to Auclair went well, with nothing notable occurring on the trail. It was relaxing, for a change, not to have to worry about anything. Lewis was even tempted to take a detour for a few days and just enjoy the wilderness, but decided against it, should Auclair send someone looking for them in a panic.

When they arrived, they were met with cheers of their return. Saoirse was waiting, with the harem in tow, a smile across her face. It wavered for a moment when she saw Simone riding next to Lewis, but she maintained it well, though the strain was a little obvious after a time.

“Welcome home, my lord!” she said through her fake smile. “I see it went well…” There was a half glance in Simone’s direction. “I am…surprised to see Lady Simone. Was she not to be wed to Lord Jerome?”

“There was a change of plan…” Lewis waved his hand. “I won’t bore you with the details, but Croix is now a part of our kingdom.”

Saoirse clapped her hands together. It seemed she was thinking hard about something. “Then…we must celebrate. I had a party planned in celebration of Lady Simone’s betrothal to Lord Jerome, but…we can…we can celebrate the annexation of Croix instead!” She laughed nervously. “Yes…I had the help set it all up. It would be a shame to let it go to waste…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 8:26 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone flopped herself on the ground with her legs bent as she looked back at Xeik, “I think I’m okay. A bit dizzy but… Lewis owes me now. Punishment of my choice~”

Vela peeked her head in, “Why is Simone’s nose bleeding?”

“Because Lewis hit her with a pillow…” Xeik sighed as he got her a handkerchief to clean her nose with.

“…Why a pillow?” Vela looked between them. “Were you guys having a pillow fight?”

“Something like that…” Simone was blushing and then she saw Drake. “So… Drake…”

He peeked his head in, “Yes princess?”

“If Lewis pisses me off again… and I want to lock myself up in a tower… How much would it cost me for you to come guard it?” Simone said it straight-faced as she could.

“I feel like I shouldn’t answer this…” Drake looked over at Lewis.

“Two hundred silver…” Vela was rubbing her hands together. The group looked at her in shock, “What? I can get him to do anything…”

Simone started to laugh again as Lewis helped her up and checked her over, “I’m alright, I promise. You just threw it a bit too hard. Probably because you miss playing hard to get with Saoirse,” Simone smacked him with a pillow again before darting away from Lewis.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 8:20 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“Oh but you would like that too much,” Lewis replied. “You seemed to enjoy being made to do a lot of things,” he said, thinking back to the other night. He picked up another pillow and smacked her with it, smirking. That prompted another hit from Simone, and the two started to laugh.

It was about this time that Xeik arrived. He was merely a messenger, a precursor to the arrival of the whole group. It was his job to make sure that things were ready. And yet…

“Here I am with an important message, thinking that things could be dire here,” Xeik stated with a dull tone. “Yet here you two are, fighting like teenage girls.” There was a half smile on his face, indicating he was at least amused with the situation. “Just be careful, we don’t want to-”

Simone took advantage of a distracted Lewis, and smacked him hard with the pillow. Out of instinct, the King retaliated back, throwing his pillow at Simone nearly full force, knocking her onto her butt.

“Hurt…Simone…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 8:09 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Her head leaned towards him when she heard him mutter. There was a hint of a smile across her face. The insight to who Lewis was made her feel happy. This was the first time he had told her more about himself.

She elbowed him back and laughed, “Nah, I feel alright now that you’re here.” The words left her lips and she blushed looking away from him. “You make me feel safe,” it was easy to tell she had to quickly come up with something.

“I can help get things in order here so we can go back promptly. God knows you probably miss Saoirse. She has hips to grab,” she teased.

"Ugh, please don't remind me of her. It's been so nice without her around. Like a weight has been lifted…"

Simone shot him a look and tried to hold in a laugh. “So she was always on top then?”

She could see the ghost of a smile from him as he replied, “Shut up…”

“Make me,” Simone chuckled as she grabbed a nearby seat pillow and smacked him with it.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 6:20 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis listened as the flames flickered before his eyes. In a way, it wasn’t too different from what he had come to expect from royalty himself.

“You’re anything but boring,” he muttered under his breath. Still, he understood what she was saying, and how it was really just acceptance that she wanted. He wondered if it was merely her settling for him, but he pushed that thought aside. After all, in a way, he was settling for her as well.

“When I was younger…I was a slave to the Lord of Kaliyota. He saw…something in me, and raised me to be a weapon. His sword to brandish whenever he felt threatened. I made him a King…and then, one day, I stole it away.” He closed his eyes. “I never imagined being with anyone. All I want is to liberate those who deserve freedom. So…in a way…I feel like I would have taken you, just to give you the freedom to do what you wanted.”

He smiled. “We’ll stay here until the entourage from Auclair arrives, and then we can head back. Why…are you homesick?” Lewis elbowed Simone. “We just need to make sure that things are okay here, and then we can go back.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 6:05 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“I thought I was over it years ago,” she gave a smile. “All he did was open the wounds again.”

There was a sigh as she watched the flames and Simone closed her eyes as she thought about it, “I was fourteen when he called off the engagement. Bigger, better things is what he said. I don’t know whatever made him so confident but I do remember telling him that… I hoped it would never work out and not to come crawling back to me when it didn’t. I don’t even know if he ever did like me but… I did love him in a way. We had been engaged since we were children. Maybe I was too boring for him.”

She shook her head and looked over at Lewis, “It was a long time ago now. However, when a woman has their engagement called off… It made others weary of me. So no one else approached, I suppose it was one of the reasons to offer myself to you. Maybe you would have taken me where others wouldn’t. Even if you didn’t love me or touch me… At least you accepted me. I’ve never dealt with rejection well.”

A princess who wants for nothing.

“So, how long will we be in Croix?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:59 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It was as if, at least for a night, Simone had gone mad. If he didn’t know any better, Lewis would have thought she had lost her mind, but…he knew what she had gone through and what she had lost. For her, this was letting go. At least, in a sense. It was more a sadistic catharsis than anything, but it was at least a step in the right direction for her.

Instead of hindering her, Lewis did everything he could to help. Which, for Simone, meant staying out of her way as she tore everything apart to look for the small box. Once it was found, and its contents were burned, the knights started to throw their objects in. Contracts, papers, flags…all of it was kindling as the flames grew brighter and hotter into the night.

When Simone finished with her task, though, she noticed that Lewis had vanished. Curious, she looked around the castle. When she finally found him, he was on the second floor of the outer courtyard, sitting and watching the flames from afar. She sat down next to him, and smiled.

“So..you’re finished, then?” Lewis asked. “Out of your system?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:50 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone perked up at the idea of burning all the things he got her, “Oh!” She piled all the ugly clothing, the blankets, the pillows, the furniture, and anything else that Jerome had said was ‘hers’. It was a giant bonfire.

Still, she wasn’t satisfied. “Where would he have kept it?” She stormed into Jerome’s room.

“Miss! We’re still going through–”

“Get out of my way,” she pushed the knights gently and went over to a jewelry box of sorts. “Here?” She turned it over and dumped it out. “No.”

She opened all the drawers. “Here? No.”

“Hmm…” She left the room and went into his office. “Here then?” She overturned everything until she found what she was looking for. A black satin box. She carried it carefully back down to the pile. “Light it on fire.”

Once the fire was roaring she took out one of the most beautiful rings she had ever seen, “Jerome, you stupid son of a bitch!” She started to scream every obscenity she could. “You were going to give my ring to that stupid whore and then you–” She took the ring out of the box and chucked it into the fire. “Had the fucking audacity to overthrow my kingdom when it went to hell. You stupid sick son-of-a-bitch!” She was getting her frustrations out.

“What the hell did I even see in you?” She found more of his things and started to throw them in the fire too.

Once she was done she clapped her hands of dust and debris, “I feel better now.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:44 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone was brought a variety of different clothes to wear, most of which ended up being gaudy, flashy, and not to her taste. Evidently Jerome had been overly excited at the prospect of getting Simone back, and had commissioned quite a few lavish outfits for her. None of them were even remotely a fit for her personality.

In the end, though, she managed to find something to her taste, and Lewis proposed a gift of sorts, something that brought a smile to her face. Much to Lewis’ surprise, the knights were more than okay with the sudden change of leadership. Prince Jerome was likely not a very popular person. So when he offered up the idea to them as well, it was well received.

“We’re going to have a fire. A large fire…in the courtyard. Simone, you can burn all of those outfits,” he said to her in private. “I’ve invited the castle knights as well in order to burn Jerome’s flags…and whatever else they want. Of course, the free alcohol and night off probably helped spur their support as well…”

For the moment, things were going well. It was getting back to Auclair that he dreaded. He had an idea of who had sold him out, but…getting the proof…

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:25 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

She looked at the dragon and then looked at Lewis and then back at the dragon. “No wonder Vela keeps saying sexy, sexy dragon under her breath when she looks out the window.”

Wrapping her arms around his shoulders she looked up at Lewis before looking at the knights. She had a look on her face as they were suddenly begging for not only her forgiveness but Lewis’s for their ignorance.

Looking down at her dress she grimaced, “It’s horrid. Pink is not my color first off… Second off, that bastard tried to marry me in it. Get whatever you want and I’ll put it on over this stupid thing. Fetch me a flag pole after I get new clothes,” she yelled out to the castle help.

Meanwhile, back in Auclair Saoirse was pacing back and forth in panic. “What’s wrong Saoirse, did your little plan not work?” Vela stood in the doorway.

“What plan? I am merely worried for King Lewis. He shouldn’t have gone after her. It is far too dangerous to risk his life for her’s.”

“Don’t you get it Saoirse? We’re witnessing the blossoms of looovvvveeee,” Vela dragged out the l-word and Saoirse was just seeing red.

“No matter, as long as the lord is safe that’s all that matters to me,” Saoirse was content taking her involvement to the grave.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:17 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis had rushed to her side the moment that she awoke. Her comments brought a half smirk to his face as he checked her over. “Not too bruised… and Drake already had a medal. Several in fact.” He picked her up in a bridal carry, refusing to let her stand on her own for the time being. “And yes…I’m a Tyrant King, remember? Dramatic is what gets the job done.”

The kingdom was fast to surrender to Lewis and Drake, which allowed Lewis and Simone to stay and rest. Drake, under Lewis’ command, was sent back to Auclair to gather a group to bring back to oversee the new acquisition. Which meant…

“So…do you…want to get changed out of that?” Lewis asked as he finally set Simone down in a guest bedroom. He had chosen not to use Jerome’s chambers until they were thoroughly checked over. “I mean… I don’t mind it, but…it also wasn’t something you chose. I can send for better clothes…’

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:09 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

His screams were what woke Simone up. She pulled herself up in a daze. Her outfit was more ceremonial. After all, Jerome was planning on wedding her. It was luxurious silk despite the crude rope around her wrists. “Wha–” She was dizzy a bit but she steadied herself. “What was that?”

“The monster! The monster ate Prince Jerome!” The knights cried out but they had all fallen to a knee to avoid the dragon eating them.

“He did?” Simone was coming around more and her sight was restored quite a bit. Once she focused on Lewis she tilted her head. “Can we give the dragon a medal?”

Lewis had rushed over to her and cut her bindings. “I understand that rescues have to be dramatic but… a dragon? Did you really bring a dragon to save me?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:03 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

There had been small clues in all of the paperwork about Jerome’s influence over the fall of Auclair, but there was nothing concrete that could prove his guilt in the matter. Lewis had, for the most part, overlooked most of these things, but it had not been lost on Xeik. And, as an advisor to the King, it was Xeik’s responsibility to inform his majesty of the potential issues that may have been found.

So, while it wasn’t a surprise to Lewis that Jerome was a traitor to Auclair, it was a shock to hear just how paramount his dealings had been.

Lewis stared into Jerome’s eyes, wondering if the man’s vile truth had anything more to it than the desire to control Simone. In the end, though, Lewis barely cared. Simone was hurt, and that pissed Lewis off.

“Drake. Eat him,” Lewis said, snapping his fingers.

“Aww…really boss? Humans taste weird,” Drake complained, staring down at the group. “Can’t I just fry him?”

“No. I want to make an example…”

“Fine…” Drake groaned, and swiftly picked up the Prince, tossing him into the air. His screams were cut short by a sudden crunching sound, followed by Drake spitting out the chunks of armor that had remained. “Actually…that’s not too bad…can I eat the rest?”

Lewis looked to the now quivering knights. “I don’t know…can he?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2021 4:39 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“Now, now, now,” Jerome held up his hands. “King Lewis, this girl really can’t be worth all this trouble to you. Look at her skin how marred it is with scars. She was once the crown jewel of Auclair but now she is reduced to this sad woman in front of you. I’ll tell you what King Lewis… Give her to me and I’ll give you a beautiful woman fit for your stature.”

Jerome was watching Lewis and the dragon as he looked down at Simone. “Don’t you worry that she’ll bring ruin to Kalitoya? She’s already been the source of Auclair’s destruction. So just leave her here with me. I’ll even sign Auclair over to you officially. I’ll make sure she tells you all of its secrets.”

His lips curled up into a smile, “After all, I was the one who offered her friend up to Felix to gain immunity. I can be useful to you as well." He was more or less saying he had helped overthrow Auclair but his motives were unclear. Did he just want Simone? But why?

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 9:45 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis snarled when Simone was hit, and he held up his hand. “You move her an inch, and I’ll burn this entire kingdom to the ground.”

Jerome gave Lewis a haughty look. “Do you not care for my alliance, then? Shall we declare war? Last I checked, your resources were drained in the siege of Auclair…” It seemed as though he had done at least some research into it. Either that, or he was being fed information from within the Kingdom of Auclair…

The King of Kaliyota smirked. “Do you not know who I am?” Once again, the regal tone was back, but this time there was venom behind it. “The Tyrant King? The one who never takes no for an answer? You dare threaten me with war!?” He laughed. “I am the embodiment of war… Whatever lands I lay my eyes on belongs to me…whatever path I tread belongs to me… How DARE you bar me from my possessions…”

“That includes Simone…” Lewis stepped off his horse, and crossed his arms. “Bow before me…”

Jerome seemed a little intimidated at first, but the knights around him started to laugh. It was one person, against an army of knights and their Prince. What could he do?

“Fine,” Lewis replied as he snapped his fingers. Magic resonated, and rang across the fields. And there was a reply. The ground shook, and there was a mighty roar that echoed back, answering Lewis’ call. Without warning, a great shadow appeared, and the roaring grew louder, until finally, a massive red dragon slammed into the ground behind Lewis. It let out another cry, bellowing blistering flames into the sky.

“What say you, Jerome!?” Lewis explained, a madness in his eyes. “Do you still dare defy me!?” Flames circled Lewis, his royal cape flapping in the wind. He looked less like a king, and more like a demon…

“Bow before me…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 9:33 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone was sitting across from Jerome in the carriage, “You disgust me. You know that right?”

“Your attitude seriously needs adjusting…” Jerome glared at her. “I am saving you from that savage king.”

“Please, you're the savage one. Even if I was to marry you… I will resent you for the rest of my life. Also, I’m never giving you an heir so fuck you. This line dies with you.” Simone leaned on the side of the carriage.

“That’s what ropes and drugs are for my dear Simone,” Jerome smirked.

“Animal,” Simone glared at him. “So, who was it?”

“What do you ever mean?”

“You fucking moron, Lewis and I were getting married. There’s no way he would sell me off to a prince not worth shit. Oh I’m sorry, you couldn’t get marriage to Vesta so you came crawling back to me.” She got a bit too mouthy so Jerome knocked her out.

–

Simone stood there next to Jerome. She had rope around her wrists and Jerome’s left cheek was bright red. He was a little worse for the wear. Though it did look like Simone got slapped once or twice herself.

“Are you talking about breaking the alliance with me King Lewis? This wench is mine~ Authorized by yourself. We’ll be married by dawn tomorrow.”

Simone took her foot and stomped on Jerome’s foot. It caused a reaction from Jerome as he backhanded her knocking her out. “Take her back inside right now! Give her some of her cousin’s special treatment.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 9:26 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It had only been a few days since Lewis had left, and to his surprise, there were few, if any, leads on Alvaro. In fact, the whole ordeal seemed rather odd. He knew that the letter itself was suspicious, but even if it was only a rumor, he had little choice but to take up arms and go hunting. Besides, with Xeik and Vela, there was little to worry about. They could handle just about any threat that would show, and if they couldn’t…

“Oh no,” Lewis said to himself as Xeik and Vela appeared on the horizon.

—

Lewis arrived in Auclair in half the time that it took him to leave. He had pushed his horses hard, and stormed into the castle gates. He was furious. Not because of Xeik and Vela’s failure, but because he was tricked. The Tyrant Phoenix King would have to show himself once more to the world…

“It seems that this…Prince Jerome guy was once engaged to Simone.” Xeik had left some scholars behind to find out what exactly they were up against. Surprisingly, between Felix and Jurian, the two had more than enough information on the bastard. “He broke it off when he found someone from the Northern Kingdoms. From what I gather, it was a better arrangement than with Simone. Something about wealth and land. Turns out…well…that fell through.”

“So…he’s merely trying to raise his status.” Lewis smirked. “Well…he’ll be lucky to keep what he has once I’m through. Drake! You’re with me. It’ll only take the two of us.”

Drake grinned. “Oh…we get to do that bit, huh? This will be fun…”

—

Lewis rode up on the castle of Prince Jerome on his own, and demanded entry. To his surprise, the gates opened, and he was met with a retinue of knights, and Jerome himself. A disgusted Simone was at his side.

“Well met, Prince Jerome,” Lewis stated with his regal tone. “It seems there was a misunderstanding in my letter to you…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 9:13 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“Be careful.” Simone came out from a passageway and tied a tassel to Lewis. “It’s short notice so it’s not well made but… Women make them here for good luck.” She gave him a smile. “So just come back to me alright?”

Vela smirked a bit, “You two are adorableeee.”

“Please take care of me,” she bowed to Xeik and Vela.

“Leave your safety to us, princess.”

Of course, that was what they said but… The moment Lewis had left trouble started to brew in Auclair.

“Announcing Prince Jerome of the Flores Kingdom.” A messenger from the Flores kingdom came in with Jerome to announce him.

“Oi, this isn’t good Xeik,” Vela whispered.

“Our king is out and if you need something… I hope we will be good enough,” Xeik said.

“I’m just here to accept his proposal. Alliance with Kalitoya… For Simone’s hand in marriage.”

“Wait… What?!” The messenger offered up the letter.

“This is his handwriting and his seal but…” There was no way that Lewis would give Simone away when they were due to be married. What was going on?

Vela’s face drained of color.

“You two tell Lewis,” Simone spoke to them. “If we try to fight while we don’t have most of our resources it will end badly…”

Vela left after Jerome had carted Simone off. She was soaring fast towards where Lewis was headed. “Lewis! We got massive amounts of trouble! You need to get back to the castle now! This was a trick!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 9:04 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Vela finally putting Saoirse in her place was probably the whole highlight of the morning, and nothing save for the adventurous night that Lewis had experienced could really top it. The mad harem woman didn’t say another word through the rest of breakfast, and disappeared shortly after.

Lewis had avoided the marriage question, unsure of how to answer it. Vela, of course, had a plan, and pulled the King aside the moment he was free.

“Listen… I would make the wedding sooner, rather than later,” she said in a hushed tone.

“Look, if this is about the se-”

There was a serious look on her face, “Oh who cares about that right now. Look..Saoirse is up to something. I don’t know what…but she’s definitely trying something…”

When pressed for details, though, vela didn’t have anything relevant. She apologized, but promised to keep an eye out on her.

“Thanks,” Lewis said. “For watching my back…”

—

Near the end of the day, a knight rushed into Lewis’ office, holding a letter. “My Lord! It’s urgent! There’s been a sighting of Lord Alvaro to the south!”

Lewis jumped up. “No. That’s impossible. I killed him…” The King tore the note from the knight's hand, and read it for himself. Surely enough, it was sealed with the Crest of Flames of the Southern Kingdom. “That bastard…”

By morning, Lewis was ready to ride. Rhenakos and Drake were at his side, and he had decided to leave Xeik and Vela in Auclair to run things. “For all intents and purposes…Xeik is in charge.” He gave a look to Vela. “That means you too…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:54 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone went rigid as Vela spoke, “IDON’TKNOWWHATYOUARETALKINGABOUT!” She yelled as she slammed her hands on the table. Her face was bright red. She was unnerved and not as elegant as she tended to be around the others. She was still unsure about what happened. She liked it. She liked Lewis.

“…You forgot to put some of your makeup on the hickey,” Vela pointed out the bruise on her neck. “And looks like the king gripped your wrists too–”

“AND I HAVE TO GO TO THE LIBRARY,” Simone slammed her hands on the table. “See you for lunch.” She left the room.

“Awww, she’s so cute when you get her flustered,” Vela giggled.

Saoirse made a face, "It's unladylike to talk about what happens in the lord's bedroom in public. My lord! Having sex with someone who isn't in your harem before you are wed is a breac–"

"Didn't you just say it was unladylike… Also, he makes the room so shut your whore mouth up. If you were half the woman the princess is then you would have had the king like she did last night." Vela said in a serious tone as she shut Saoirse down. "So, when's the wedding?"

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:48 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis looked at her, and then at the book, and then back to her. His face was beet red, but he nodded. “Fine…okay. We’ll do that.” He looked back, and read the page. “And the next thing…too. Cause I want to. It’s not all about you…” He wasn’t even sure if either of them could perform such an act with the way Simone was, but he was damned sure going to try.

“Just…please don’t make me say these dumb lines…”

—

Lewis and Simone were laying side by side, staring at the ceiling. Both of them were naked and covered with sweat, but neither of of them could look each other in the eye. The book had gone into great detail several other, bolder acts, and Lewis and Simone had tried and succeeded in most of them. But…now that the passion was finished…

Well, now came the awkwardness.

“That was…” Lewis looked away from her. “Something.”

Simone looked the other way. “Itwasreallynice.” Her eyes were wide, shocked that she had just uttered those words.

“Yeah. Really nice. I had…a lot of fun.” His face was turning the brightest red it had been all night. “Can’t wait to do it again.” The fact that he had said those words aloud had him mentally bashing himself. There was no way she’d agree to it.

“Yeahcan’twaittodoitagain!” Simone blurted out. She was practically kicking herself too.

Lewis and Simone slowly took their time, and their eyes finally met, each of them staring at each other.

“So…now what?” Lewis asked. He was still flushed.

“I…need a bath,” Simone replied. “That was…messier than I expected.”

“Right…”

—-

The next morning, both of them were oddly quiet at breakfast. Vela hadn’t touched her food, and was instead giving them her full attention, a devious smirk across her face.

“So…how wasss it?” Vela asked, not caring that the entire harem, Saoirse, Xeik, Drake, and half of Lewis’ trusted knights were present.

“What do you mean, Vela?” Lewis asked, gripping his fork hard enough to turn his knuckles white.

“Oh…nothing,” she said. “I just heard a REALLY weird ghost last night. I really loud one…place must be really haunted.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:37 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone looked at him as she lowered the book. “And? Do you like me?”

“I don’t dislike you…”

“I don’t have a body like Saoirse,” Lewis could swear as Simone spoke he saw an eye twitch.

“…I don’t mind your scars.”

“That is not what I was talking about.”

“Then… explain to me?” Lewis sat by her as he studied her curiously.

“I don’t have a lot of curves like Saoirse~”

“Yeah, but I can stomach you.”

Simone narrowed her eyes at him, “It’s okay you probably don’t know what to do with breasts anyways.”

Lewis got a bit upset, “Well, if you don’t think I know what to do… Maybe you should just tell me what to do.”

“I’m a virgin. I don’t know what t–” She paused and flipped through the book. “Do this.” She held up the book to his face.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:30 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis blushed when she made the comment about scaring him away. “Not likely. I still have a ‘kingly duty’ to perform every night, so I should at least uphold it.” He glanced back over to her, and noticed that she was still reading the same book. “Are those books anything like the real thing to you?”

Simone shrugged, “I wouldn’t know. I’m a virgin…”

“Oh…” Lewis looked away, turning a little red. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” He cleared his throat. “Well…if you want to experience it sometime…I’m sure it wouldn’t be too difficult to have someone brought in.” He blinked. “Even though we’re to be wed…I doubt you want anything to do with me. I know it was all political…but it’s…”

“I did dare you…” She said with a meek voice, hiding her face behind her book.

“What?”

“When we spent our first night together as fiances…I dared you.”

Lewis thought back, and realized what she was talking about. “Oh…you did.” He had thought that was a joke. “I figured you hadn’t meant it…”

Simone shyly looked to the side, still hiding her face. “Well…I wouldn’t have…said no…but you..” She hid farther behind the book. “You said you didn’t get anything from it…”

He looked at her. “That’s..not what I meant…It’s just been my experience. It could be different if I…”

“If you?”

Now he was acting sheepish. “If I tried it…with someone I actually liked….”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:21 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone was laughing down the hallway and Vela was following behind her. “Were you just fucking with him?”

“No, that was what I was reading,” Simone showed Vela the book.

“I had no idea our library here had these!” Vela was surprised.

“Back corner, bottom shelf. Those ones aren’t that great but I have a private collection I found at the market place. I would be more than happy to share with you. I just like messing with the king when I find buttons I can press on him.”

“I’m sure he would like your buttons pressed on him,” Vela said and she watched as Simone got bright red.

“I doubt he would,” Simone went to her room and curled up on her sofa so she could continue to read her very nice trash.

Saoirse, on the other hand, was looking for any opportunity to get them out of Auclair or to get rid of Simone. She was rummaging through all of Felix’s paperwork in his old office. Vela was keeping an eye on her secretly. She wasn’t dumb enough to think Saoirse would give up Lewis without a fight so she had been watching her for Simone.

At night, Simone changed into her nightgown and braided her hair before sitting back down to read a new book now that the other one was finished. When Lewis came in Simone smirked a bit, “I’m shocked you showed up. I thought I scared you off.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:14 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone grinned. There was a devious look in her eyes. Once again, Lewis had that look of panic in his eyes, and that meant she had found a button to press. And that meant she was going to press it. Hard.

She cleared her throat, “The garment fell to the floor, exposing her perf-”

Lewis looked away, plugging his ears. “Nope! I’m NOT LISTENING.” That, of course, did not stop Simone from reading. If anything, she started to read louder.

“…and satisfied her every carnal desire and-”

The door flung open, and a very stunned Vela and Saoirse tumbled in.

“MY KING!” Saoirse yelled, getting up. “SHE’S READING TRASH LITERATURE IN YOUR PRESENCE!” She seemed absolutely appalled, despite the fact that Lewis was fairly certain that most of her ‘seduction’ ideas came from such similar novels. At least, that was what Vela seemed to be insinuating.

“My Lady,” Vela said, stifling laughter. “I had no idea you held such interests…may I pick your brain later for reading opportunities?”

Simone smirked, “Of course, Miss Vela. I would love to help further your education in this…eloquent genre of fiction.”

Lewis closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. “All of you….out. I-I have to finish this work.” It was obvious that he was turning bright red from what everyone assumed was embarrassment.

“If I must,” Simone stated with a royal tone, standing up. “I shall continue reading to you later this evening then. After all, I really shouldn’t deny you the pleasure, since you asked.” She smirked, watching the shocked look on Saoirse’s face.

“BUT SHE-”

“OUT, NOW!” Lewis said, pointing.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:06 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone peeked up over her book at him. Her gray eyes were full of life something that Lewis didn’t get to see very often unless she was being entertained. “…I don’t think…”

“Read it,” Lewis said with a dull tone. “How bad could it be.”

Simone opened her mouth and closed it before clearing her throat, “The prince lowered himself down onto the woman who would become his wife. His hunger caused him to rip at her blouse, tearing the buttons off. The garm–”

“Stop!” Lewis was blushing and Simone held a blush on her face as well.

“I told you.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 8:03 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

The paperwork that Lewis was working on was particularly annoying. The financial woes of the lords in one of the old kingdoms he had conquered were supposedly important enough that Lewis had to intervene. According to the Lord, the taxes needed to be raised due to the inability to maintain his current lifestyle. When Lewis looked into it, the poor Lord had to cut his daily baths from five down to three.

“This is so stupid,” Lewis groaned as his head fell into the pile of papers. Simone made one of her lovelorn sighs again, and Lewis glanced up. “You’re always reading. What do you even read?” He had barely glanced at the title; some random string of words that meant almost nothing to him. Yet, Simone seemed absolutely enamoured with the plot. It was all she ever did.

“Why do you care?” Simone asked, blushing as she looked up from it. “It’s just a silly book.”

Lewis gave her a look. “I’m bored. Why don’t you read aloud or something?” She gave him an incredulous look. “Just…humor me. I need something to break up this tedium…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 7:54 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

The king stared at her in complete disbelief, “And they say I’m evil.”

“All is fair in love and war. That’s what my father told me~” Simone smirked a bit as she beckoned him to follow her. “Since you ended up in here with me.”

She took him into a long narrow corridor much more narrow than the secret passage they had been in. “I’ll show you how much I trust you.” She held up her hand to him and helped him down the slippery stairs. “Please, be careful.”

Once they got deep underground she showed him a room of crystals. “This is what powers the defense magic for the entire kingdom…”

“Are you sure you want me to know about this?”

“Why not? You don’t know how to use it…” She gave him a face before laughing. “Once I get more strength back I’ll turn it on for you… but I don’t have enough mana to do it just yet.”

–

It had been a few days since she showed back up. Xeik was excited to see her again as it meant she could be Lewis’s adviser again. All Xeik could do when Simone wouldn’t answer him about where she went was to look at Lewis and say, “What did you do?” To which Simone just smirked and went about her business.

They were nearing the end of the day and Simone was spending most of her time at Lewis’s side these days. Most of it was to keep Saoirse away as she had been getting rather saucy lately. She was coming up with unique ways to corner Lewis. Lewis caved a few times just to get rid of the woman so Simone resorted to literally being shoved up Lewis’s ass.

She was absorbed in her book as she flipped the pages. Every once in a while she would let out a lovelorn sigh and her face would flush.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 7:39 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis was shocked at the surprising turn of events, but Simone was already trying to leave. He jumped up and threw himself into the secret passage as it closed, leaving the two of them in the dimly lit corridor.

“Wait! You can’t just leave like that after being missing for days!” Lewis stated with a stern look. “Look, I know I fucked up. Just…I’m sorry. I’m shit at these kinds of conversations. I barely know how to-”

“And?” Simone asked with her hands on her hips. “So what?”

“I’m sorry…” Lewis replied. “I really am…it was a mean and insensitive thing to say.”

“And?” Simone repeated.

“And…” he looked a little confused, but came up with something else. “I’m sorry for being a cold heartless bastard.”

Simone looked at him for a moment, as if expecting something else. “And?”

At this, Lewis was completely confused. What else could she possibly want? He had apologized and admitted his mistakes. What else was she asking for?

She started to tap her foot impatiently. “I’m waiting…”

At that, Lewis started to panic. “What else is there? Did I do something wrong again? I said I was sorry!? Is there anything else I need to do?”

With his last response, Simone broke into a smile. “No. Not really. I just wanted to see you panic.”

The King stared at her, dumbfounded. “I…you…what? You…did all of that just to see me…panic. That was it?”

“Yes. Pretty much,” she replied as she started walking. “Here…I want to show you something…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 7:31 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone found his apologies and read them. A few more days and he might have taken enough punishment for what he did. The princess was smart as she went into Vela’s quarters at night and rummaged. Vela was freaked out many times by the noise only to see that her maps were out. It took her a while to realize Simone had been coming into her room.

The wall by Lewis’s bed shook and moved knocking over a book that was hanging off his nightstand as it came open. “Do you always steal a woman’s man when she leaves for a few days?” Simone was looking quite a bit healthier now. “Do you honestly know no shame?”

Saoirse screamed from the sudden appearance of Simone. “YOU!” Saoirse pointed. “You can’t just come into the king’s bedroom.”

“Why not? It’s my bedroom too if we want to be technical. Besides he comes into my bedroom whenever he wants. Get out.”

Saoirse was seeing red as she stormed out. “Stupid bitch.”

“She really doesn’t like me~” Simone said. “Well, I came here to save you and now I can leave.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 7:25 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

The moment Simone’s face changed, Lewis knew he had said something wrong. Before he could say anything to even attempt to fix the situation, she was gone. He searched for a few hours that night, and realized that she knew the castle far too well, and sighed, giving up. Maybe she deserved the time away to cool her head.

Days passed, and Simone remained missing. Rumors of a pale ghost started to spread around the castle…a spectre that haunted the halls, stealing babies and devouring souls. Or, at least food that had been left unattended. It seemed that, despite her disappearing act, she was still eating.

Lewis found himself wandering the halls in what little free time he had, trying to locate the missing princess. Vela had done a fantastic job at uncovering some of the secrets of Auclair, but she was one scout, and there were far too many passages for one woman to find.

The King left notes…ones that he knew she would find. Apologies, stating he had messed up, and that he had no idea how to fix it. He knew that they went missing, but had no way of knowing if she was actually reading them or not.

It took Saoirse a few days to realize that Simone had disappeared. This was her chance!

Lewis was laying in bed, reading over notes. He had searched for Simone for another few hours that day, with no luck. Half naked, Saoirse snuck into the room, closing and locking the door behind her. The King glanced up, and made an audible sigh.

“What do you want,” Lewis asked.

“You,” Saoirse replied seductively, practically crawling towards him.

“Fine. Do whatever and just get out. I don’t have time for your games…” He didn’t feel like fighting her. It would be easier to just put up with the woman for a brief time than argue against it. And she knew that too.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 7:15 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

The look on Simone’s face drooped and she was glaring at him. “They were right about you with one thing.” She stood up quickly. “You are a cold-hearted bastard.”

It was the truth, she knew it was but she didn’t want to hear it at the time. She wanted him to lie to her or at least argue the point it hadn’t been her fault. She stormed off away from him. Despite whatever he might have been trying to say to her she didn’t hear anything. She was well aware he would come try and kiss her ass or try and clear up a misunderstanding.

So… She simply disappeared into the castle. Where he couldn’t find her. She was somewhere in the passages. Most likely in rooms only accessible by the secret passages.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 7:10 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

This was far from anything that Lewis was used to. Marching armies towards fortresses, commanding intricate battles, and duels to the death were more of his area of expertise. Talking to women about heartache? He hadn’t the slightest idea what to do or say. He was quiet for a time as he tried his hardest to come up with an answer, and the silence was almost painful. If anyone had been watching, they would have been screaming at Lewis to say something. Anything.

“I mean…in a way, I guess you did,” Lewis said finally.

Anything…but that.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 7:04 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone looked up at Lewis from the flowers she sat in. “I wasn’t expecting you to come find me.” She gave a smile and looked up at the sky. “I have a heartache tonight.”

Lewis moved and sat down by her. “It’s my responsibility now isn’t it?” He tilted his head and sighed, “I don’t know how to help with the heartache.”

“This is where you ask me what’s wrong…” Simone chuckled and pulled her legs up so she could put her chin on her knees.

“What’s wrong?” Lewis decided to go with what she had said. It must have been what she had wanted.

“Today… is the anniversary of Felix taking everything from me. At least the last of it,” She stretched and moved her head back so she could look up at the sky. “I had a good friend. He took care of me when my fiance had broken off his engagement to me. He was a prince from an elven kingdom not too far away. He was the first person to come running when the rumors reached him that I was dead. Felix tortured him in unimaginable ways for what I knew. I had told my friend my secret, my father approved of my confidant of course. He told me not to tell Felix and to promise him I would never tell him. So I didn’t.”

Mone looked sad, “I pride myself in being one step ahead of my enemies. I should have just left Auclair when I knew I could… I was worried about leaving my father behind… I got them both killed.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 6:47 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

As Simone left, Lewis was half tempted to tell her that it was his responsibility to bathe her as well, using her logic. That statement, though, might have crossed a line if he said it, so he kept the joke to himself. There would be other ways to get back at Saoirse for her torment.

“It would seem that you misunderstand, Saoirse,” Lewis stated in a regal manner. Those who knew who he was could barely look him in the eye when he used this tone. It was almost too funny. “I am but a fool when it comes to the intricacies of how a Queen and King should represent themselves in any capacity. If it is my duty to take care of her due to a costly mistake on my part, then I shall do so without complaint.” He glanced over her way. “Or would you dare defy your King and soon to be Queen?”

Vela was practically dying trying to hold back the laughter. Lewis using his ‘grown up’ voice was priceless alone, but coupled with his demeaning remarks to Saoirse, it was pure comedy gold to her.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Lewis said as he stood up. “I have other duties to attend to.” And surely he did. The public office was now open today, which meant that he would hear the complaints of the people. Sure, it was through a representative that carried a list, but it was still perhaps one of the more stressful parts of the job.

He wondered what Simone would do…

—

The day passed without word from his fiance, and he wondered what she had gotten up to. When Lewis arrived in the bedchambers, she was nowhere to be found, and that got him curious, if not a little worried. When he asked around, one of the maids told him she was last spotted outside the east gate, where a small flower garden was.

It took him a moment to navigate his way there. Surely enough, though, Simone was there….

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 6:36 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone was sat down in the chair and she looked like she had just woken up. To be fair, she had just woken up. Taking the plate from him she looked over the spread. “Mm…” And she had to eat a full meal.

She made a full plate and sat back down. “I can’t use my one arm,” she looked up at Lewis. “It’s my dominate.” Her eyes flickered to Saoirse. “So…” She looked back at him. “I guess you’ll have to feed me.”

“I could get a maid to do it,” Lewis said it as a joke but Simone looked at him with a smirk.

“But my king you need to take responsibility for being way too rough with me,” Simone said and Lewis let out a defeated sigh. He picked up the fork and helped her eat. Surprisingly, she cleared her plate and gave her compliments to the help. “Thank you for feeding me. If you don’t mind now I need to take a bath and get dressed… Since someone took me directly out of bed.” She said it with a laugh as she took her personal maid and left. There was no reason why Lewis needed to be dragged into the bathing area with her.

Saoirse held up her hand, “My king, I am worried that she is making a fool out of you. No one should be able to make you feed them like that…”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 6:26 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It wasn’t even five minutes after the second bell from dawn when the door burst open and Lewis strolled in. “Rise and shine,” he said with a bored tone as he walked over. “Hope you’re decently covered…” Without waiting for her to react, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, minding her arm.

“LEWIS!?” she yelled, struggling futility against him. She knew better than to hurt herself, but the shock of him suddenly hauling her off like a damsel was more than she bargained for.

The dining hall was set with a variety of different foods. Unlike the previous times Simone had attended meals, there was much more variety than there was quantity, as if he were trying to make sure there was at least something tha Simone would eat. Saoirse did not seem pretty happy, though, as Lewis waltzed in with Simone over his shoulder. The entire hall had been commanded not to touch their food until Simone was present.

“Here,” he said, putting her down in the chair next to him.

“Look at her…so disheveled…” Saoirse muttered with a sneer. “Improper bitch…”

“Now Simone,” Lewis said as he offered her a plate. “What do you want…my fiancé gets first pick.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 6:16 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone was blushing bright red as she looked in between Xeik and Lewis. “And… what are the consequences of me not coming?”

“Then I’ll come and get you,” Lewis said with a straight face.

The princess looked at him with a tilted head and wondered just how serious he was about it. Xeik had Lewis set her down as he worked on fastening a sling to her. “Wear this and make sure not to sleep on that side of you… Okay?”

“Fineeee…” Simone pouted before having Lewis escort her back. “I’m fine King Lewis… Really…”

“I didn’t know your hobbies included hurting yourself on the regular…” Lewis looked at her with a concerned look.

“I don’t have a hobby like that,” Simone pouted up at him.

Saoirse looked around the corner as they passed, “Vela, what happened?”

Vela looked at Saoirse and then looked at the two of them, “Lewis fucked her too hard and fractured her arm.” That got Saoirse pissed and she stomped off.

–

In the morning, Simone hadn’t really planned on getting out of bed. She was laying on her other side to protect her arm and she overslept past the bells.

“I don’t really think he’ll storm in here anyway…” She snuggled into the pillow. “More sleep…”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 6:05 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It wasn’t often that Lewis was caught off guard, but having his most trusted advisor hop in after he and his new fiance had fallen off a bed was perhaps one of the most compromising positions he had ever found himself in. Despite this, though, it was better for it to have been Xeik than anyone else, especially Vela.

Of course, the moment that Lewis had this thought, a familiar angel popped her head in with a wide smile across her face, her eyes wide with glee.

“Oh what do we have heeerreee?” she said excitedly, practically vibrating with the potential gossip. “The first night and you two are already breaking things just to get it on…”

Lewis sighed, “That’s not even remotely what happened, Vela.” As Xeik helped untalge the two, helping Simone to sit on the bed. “Besides…I doubt Lady Simone would want to be intimate with me anytime soon.”

“I’ll say,” Xeik said as he poked her arm, getting a wince from Simone. “It looks like a minor fracture. Nothing too physically straining for awhile now. Normally it would take about twelve weeks, but with a touch of magic we can shorten that to about a few days. Still, Simone, your body has several deficiencies, so you need to be careful until your dietary needs are fully met. Have you been eating?”

Simone glanced to the side, “N-not much.”

Xeik glanced to Lewis, and gave him a look. When he didn’t catch on fast enough, the advisor cleared his throat.

“Oh. OH!” Lewis exclaimed as he caught on. “Simone…as my fiance, even if in name only, it is my duty to make sure you’re eating properly. So…tomorrow morning, two bells after dawn, I except to see you in the dining hall for breakfast. And…please eat more than just a few bites?” It was weird seeing him try to be demanding and caring at the same time.

Author: Simone, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 5:48 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

The noise from her room had perked up Xeik, Vela, and any one else that had heard it. The king was… laughing. Followed by Simone’s own laughter. Then the thud happened and while both were laughing still Simone noticed that her arm wasn’t moving without being in pain. She had wrapped her arm around Lewis when they fell. “Ow,” Simone winced and Lewis took her arm.

“How the fuck… Did this happen?” Xeik held a serious look on his face as Lewis had broken into the room with Simone in his arms.

“Lewis… You’re overreacted…” Simone was blushing a bit and Xeik was humored by it.

“Were you doing some strange sex act?” He already knew that’s not what it was but he couldn’t help but watch as Simone got even redder.

“No! We were…” She looked away. “Tickling each other.”

“Tickling each other? You hurt her… by tickling her?”

“I… kicked him when he tickled me and we fell off the bed,” Simone hid her face in his chest. It was childish but they had, had fun.

“…Everyone heard you laughing,” Xeik said with a straight face.

“YOU KNEW?!” Simone yelled and felt even more embarrassed. “You were just fucking with me.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2021 5:40 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It was almost endearing how she seemed so engrossed in her book, and when Lewis finally had her attention, he couldn’t help but smirk. When she mentioned Saoirse drugging him for sex, he waved his hand.

“She already tried a few different times. Let’s just say I had to invest in some new cooks. More…trustworthy ones.” The fact that the mad woman had tried such a thing should have ended their relationship there, but the reality was that it was just harmless aphrodisiacs and ‘love’ potions.

“It’s…fine,” Lewis stated as he thought about it. “The marriage proposal can keep others off my back as well. She’s always been rather bold in her approach. I think her father had been pressuring her so that his legacy can be preserved.” The King shrugged. “The expectations from her are grand indeed, and she does not want to disappoint.”

When Simone asked if he had ever liked it, he thought for a moment. “It’s…fine, I guess. Nothing special. There are urges, of course, but nothing about it ever seemed special to me.” He wondered if it was like that with everyone else, or if he was just weird. He glanced to the side, though, when she mentioned that he may not know what he was doing.

“Saoirse never seemed to compla-” He started, but realized that Saoirse would likely lie about whatever encounters they had. He frowned. “I know what I’m doing…”

“Prove it…” Simone said with a half smile. “I bet you can’t…”

Lewis glared for a moment. “Shut up…”

Simone’s face broke into a full smile. “Oh? Did I hit a nerve?” She suddenly rolled over onto him and started to tickle him. In defense, Lewis squirmed underneath, and a strange noise that was rarely heard from Lewis erupted from his vocal chords.

Laughter.

Of course, the King fought back, tickling her back in self defence. He had no other option, and the two ended up rolling off the bed in a mess of blankets, tangled up in each other, hitting the ground hard.

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 8:40 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone was startled as soon as he spoke to her, “Lewis!” She blushed a bit as she shut the book. “I didn’t realize you had come into the room.” She was still blushing as she looked away and put the book on the table. “I suppose if we’re engaged now we should spend more time together. We don’t want Saoirse trying to drug you into sex.”

She didn’t trust the woman. She got up and took Lewis’s hand, “I’m sorry I didn’t ask for your opinion but she was driving me nuts. I’m sure you felt the same way. You didn’t like it either…” She looked at him and tilted her head. “Has she always been like that by the way?” That means… “You’ve never liked it?”

She pulled him over to the bed and had them sit together. “So… The king is actually shy and doesn’t know what he’s doing?” She was teasing him.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 8:29 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Of course Xeik would catch on. He was far from oblivious, unlike a certain angelic scout. He mad ea valid point about making sure that Simone was eating properly, and that meant that Lewis had to step up.

“Of course,” Lewis said with a forced smile. “I’ll take care of that at once…”

Of course it turned into not dealing with it right after dinner. There were far too many pressing matters to attend to, and in the end, he found himself finally arriving at Simone’s room late at night. He was a little surprised to find that she was still awake, a small candle lit as she poured over a book. She seemed not to notice that he had entered the room, apparent wit the fact that one of her nightgown straps had fallen off, revealing a bit more skin than usual.

Whether or not she cared was another matter entirely. Lewis wandered over to the changing curtain, not waiting for her to take notice. When he pulled the curtain back, she was still reading, oblivious to the world.

“Simone?” he asked. “Hello? Are you there?”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 8:23 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Saoirse couldn’t even try and argue Simone’s right to rule. She was a blue-blooded princess. Saoirse was out-classed by the sassy princess in front of her.

“I’m so happy for you both!” Vela was clapping. “You look so good together.”

Mone was honestly blushing at her words and taken back. “I suppose so.” She only took a few bites of dinner before she touched Lewis’s hand. “Don’t forget to come by my room.”

She left nearly all of her food and Xeik took notice, “She still isn’t eating that much. She’s barely gained any weight. My lord, her body wouldn’t support a child right now.” Once Saoirse had left with the harem this was the first thing he would tell Lewis. "Though, I don't know if her body can support eating a lot right now. Still, a caring fiance like yourself would make sure she would eat yourself."

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 8:12 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

As Xeik read the parchment out loud, everyone in the room gasped out loud. Vela was practically hopping up and down, a gleeful look in her eyes. Perhaps there was more to the bet she had with the primary advisor. Even the harem seemed surprised, and a few started to clap. Most were fully aware of Saoirse’s bullying.

Lewis, though, seemed the most shocked. “I wha-” There was a solid kick to his shin, and he winced, realizing that Simone was practically giving him a permanent out to escape Saoirse’s constant attention seeking behavior. That brought a solid half smile to Lewis’ face, something that Vela and Drake both took notice of. It wasn’t often that they saw their king smile.

Saoirse sat down, obviously still in a state of shock. “B-but…the harem…and…my place at his side…”

“Of course, the harem stays,” Lewis said firmly. “I promised to take care of them all. I would never abandon any of you.” He cleared his throat. “However, I must admit that keeping up with so many of you might be…difficult, as I must prioritize creating an heir.” Of course, he had no intention of doing so. “So…if you wish to seek…outside comforts, that is acceptable.”

That must have been a breaking point for Saoirse, because at that point she seemed to completely withdraw from reality.

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 8:04 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone nodded to Lewis’s proposal, “I have no issue with that. I was raised my whole life to help with these sorts of things so I have no problem with it.” She was ignoring Saoirse.

“THAT IS WHERE THE QUEEN WOULD SIT!”

Simone tilted her head at her, “Didn’t Lewis tell you?” She took his arm and she put her head on his shoulder. “Darling Saoirse… Didn’t you get told first?”

“Tell me what?! Get off of him!”

Simone did but only to clap as the maids came in with a piece of paper. “Please read.” The paper was given to Xeik.

“This is… a marriage contract between Princess Simone and King Lewis…” Xeik read the whole paper.

Saoirse stood up in shock.

“You see Saoirse… I am Lewis’s future Queen. Last night was just us sealing the deal,” Simone smirked and Lewis looked shocked for a second before getting kicked in the shin by Simone. "That means that I am above you and always will be above you… So sit your fucking ass down and stop moving that hole you call a mouth."

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 7:56 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis was surprised that Simone had actually come to dinner. Sure, the maid has reported that she was going to attend, but that meant little to Lewis. Actions always spoke louder than words. Surely enough, though, SImone’s actions were indeed true to her word.

As she sat next to Lewis, Saoirse almost jumped up. “H-how dare-,” she started, pointing. “That’s where a Queen would sit. But King Lewis has stated multiple times that he has no plans for a Queen!” She seemed adamant about that fact, but Lewis neither confirmed nor denied it.

Instead, Lewis listened to what Vela was saying, and nodded thoughtfully. “Xeik has been telling me that he can’t keep up with the workload, and Simone does have the sway of the people here…” He smirked. “It wouldn’t be the worst idea to have an advisor for the Auclair affairs.” He sat back in his chair. “Well, Simone?”

Saoirse seemed to be flustered, and slammed her hand down. “A-a-absolutely not! King Lewis! A woman of the harem cannot be an advisor. There are conflicts of interest!” She glared at Simone and pointed. “How dare this harlot say she’s not a part of our King’s harem…after all, she practically threw herself…shamelessly might I add, at our Lord’s feet. I bet you she’s after the riches…”

Drake and Vela stared at Saoirse for a good moment. “Wow…pot meet kettle…” Drake muttered under his breath.

“What was that!?” Saoirse demanded.

“Nothing,” Drake said as he stood up. “Just thinking about King Lewis and his well being is all…”

Saoirse seemed satisfied with the answer, and once again turned her attention to Simone. “WELL THEN, HARLOT!? I DEMAND YOU TO TAKE YOUR PLACE AT THE END OF THE HAREM TABLE!” She pointed at the very last spot on her line of seven women.

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 7:44 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis had never ever let her leave a mark on his skin. The fact that harlot was allowed to pissed Saoirse off to no end. Who did she think she was? Saoirse was seeing red but Lewis shocked her more. “My lord! I have served you faithfully! I have thought nothing but of your kingdom! I even gave you my body for your heir!”

“No one asked you to do any of that,” Vela said as she waved her hand.

Saoirse made a face and stormed out slamming the door.

“We should have gotten Simone sooner. I like this side of Saoirse. I’ve never seen her this pissed off before,” Vela was giggling.

Saoirse was waiting outside Simone’s door but Simone never came out. “Come out here right now!”

One of the maids came into Lewis’s study, “My lord… Lady Saoirse… Had to go to the infirmary apparently, Princess Simone opened the door and threw a book at her face. And uh… Princess Simone says she’s coming to dinner.”

During dinner, Simone came in dressed up. She was going out of her way to actually piss Saoirse off. It was working too. Saoirse was sitting next to Lewis. The women of his harem were on one side. “It’s custom for the hare–”

“I’m not part of his harem,” Simone answered Saoirse as she went to the other side of the table moving a chair up by his.

Vela was starting to laugh, “You know King Lewis, you should keep Simone around as your adviser.”

“I was an adviser to the old king. I was responsible for many trade routes.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 7:22 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Of course Vela would demand all of the details.

As Lewis walked in, he gave a halfhearted wave. Saoirse was nowhere to be found, so when Xeik stated what he had thought happened, Lewis nodded.

“I knew it,” Xeik responded as he looked at Vela. “You owe me fifty.” He held out his hand with a smirk. “Told you he didn’t have it in him.”

Lewis raised an eyebrow, “What was that supposed to mean.”

At once, both Vela and Xeik glanced his way. “Nothing,” their voices rang in unison. It seemed as though there were more to this bet, but the tyrant king made no effort to pry.

It wasn’t long before Saoirse waltzed into the room, her ‘charming’ voice ringing as she looked around. “Good morning all! I had a wonderful night dreaming of my handsome-” Her eyes set on the mark left by Simone, and her face paled. “My…my handsome…” She marched over, her words escaping her as she slowly went from pale to red. “WHAT DID THAT HARLOT DO TO MY PRECIOUS LEWIS’ SKIN!?”

“Whatever she wanted, apparently,” Xeik replied with a grin. “I heard a rumor that the beds didn’t stop squeaking till early this morning. I’d be careful, Sao. He might be grumpy with his lack of sleep.”

Saoirse was fuming, “I’ll show that bitch what it-”

“You are not to harm her in any way,” Lewis commanded, his tone suddenly serious. “If you so much as lay a finger on her, no treaty will stop me from putting you in the ground.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 7:10 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“Vela seems nice,” Simone smirked a bit. “I bet she is stalking the room and listening to.” So she was fucking with two people. “She came to tell me Saoirse was forcing herself on you again. She has a very low opinion of her. I don’t mind helping. I hate women that can’t stand on their own two feet.”

“You can work after you get some sleep. Besides we were passionately making love. If you leave right now it will be suspicious.”

In the morning, she got up and stretched as her nightgown strings fell off her shoulder. “Good morning King Lewis~” She greeted him. “One thing before you go to breakfast.” She put her lips to his neck and left a nice purple mark. “There, now get out.”

Vela was at breakfast all starry-eyed, “TELL ME ABOUT YOUR NIGHT.”

Xeik looked at Lewis, “What the hell were you doing? Jumping up and down on the fucking bed?”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:57 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

The fact that Simone knew so many secret passages through the castle was a boon, but Lewis was worried about how she might abuse such a power. Still, having Saoirse shocked at their sudden appearance was absolutely worth it, and the horror on her face as Simone forced a kiss was a sight to behold. Lewis himself was quite shocked at the bold action Simone took, and as Saoirse stormed out of the room, he realized that Simone was enjoying herself.

As the noise they were making finally died down, Lewis smirked. “I get it now. You’re just fucking with her.” The fact that she went to such extremes to do so was merely icing on the cake. “You would get along really well with Vela. She and her husband have been a great help…but she doesn’t have many friends.”

He realized after a moment that Simone was insinuating they sleep together, and Lewis sighed. “I do have a lot of work to do, though…”

Simone gave him a look, and he let out another sigh.

“Fine,” he said as he pointed. “But I want that side. I sleep better on my left…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:39 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone gave a smile, “I saw through it too. I was scared of you at first but… Once we met I knew you weren’t all that bad. I told Father to look into it if he didn’t believe me. I’m one of his trusted advisers after all. Or was.”

It was red in color, the book that Lewis handed her. “Oh! I remember this quite well! It’s a first edition of the one of the poetry books I had.” She seemed more lively once she saw the book and flipped through it. “He got it for me for when he spent long hours working on paperwork he needed my help on. Something I could read over and over again.” She hugged it to her and smiled. “It’s good memories.”

Simone looked at him sitting down and tilted her head. “I have a better idea…”

“Simone, you don’t have to do this,” Lewis was arguing with her.

“Oh please,” Simone shushed him as she opened another passage across from the room she was in. “I think this is better than sitting in that chair all night.” She was opening the door to her room when Saoirse came around the corner. Simone was quick to jump on Lewis with her arms around him. She locked lips with him and sounded out of breath, “Take me in King Lewis.” She opened the door and Lewis brought her in. Once they were inside she got down off of him and shut the door. “I find it amusing watching Saoirse’s pissed-off faces.” She walked over to the bed and grabbed Lewis.

For a while, she was jumping up and down on the bed with Lewis making wild noises. She would elbow Lewis to help her. Once she was sure Saoirse was gone Simone was laughing. “You are going to hear about this in the morning.”

Simone got down and pulled the covers back. “The bed you got me fits like ten people in it… I think you can sleep on the other side while giving me privacy.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:28 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis looked around the old office of the previous king. It seemed like quite the treasure trove of information, and Lewis wondered what he and Xeik could glean from it all. But, Simone wanted to show him something of importance first, so that would have to wait. He read the document over, listening to Simone about the treaty and marriage proposal.

“So he knew who I was. It’s a shame, really. A tyrant in name only,” Lewis said with a sigh. “One of the few who could look past the lies and see the truth. Jurian was a good man. The world is a worse place without him…” He looked over to Simone. “Thank you for this information.” He wandered around the office for a moment longer, reading the titles of the books and documents.

“This one here,” Lewis stated with a curious tone. “It’s not like the rest. A book of poems?” He noticed that Simone took interest. Compared to the rest of the books here, it seems well worn. I assume…” He opened the front cover, where an elegant handwriting spelled out, ‘To my beloved daughter, Simone.’

He closed the cover, and handed her the book. “You should keep this safe.” The King went back to looking over the documents, finally sitting behind the desk. “I think…I’ll stay here for the night. Saoirse will likely not be able to find me.” He smirked. “I won’t take anymore of your time. You can do as you wish…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:18 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone shrugged a bit, “I already knew that. My father had you looked into quite thoroughly.” It might have shocked Lewis a little bit as Simone led him through the hallways. It was almost like a maze. They found themselves in a dusty office that had no way out or in. “It’s his secret office. We met here to discuss family matters. Only him and I knew about it.”

She took the candle and started to light the sconces on the wall. It was a dreary sight after two years. There was a painting of the last queen Camille. “My mother,” she looked at it with a smile. “I’m glad he never found out about this room.”

She went over to the desk and started to pilfer through it. “If you so desire you can use this room. However, that’s not why I brought you here.” She pulled out some papers and handed them to him. “They caught me in a carriage on my way out of Auclair two years ago. I had this.” It was a marriage proposal to Lewis. “It was my idea partially. We knew they were planning something. You were one of the few people who were up and coming. New. So Father looked into you. It’s why he finally approached you once he knew you were safe. However, treaties take a while to form if they aren’t done by marriage… So I told Father to use me. Once we got word that they were starting to move we knew we no longer had time to act… So Father put me in a carriage and I was on my way to you when they realized I wasn’t in the castle.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 6:08 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It had been a week and a half since the incident at the tower, and Lewis made sure to keep himself as busy as possible. Even with that, Saoirse had cornered him on more than one occasion to take care of his ‘frustrations.’ It wasn’t that he minded the physical aspect of it all, but it was an act he could live without. It was Saoirse who was so adamant about it, and that wore on him. If it got her to shut up for a few days, he would gladly take that over her persistent annoyances.

Tonight was one of those nights. Saoirse had been much needier than usual since their arrival in Auclair. Perhaps the rumors of Simone and what had occurred at the tower had set her mood, and she was out to ‘reclaim’ her rightful place. Or perhaps she was nothing more than a needy woman who thrived on the power she held over ‘her’ harem.

Either way, Lewis was about to cave. It was annoying, but it wouldn’t last the entire night. Then he could get on with his work. Much to his surprise, though, the door burst open and Simone marched in, making her demands. Lewis could see Vela in the hallway, and when he looked at Simone, realized what they were up to.

“Fine,” Lewis stated with a bored tone, standing up. “Saoirse, it seems that there are other things I must attend to this evening. You are not needed.” He started to the door.

Saoirse ran to him, falling to her knees as she tugged at his sleeve. “King Lewis, please!”

“You are not the only one who needs attending to,” Lewis stated coldly. “Or did you forget that a King must properly satisfy the needs of all, not just the one? You’ve had your opportunities…”

The moment the door slammed behind them, Lewis dropped all pretenses. “I appreciate your…tactfulness in that situation.” The King sighed. He was surprised, though, when Simone beckoned him. He followed, but looked a little concerned. “Please know, Simone, that I do not expect anything from you. I will not force anything onto you…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 5:51 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Vela was watching the scene and she slapped Xeik’s back, “That’s our Lewis making the first move!”

Simone was still fighting him before the kiss. Once the kiss happened and she was forced the antidote she was still fighting him a good few minutes. He was holding her so she wasn’t hurting herself. “Let me go!”

“No,” Lewis was firm as she tried to fight him. He had to be careful because he got close enough to her that she bit him. Fighting with every ounce of her small fragile being. No wonder Felix had locked her up the way he had.

Simone went limp in his arms as the antidote worked it’s magic. She was moved back into the infirmary while Xeik looked for more hidden toxins in her body. “She really has been poisoned with everything he could find.” He showed Lewis the tests on Simone blood where she tested positive for most poisons that Xeik had available to him.

Xeik watched closely over her for the first few days to make sure the poison was gone. After four days, he allowed her to wander by herself by a couple hours a day. Finally, a week and a half passed and she was in her own room.

It was the middle of the night when Simone heard that Saoirse was going to visit Lewis. “And why is that my problem?”

Vela looked at her and tilted her head, “Well, not your problem per say but you are the only one of us who could kick her out. She has a thing for Lewis’s dick and he doesn’t like it.”

“And he won’t do anything??”

“Treaty, she is the daughter of some famed paladin.”

“Ah…” Simone understood and thought of her own circumstances. She made her way past Vela.

“You are in your nightgown…”

“Best way to fool Saoirse,” Simone commented and smiled.

“OH!” Vela understood immediately.

She got to Lewis’s room and took a moment to straighten out her hair and take off her robe throwing it to Vela. She nodded to Vela and slammed the door open. Saoirse was half-naked trying to climb into bed with Lewis. Lewis looked pissed but then his face was shocked to see Simone.

“You promised me you would come to my room tonight,” Simone pouted a bit as she walked up confidently. “I thought I told you I could help you with your problem,” she slightly looked at Saoirse but not enough for the woman to notice. She knew Lewis would. “You have to take responsibility for kissing me after all.”

“You can’t just barg–”

“This is my fucking castle,” Simone’s face was full of bloodlust as she scared Saoirse enough to fall off the bed. “You promised,” she took Lewis’s hand and pulled him with her.

“King Lewis! Please!” Simone grabbed the door handle and slammed it in Saoirse’s face leaving her in Lewis’s room. “This way,” she whispered as she grabbed a torch and opened a secret passage. Once she closed it. “You should just kick her out. She’s annoying.”

Simone held up a candelabra and beckoned him to follow her. “I have something I want to talk to you about.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2021 5:27 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

The fear in her eyes was enough to force Lewis to hesitate. For all of the confidence and bravado that he displayed on a regular basis, he was far too unsure as Simone rattled off her insane delusions. It wasn’t until she neared the ledge again, and uttered the last words that Lewis decided to act.

Xeik has been scrambling in his pouch for an antidote, and his eyes lit up as he came across what he was looking for. A small vial of liquid. It wasn’t the exact cure, but it would counteract most of the more potent toxins that had invaded her system. But he was too late. Simone stepped off, her body disappearing over the ledge.

Lewis cursed, and darted forward. “Xeik! Throw it now!”

Without hesitating, Xeik tossed the vial over the edge, and Lewis followed. His shimmering wings pushed hard, catapulting him downward as he grabbed the vial. It took mere seconds for him to catch up to Simone, colliding with her midair. He forced himself into an awkward flip, cradling her in his arms as he tried to revere their fall, just barely managing to slow their descent. Lewis hit the ground hard, almost buckling under their combined weight. Carefully, he set Simone down, and popped the antidote vial, trying to make her drink it.

Of course, the delusional Simone wanted nothing to do with the antidote. To her, it was poison. Lewis growled, and without thinking it through, tipped the vial into his mouth, and pressed his lips against hers, forcing the liquid into her mouth. Hopefully it would act quickly…

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:53 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“It hurts,” Simone answered finally. “It feels like something is clawing my insides…” It was a brief moment of clarity in the madness she was suffering from. She was wavering on the edge. Her black hair seemed more like waves as it whipped around with the wind.

Vela in the meantime was going through Felix’s office turning everything over. Once she had something on what was going on she was jumping out the window and flew up. “Xeik!” She threw the small bottle at him. “It’s called Nightingale. It’s a type of hallucinogen poison. It’s been slowly killing her for a while. He must have done it a while ago and was dripping the antidote into her to make her live longer. I’ve seen this before, it’s nasty.”

“Stay back!” Simone flipped herself to face Lewis. “Don’t touch me anymore!” She screamed at Lewis. Whatever she was seeing now must have been infuriating because she wasn’t scared, she was pissed. Her foot touched the edge and she looked down and back at Lewis. “I would rather die than put up with your bullshit anymore. I hope you burn with Auclair.” It had to have been directed at Felix. There was no other person it could have been.

A final act of defiance as she stepped off the tall tower. “XEIK, we need an antidote!”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:46 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis cursed, and took a look out of the window of his office. Surely enough, the mad woman was at the top of the highest tower, her arms spread wide. Without hesitating, Lewis jumped out of the window, spreading his black and blue phoenix wings. He soared across the sky, and landed behind her.

The wind had a biting chill to it as it whipped around them. Lewis wasn’t sure if she had noticed his arrival, or if she even cared. Xeik was close to her, trying to reason with her. She was already on the ledge, and Xeik was far too afraid to get closer.

“Lewis!?” Xeik exclaimed. “She’s mad! She keeps talking about how her father is begging for her at his side! Says she hears his calls!”

“I thought you were watching her!?” Lewis yelled back.

“I was! But I had to slip out to arrange another treaty, and when I came back she was gone!” Xeik glanced back to Simone. “She can’t hear me…”

Lewis approached her, holding out his hands. “Simone! Don’t do it! Don’t jump! You have so much to live for! You’re still here! Your people need you!”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:40 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone had gained enough strength in her legs after a few days to walk with help. She didn’t want to be carried, she didn’t want to be wheeled, she wanted to walk. She wore a delicate dress of black and she didn’t look out of the ordinary. When Lewis spoke about her the crowd lit up. However, when they saw the girl who approached the grave they grimaced. They all worried about what she had endured.

“I wish I could talk to you all… But I can’t right now,” it was all she could say and the people accepted it without doubt. Simone was crying but if it was for her father or herself she didn’t know as she laid the bouquet down. She knew that she wouldn’t be able to speak.

It was a soft movement as she went over to Lewis and tugged at his sleeve, “Thank you. He would be happy.”

–

The days that followed had her in a different room that had been redecorated. She had her own dresses for the first time in two years. It was hard to get used to it. For the most part she wouldn’t let the maids in to help her. They were worried for her.

The maid came into the office where Saoirse was bothering Lewis once more. “My lord, we took things to appease the princess but… She didn’t answer us again. She didn’t eat breakfast or lunch either, again. We’re worried she might wither away to nothing at this rate.”

Vela crashed into the room, “AHHHH, LEWIS!”

Saoirse got a look on her face, “That’s king Lewis!”

“IT DOESN’T MATTER! The top of the tower. She’s on the top of the tower. She’s going to jump! Xeik went up to try and stop her but she is speaking gibberish.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:30 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It was hard to see her like this. When he had met her the first time, her grey eyes had been full of life and joy. The fact that it had come to this was a tragedy. He grimaced at her request. Even now, her thoughts were on anyone but herself.

“Xeik. Have it done immediately,” Lewis commanded. The advisor nodded, and left to arrange the requested proper burial of Jurian.

This left Lewis and Simone alone in the room for a time. Silence permeated the air between the two, and Lewis found it hard to form words. How did one talk to someone who had endured so much?

“If…it would please you, Lady Simone, we can open the burial up to the public. I’m sure the people will want to pay their respects for their King.” From his memory, Jurian was quite the popular monarch, one who held sway with the people of the land. His loss was known to the kingdom, but Lewis doubted that Felix allowed anyone to mourn.

In the end, Simone agreed to let the people attend, and pay their last respects.

“And what about you?” Lewis asked. “Would you like to attend?”

Simone’s dead eyes flickered for a moment. “I…can I go?”

“I would never deny you the right,” Lewis responded.

“Then…I want to go,” she said, looking back down at the bedsheets.

“Right…” He stood there for a moment longer. “Well…if you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. I’m sure…” The King looked around awkwardly. “I’m sure Xeik will be back any moment…”

—

A few days passed, and the day of mourning for King Jurian came. The people all gathered at the entrance to the tomb. Many were surprised that the Tyrant King, known for his hatred and bloodlust, was allowing such an event to occur.

“Today,” Lewis announced as his voice echoed across the crowd. “We join our hands in the loss of your King. Not the man who usurped the throne, the one who’s name will be cast out from history…no, we mourn the loss of your true king, Lord Jurian of Auclair.” He paused, letting silence take the air for a moment. “I took your lands by force, and for that I apologize. I have taken your lands, but I will not take your hearts. Kaliyota is in name only…the lands will always belong to Auclair…”

“I have news, though,” Lewis said. “A silver lining in the dark cloud. Your Princess…she yet lives…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:12 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Simone’s dull eyes turned and loomed over him for a second. Her eyes met his almost uncharacteristic of most people who knew the rumors, “I remember you.” She turned her head away from him and closed her eyes. They still hurt from the light. “You called me shy.”

“Why did Felix torture you?” Lewis knew that this was a dangerous question. Even Xeik looked up at him hesitantly.

“Because… The magic that fuels this place is under lock and key. Only the immediate royal family knows how to use it. It’s passed down from the ruler to their heir. Felix realized he fucked up by killing my father as fast as he did after he found out. So he tried to get it out of me.”

Her fingers grasped the blankets around her as she thought about a request. Her eyes reopened and she looked up at him. “In the flowers just east of the castle. They are probably diseased and dead… They buried him there. Please bury him in the tomb next to my mother. He would have wanted to be put next to her. He had his own tomb made beforehand but Felix was using it against me. Please move him there.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:03 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It was as if his prayers had been answered. With Saoirse gone, Lewis poured over the contract that Alvaro and Felix had. There were quite a few interesting pieces of information, which he had not been entirely privy to. However, this explained why Auclair had previously approached him about creating a treaty. They recognized what was to come from Alvaro.

“That old bastard Jurian had it figured out from the start. It’s too bad that he couldn’t move fast enough to prevent it.” Lewis sighed. “If I had attacked earlier, this might have all been avoided.” In his mind, he was responsible for the fall of Auclair.

“If you had rushed things, we might all have died,” Vela replied. “Better to not dwell on it.”

“Don’t you have a husband to attend to?” Lewis shot back. “We both have busy nights ahead of us. Enjoy your free time while you have it.”

“Yessir,” Vela said, snapping to attention with her tongue out.

Lewis found himself walking into the infirmary only a short while later. Xeik was looking over some paperwork, absorbed in whatever he was reading. To his side was a bandaged woman, who seemed to be in a daze.

“The Princess of Auclair,” Lewis said as he approached with a half bow. “Do you remember me? Your father and I met briefly…about two and a half years ago. I am…saddened by his passing.” It was hard to show, but he meant it. “If there is anything that you need, please do not hesitate to ask.”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 6:47 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Vela knocked on the door and looked at Saoirse, “Xeik said she woke up. It was for a second but she should be up completely in a bit.” She knew how Lewis was… “Maybe it would be better to ask her questions all night tonight? Gods know she needs the rest King Lewis. However, she’s fighting Xeik on sleeping as it is. She probably doesn’t trust anyone.” After all… Felix was her cousin.

“Also, we got all the bodies cleaned up and the blood is the next thing up. Xeik also had me bathe her and groom her a bit. I cut her hair though… It’s too much for the state she’s in and she probably won’t mind. She doesn’t seem to care about anything at the moment.”

“She?” Saoirse looked at Lewis then at Vela. “Who is she?”

“The princess of Auclair… Who else?”

“But she’s dead,” Saoirse sounded confused.

“That’s what we all thought. Her fucked up cousin apparently had other ideas for her. OH! I was pilfering through scrolls in Felix’s office when I came across this.” Vela handed the scroll over to Lewis. “Get the fuck out Saoirse. This isn’t for you.”

Saoirse pouted and bent over to kiss Lewis’s cheek before leaving, “Fine.”

“Bloody woman,” Vela said as the door shut. “It’s a contract. Once Felix got what he wanted from her he literally sold her to Alvaro for an army. However, the contract is dated two years ago. Written shortly before the king died mysteriously.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 6:38 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

It was hard to see anyone like this, but Lewis had seen similar cases before. Slaves had been beaten and abused by their masters for the simplest of failures. This woman’s case though, seemed almost too severe. Whoever was torturing her took great care to inflict as much pain as possible, pushing her to the absolute edge of death, but never crossing the line.

Xeik had been called immediately, and his diagnosis and treatment were administered to the best of his ability. Now, it was nothing more than a waiting game.

“Keep an eye on her,” Lewis stated as he took one more look at her. “Let me know when she’s lucid. I have questions for her. In the meantime, I have a kingdom to organize.”

–

The infamous Tyrant King was known to take any and every woman he desired. Kings and Queens offered up their daughters, or even themselves to quell his rage. It is rumored that the King sired hundreds of children, and that the Tyrant King’s blood runs in many of the population…

Despite the nature of their accrual, though, the women eventually learned to love and adore their King. Most would bear his children willingly, and without complaint. Many even begged for it. All were satiated by the Tyrant Phoenix in the end…

–

Lewis closed his eyes as he shifted another pile of paperwork on the desk around. If there was one thing he hated about taking over a kingdom, it was the vast amount of paperwork involved. Trade routes and treaties, complaints and requests…all of it was far more demanding than one would think. Sure, that was the point of having an advisor, but Xeik was preoccupied with other matters.

“Really need another advisor,” he muttered.

The door to the office burst open, and a busty looking, half dressed red-headed woman waltzed in, a grin on her face.

“Master Lewis!!!” her voice rang. “I brought your harem into the Lord’s bedroom, just as you requested!”

“I didn’t request anything of the sort,” Lewis stated as he looked up from the paperwork. “How the hell did you even get here? I left you all back in the forest Kingdom…”

“Aww, but how will you sire your children with all of us if we’re stuck over there?” she asked.

“Saoirse…we’ve talked about this. I’m not going to force it on anyone. And I’m far too busy to even think of the concept.”

“But..you have no issues when I-”

“When you sneak into my bedroom and try to take advantage of me while I’m sleeping?” Lewis snapped back.

“I would never, my lord. After all, I know you’re just trying to play hard to get. You have an image to maintain.” Saoirse grinned. “I know you secretly want all of us. We’ll take good care of you tonight…I’ve convinced the girls to take turns. You won’t have to worry about a thing!”

Lewis closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. I would rather be anywhere else right now…Goddess help me…

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 6:22 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

The lights hurt her eyes at first and she closed her eyes tightly to avoid it. She had lost much of the color in her skin, she was nothing but skin and bones, and what may have been worse was the amount of dried blood across her naked form. Her hair was long after two years of imprisonment. “I might as well be dead,” it came off as a matter of fact but even with her sitting now… How she rested her broken legs… Her eyes rolled back and she fell over.

Vela handed Lewis a cloak at his beckoning and watched as he wrapped the small woman up in it. She weighed nothing and it could have been like she was nothing more than a ghost considering how much she weighed.

“What the fuck did they do to her?” Vela looked around at all the torture tools. “And why?” She thought the girl was dead at first but the slight sounds of her breathing put her more at an unease than it should have.

Once she was taken to the infirmary Lewis’s trusted adviser and healer took a look over the princess. “Her legs have been broken more than one time in multiple places. Her lungs are scarred from poisons. Not to mention the lesions on her back from what I’m assuming was a whip. Probably the shock of being set free made her pass out. She was tortured no fewer than a few hours before we stormed the castle. They broke her fingers.” Treatment was administered after the analysis. “I’m unsure how the hell she even lived through this. Other than being stubborn.”

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 6:11 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Lewis had not been born a king. In fact, he was born nothing more than a slave boy. His master, though, had been a powerful man who ascended the throne through bloodshed and trickery. There were few who knew his true secret, though; an assassin in the shadows who guided his path to power. Once the King had outlived his usefulness, though…well…

King Lewis ascended the throne an unexpected year after the previous king. No one quite knows where he came from, but the old King of Kaliyota had suddenly vanished without a trace, and left the crown to his dear friend. There were few who found it odd, as the old king never really had that many friends, and certainly not a friend with a questionable background…but those few who questioned it seemed to quiet down. Mysteriously.

The new King of Kaliyota was swift in negotiations, and soon found himself at war with many of the neighboring countries. Many thought King Lewis a warmonger, but they were fools to believe it. The first kingdom was nothing more than a country of slavers. Their rulers were corrupt, and knew nothing of morals and ethics. Lewis would know best, though, as that was where he had hailed from. Taking the country for Kaliyota was easy, and soon he turned his attention to the next.

It was then, the King was approached by a powerful man…a fae lord by the name of Alvaro. Alvaro recognized the strength that Lewis commanded, and wanted that strength of his own. Shortly after, he was approached by another country…the Kingdom of Auclair….

No one quite knows what happened in the negotiations, but Alvaro’s fae kingdom was next to fall to the Tyrant King’s hands. And so it seemed almost inevitable that Kaliyota would turn its sights on Auclair…

From an outside point of view, the timing of Felix’s ascension to the throne and Lewis’ subsequent siege of the kingdom meant only one thing. That Lewis was out to conquer the world.

It was, however, far from the truth…

—

Lewis killed the guards with ease, tossing their bodies to the side. The first key had already been entered, but it was the second that the guards had been struggling with before their untimely demise.

“Strange,” Lewis said aloud. “Could this be the secret? Their precious ‘treasure’?” He unlocked several sets of locks, but frowned when he found himself unable to open the door. It took summoning Vela to finish the job, and soon the door opened.

He was met with a dark room with low lit braziers. The King could tell that it was once a bedroom, but had been repurposed into a makeshift torture chamber over time. There were the sounds of rattling chains from the other end of the room.

A frail, but spiteful voice rang out from the darkness, “Back again? Fuck off, I have nothing for you.” The voice was raspy, but clearly feminine.

“Oh?” Lewis’ own voice rang back.

There was silence for a moment. “You’re…not Felix.” The voice sounded so unsure. “Is this another dream?”

Lewis walked towards the back of the room, strengthening the flames of the braziers as he walked by. The chained woman winced as the lights touched her ghost white skin.

“Not a dream,” Lewis said as he broke her chains, carefully letting her drop to the ground. “Felix is dead…his abilities as a ruler match his abilities in combat. Auclair is now a part of Kaliyota…united under my rule.” His voice was surprisingly soft, despite his rough demeanor earlier. “And you…you were rumored dead…”

Author: Simone, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 5:49 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

“Kill it! Kill it now!” Felix yelled before his life was ended.

There were guards that had stood down but there was a singularly group that ran towards the stairs and up them.

“Oi, boss…” Vela popped up. “The third floor window is bricked up… Wonder if that’s the it he was talking about.” However, she saw that Lewis was already on the move to the upstairs going after the knights that had run away.

Flashback to the war prior

Alvaro the Fey King spit in Lewis’s face, “I’m not scared to meet my end King Lewis… but before I die let me tell you a secret.” There was a grin on his face.

“Get the fuck on with it before I kill you faster,” Lewis wiped the spit from his face.

“Auclair is hiding a dark secret… Something most precious that even you would find interesting.”

End

That was what Alvaro had said but Vela was unsure what the hell he could have been talking about. The Kingdom of Auclair was a powerful nation of magic. Though it was small in size compared to the kingdoms around it… It was the magic barrier that protected it… That had made it so fearsome.

Two years prior the barrier had fallen and with it news that the royal family had been slain by the king’s nephew. They had been allied to Lewis in the past but the moment that barrier fell the first thing that Felix had done was a royal decree making Lewis the enemy.

The barrier had never been restored and Felix had thrown countless men and children at Lewis’s army to stop him before the fight reached the castle.

The knights had gotten to the third floor and in the middle of the hallway was a door latched with many locks and a magic lock at that.

Author: Dusk, Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2021 5:36 PM, Post Subject: A Novel Idea, pt 2 [P/R]

Kingdoms of old had risen and fallen as ages passed, with alliances forged and broken. Over the course of history, there were many known tyrant kings, though they were only known as such in the eyes of history. One such tyrant king was known as Lewis the Conqueror, a widely known King who ruled over many lands with an iron fist.

Legend states that he swept across the lands, burning everything in his path. Kings and Queens bowed before him, offering him their wives and daughters to satiate his bloodlust, but none could stand up to his wrath. But, history is never kind to its subjects, and time can twist tales of heroism into tales of villainy. It is often left to the scholars to interpret the tales left behind, to weave history into a truth…

“No…that just sounds pretentious,” Xeik said as he sat back, sighing. He looked up from the document he was writing, towards the massive Kingdom of Auclair. Taking the city had been the easiest part, and King Lewis had offered amnesty to any soldier who laid down their arms. It was the main castle itself that had been under siege for days.

“I just hope that idiot knows what he’s doing,” the scholar said as he looked back down to the parchment. “A lot of neighboring nations aren’t going to like this. They’ll see it as a threat…”

–

King Lewis marched through the halls with a small retinue of soldiers at his back. So far, the resistance had been minimal. The few that refused to surrender were slain, leaving the path open for them to hunt Auclair’s pathetic excuse for a ruler.

“Felix!” Lewis roared, his voice echoing through the empty halls. “Show yourself, you coward!”

Rhenakos rolled his eyes, “Yes….call the coward out. Let’s see if he runs right to you.”

“Shut up,” Lewis shot back. “I have Vela scouting. If he’s running from me, he’s running towards her…”

The red haired knight smirked, “I bet she’s not wearing much again…she always did like going with minimal clothing when she-”

Another knight smacked Rhenakos in the back of his head. “I’m right here, you know,” Drake said with a glare. “Just because you two used to date, doesn’t mean you ca-”

“Would you two shut up for five minutes? I might miss the-” Lewis paused, and smirked. “Signal. There she is. We’ve got him.”

The small band of knights followed Lewis into the courtyard, where Felix and those loyal to him had gathered. Felix was bleeding from a small cut on his forehead, but his knights looked worse for wear.

“Well, well,” Lewis said as he walked towards the circle. “Sniveling as always, Felix.” He took a threatening step forward, and the small group of knights seemed to quiver. “Did this miserable excuse of a human explain anything to you? Did he warn you of the beast that came knocking at your door?” The look on Lewis’ face seemed to shift to something close to glee. “Did he tell you nothing of the Tyrant Phoenix? The Conqueror King who’s black flames raze the countryside? My flames burn everything to the ground leaving nothing in their wake….”

The small group was now shaking. Felix pointed, “How DARE you! You dare attack the proud kingdom of-”

“Shut your mouth,” Lewis said as he raised his blade, pointing it at Felix. Black and blue wings erupted from his back, jet black flames circling the Tyrant Phoenix. “Those who wish to run…flee. Tell them of the horrors you witnessed here. Tell them of my legend…” He smirked. “Those who wish to stay can burn at the side of their King…”

At once, the group of knights scattered, leaving Felix on his knees, alone.

“Ah yes…right where you belong,” Lewis said as he placed the edge of the blade to Felix’s neck.