“A mistake bred of honesty I’m afraid,” she glanced at Trent with nothing but love, then back to Sir Georigi, with just a look of kindness, not the look he saw before. But Trent knew it was still there, it had to be, “that I have become quite accustomed to myself. But for the actions of your man, I request you stay for my wedding to Sir Trent and discuss possible trade rights between our galaxies, with permission of your father...of course,” Sasha's smile was splendid and Trent's heart warped as he realized it was aimed at Prince Georigi, not him. The prince stood, a similar smile on his lips, bowing deeply.
“It would be my honor, Your Grace. Allow me to excuse myself to handle the arrangements for my stay. Your Grace...Sir Trent.” He bowed again with perfection born from years of experience. Trent turned to Sasha, finding the look returned; the look that told him it was over, that she had found another, as she stared at the retreating Prince Georigi.
A layer of ice crept over his still fragile heart, preparing to smother it as he knew, he would once again, be betrayed.
Chapter 5
Sasha gazed upon Prince Georigi as he strode regally through the noble assembly, unfazed by the contemptuous murmurs attacking him from all sides. To her own surprise, she’d found the prince oddly captivating, unable to remove her stare from the moment she first beheld his handsome, “noble perfect” facade cutting majestically across the grand court, shining like a lone star in the encroaching darkness of space.
But why the fascination? She wondered, having seen many a “noble perfect” man in her time on Tidelia, and never recalled having such a reaction. Could it be love? Her mind questioned, making her heart ache, but not rebuke. Fearful of finding the question true, she glanced to Trent still seated by her side, both her heart and mind screaming as one that Trent was the only man she loved, always and forever, filling her with a sense of joyous relief. Satisfied, she turned back to watch Sir Georigi vanish out of sight, finally able to place the feeling; it being childlike fascination, born from unexpectedly meeting such a breathtaking man.
“Your Grace, the king and queen are running behind schedule, shall we call dinner?” Sir Seb'Losh whispered in her ear, pangs of hunger appearing alongside his words.
She nodded her thanks, turning to the noble assembly. “We shall now break the first Alutia Formal Court. A banquet shall be provided for all, and the court shall reconvene in an hour’s time. Thank you all, once again, for the heartfelt congratulations and well wishes.” She rose, her heart aflutter as honest cheers and grateful shouts erupted from the noble assembly. With a skip in her step, she pulled Trent towards the doors hidden behind the thrones that led to their private apartments. A servant appeared from a concealed alcove, guiding them through the exquisitely decorated hallways, down the lower level concourse, and into their private dining hall. A table covered with more food then she and Trent could ever possibly eat greeted them. She sighed, noting to herself that it may be wise to discuss with her mother's servants the meaning of the word “excess”.
As she prepared to seat herself, a dreadfully potent sense of despair touched her mind, freezing her in place. It took only a moment for her to realize its origin; her bond with Trent. She turned, finding his chin resting upon his chest, breathing heavy, skin a pasty white.
“My duke, what’s wrong? Is it your wound? Should I call for Quo’Moy?” She questioned, laying her hands on his ice cold cheeks, tilting his trembling head to face her, finding unshed tears in eyes of total misery.
“It's alright Sasha, he's better for you, I...I've always known that someone more suited to you would appear eventually...” His words didn't register at first. What did he mean? Who was he talking about? Then it struck her. He must have noticed her staring at Prince Georigi in fascination. But he must know that I would never look at anyone else besides him? She had told him this, time and time again. But no, he did know, she realized, he still, after all they’d been through, still not believing that he was suited for her.
Anger took hold, then vanished as she knew she too was at fault. That she had done what she promised never to do; she had hurt him. Releasing his cheeks, she took a step back, letting his chin fall back down to his chest, moving a hand to her own.
“Just be...be happy...I wish I...I could be the one to make you happy, Sasha, but...but I'm glad you found someone who you-.” She slapped him, so hard he fell to the floor, grunting in pain. She dove atop him, slapping him again, again, and again, ignoring his cries for mercy as her knee dug into his injured arm.
“Do you love me so little that you would give me to the first man you see? Abandon me like I mean nothing to you? I love you! I love you! I love you! I love you! You are the only man who can make me happy! So never say that! Never think that! Never! Never!” she screamed, slowing her assault, seeing him fighting against the pain, fire and passion burning in his eyes. Yes, this is the Trent I know, I love.
“But why did you look at him like that? Why did you give him that smile? That smile is mine! Only mine! For me! For the one you said you love! But why did you give it to him, and with that look! That look!” Like a beast had taken over Trent’s mind, driving him to frenzy, he rolled her over in one motion, pinning her to the floor, ignoring the pain that must have been exploding through his limbs. Then she felt it, his raw jealousy coursing through their bond, forcing her own passion to erupt like geyser.
“You are mine!” he growled possessively as he pressed his lips to hers, trying to pierce her very heart with his tongue, the mixing of her passion with his jealously washing away the last tendrils of his rational mind.
She kissed him back, matching his intensity, and then pushed him away. “And you are mine!” she cried, drowning in the torrent of emotions that flowed through them both.
Sasha blinked, confused, senses muddled from ecstasy run wild slowly beginning to clear. She lay naked on the floor, sweating profusely, a semi-conscious Trent lying partially across her bosom, breathing ragged.
“That was...mmm...” she started to whisper, but a shiver of pure pleasure interrupted her thoughts as Trent unconsciously tickled his fingers across her exposed breast. “What am I going to do with you, my duke?” she smiled, carefully guiding his hand to her less sensitive hip. Not that again, she answered herself, knowing even though she found the feeling of his jealousy fueled lust unlike anything she'd ever felt before, it would never be allowed to happen again. I will make sure of it, she promised. But the memory, and the incredible feelings it awakened inside her, would always be there.
With a content sigh, she started stroking Trent's sweat soaked hair, gently breaking it free of his brow, knowing no matter his momentary lapses into sorrow and despair; she still loved him more with each passing day.
A distant knock pulled her attention to the silent dining hall. “Oh no,” she gasped, comprehension of what they had just done fully taking hold, the time they’d spent in each other’s embrace passing without meaning. Two curious faces with wide grins of pure delight poked through the partially open doorway, one vanishing back through as their eyes fell upon her and Trent.
“The Grand Duchess Sasha and Sir Trent require a change of clothing, immediately!” Tiana’s muffled orders sounded from the outside hallway as Vickie sauntered into the dining hall, a finger on her puckering lips as she studied the naked bodies tangled together on the dining hall’s floor with a look of ravenousness desire. Sasha froze, unable to react as Vickie licked her lips, kneeling by her side, picking up a piece of tattered cloth, eyes sparkling.
It took Sasha only a moment to realize what the cloth was from; her dress. With the recognition, came clarity. Scattered fragments of their formal attire appeared all over the crimson carpets, and the memories of how that fate befell them threatened to return to the surface.
“How long do we have till court reconvenes?” she asked with disbelief.
Vickie smiled with obvious delight. “Ten minutes ago, Your Grace, but everyone understands. You may want to discuss having the palace comp
letely sound proof-.” Sasha's expression turned to utter horror.
“The entire court had heard me?” she whispered in disbelief. I’m done as a grand duchess, the thought tumbled free, there is no way I will ever be able to show my face to any of them again, she knew.
“I’m joking, Sasha,” Vickie said with delight, a playful smile creeping across her lips as Sasha felt a wave of relief storm through her. “The servants and guards had quite the show, I hear, but they all know the meaning of discretion...and if they do not, Sir Seb'Losh and I will handle them, so there is no need for concern.” Vickie explained with genuine affection, her expression turning grave. “Is everything ok now? Trent looked rather ill when you left. I assume it had something to do with the way you were ogling Prince Georigi,” Sasha's eyes went wide. “You need to be careful Sasha, everyone is watching and I'm not the only one who noticed.” She’d realized she was staring at Prince Georigi in fascination, but there was nothing else. So why did Vickie say the same thing as Trent?
“I am sorry, Vickie, but I do not understand. I was just fascinated by him at first, that's all...and I understand how Trent misunderstood, but you...I'd thought it'd be clear to my ladies at least,” Vickie tilted her head, looking down at Trent, who was attempting to snuggle onto Sasha's lap, Terra cooing at his side, caressing his cheek with his tiny, human-like hands.
“Ah... I think I see. But to me and most of the other ladies, Sasha, especially any that may hold romantic ideals, it did look like longing, and Trent's obvious reaction solidified that for most. I felt my own heart ache at the look of despair that appeared in his eyes.” She placed a hand on Sasha's shoulder, squeezing lightly, “are you sure it was just fascination, nothing more?” Vickie asked seriously, holding her gaze.
“On my life, I love no other man than Trent! If anything, this incident has solidified that fact!” Sasha responded, letting every ounce of her sincerity fill her words.
“Good!” Vickie seemed content with her answer. “Just remember how you feel when you see other women fawning over Trent, and try to control any more “fits of fascination” over handsome noble men...especially ones that claim to be your fiancé!” Vickie said, spanking Trent's naked buttocks before fleeing towards the door with a hop. He stirred, Terra squawking angrily at Vickie while pumping its tiny fists.
“Vickie!” Sasha shouted, incredulous. Trent raised his head, perching on one elbow, studying his surroundings before his gaze settled back on Sasha. She sensed the fire reignite behind his eyes when he noticed her naked, but it quickly dulled into a tender flame of love.
He leaned up and kissed her gently. “I love you and I'm sorry, Sasha,” he told, the words touching her heart.
She kissed him back. “I'm sorry as well, Trent...and you are the only man I will ever love...always and forever,” passion flowed alongside her words, coursing through their bond. But Trent winced in pain as he moved. She cringed as their still fully active bond let her feel its touch as well.
It’s horrible, her mind cried, the pain not like anything she’d ever felt before. Her eyes went wide as she stared at Trent, wanting to scream at him for hiding such a thing. How could he do anything with pain that intense! Trent seemed to sense her concern, smiling meekly as he caressed her cheek and started climbing to his feet.
The pain subsided when their contact was severed, but the memory was there; how could I let my love suffer so? She quickly stood alongside, catching Trent's wounded arm, hoping to take the pain onto herself, if only a little, as they turned towards the door.
Tiana hid behind Vickie, blushing like a little girl as she gazed at the two naked nobles. Sasha felt embarrassed, but was too exhausted to care. Trent, on the other hand, embraced her from behind, trying to hide his modesty. She muffled a laugh at his innocent reaction, then felt her own jealousy start to stir.
“Leave them on the table, we will be ready in a moment,” Sasha instructed. The two ladies curtsied deeply, and slowly, smiles from ear to ear. They backed out of the room, giggling like teenagers, Vickie blowing them both a kiss just before the door slid shut behind them. Sasha sighed as she turned to their replacement clothing.
The gown that they servants had fetched was made of red rose silk, the kind she loved, but thin, very thin, running the full-length of her body, while clinging to every curve. It cut low at the chest, exposing much more cleavage then any gown she would normally wear, with fabric only covering one shoulder. Trent's trousers and top were of a similar design, the top being skin tight and made of a hard, but very pliable cloth, cut lower then hers, showing his bare chest. The red and black doublet that covered it was far too tight for him to buckle, so he had to allow it to stay open. Overall, he looked handsome, for a night at home. But to appear in such a way at court would provide the impression that they were romantics or paramours.
Whatever were her servants thinking? she wondered, shaking her head as ran her hands down her side, realizing Til’Ma most likely responsible, the gown more of Vickie’s flavor. She turned her attention to Trent. His eyes twinkled with a look that told her exactly what he thought of the gown she adorned.
“You look beautiful, Sasha,” he whispered, words full of his love, “and you're glowing,” his voice became hard, concern, based off jealousy, replacing the love.
She leaned in, kissing him tenderly. “My duke, no matter the staring eyes, I belong only to you,” she whispered into his ear.
“And I to you, to do with as you please, for all eternity,” he responded, the affection of his heart flowing into his every word.
“I like the sound of that,” she said playfully, pushing herself close, running her fingertips over his bare chest.
Trent showed a genuine smile of pure joy as she pulled away with a twirl. But it vanished as he extended his arm, wincing in pain, preparing to escort her back to the grand court. A flash of anger flowed through her. What is he doing? Why is he forcing himself to endure such pain? The questions answered themselves as soon as they emerged.
Nobles fed on the weak, and if they appeared weak, they would be devoured, the ravenousness, power hungry nobility always ready to pounce. She grasped his outstretched hand, and together, they started the walk back to the Alutia Grand Court.
*********
The hushed murmurs that had begun to ripple through the grand court when she and Vickie had left, had since erupted into a cacophony of shouts and chants by the time they returned; the noble assembly was becoming impatient. Tiana giggled alongside Vickie as they hurried around the thrones and down the steps, taking their seats at the ladies table set closest to its base, both knowing full well why these self-centered nobles were being made to wait. She glanced to Regalia, only to find the young girl's seat empty, she having moved to her mother's lap at the edge of the shadows where she sat amongst the servants, away from any prying eyes. She looked happy, and Belia, strangely enough, did as well.
Initially, Tiana was worried the woman would do something drastic when Sasha revoked her noble title, she being an ardent traditionalist. This meant she held many loathsome beliefs, most about commons and petties, so no one could possibly predict how any traditionalist would react when they were dropped into one of the classes they so despised. Tiana figured Belia's resigned reaction had to do with the love shown to her by Regalia, who forgave her mother without question, no matter her past treatment. But this same traditionalist mentality was also what created the issue and the reason behind her treatment of Regalia in the first place.
Traditionalist noble women were expected to have children, of course, but only if they were married, an accepted mistress, or part of a harem. Unwed mothers, even widows of marriages of convenience, were frowned upon and usually passed from traditionalist court to traditionalist court. During this time, Belia had started blaming Regalia for her lack of suitors, which caused her to become cold and distant, and from her own admission, violent.
It would have been easy for Belia to forsake the noble courts to live off the noble sti
pend on any world of her choosing. But for many traditionalists that were once ruling, or wedded to ruling nobles, the loss of the power that came with their previous rank would not allow them to move on. Instead, they'd accept being passed among the courts in the hope of regaining their lost power through a new marriage, or, the less common method, being provided a ruling claim as humanity continued expanding across the stars.
Tiana knew what Sasha had originally planned. They'd discussed it in much detail the previous evening, having decided to banish Belia, to not allow her to ever see Regalia again. She realized now that they were wrong and it was only because of the love of a child for her mother that Sasha had a change of heart. So instead, by removing Belia's noble court rank and assigning her to their permanent household staff, she was no longer able to leave at will or decide the fate of her daughter; basically making her lust for power a mute point since she now had no say in her own life. But she would still live in luxury, much better then how she would have off just the noble stipend. Except she'd no longer have a noble voice in the assembly and be unable to leave Sasha's service of her own accord.
“They realize making the king and queen wait is never a good idea?” Countess Liana leaned over from the adjacent table, where she sat with a baron and baroness from the Tidelia Earldom.
“I do not think it was done purposely, Mother...we found them rather indisposed....” Tiana glanced at Vickie, who hid a smile quite well, but not well enough.
“You don't mean...” Liana's expression shifted to surprise, then anger. “I told that girl there is a time and place for everything!” she hissed, causing many of the surrounding nobles to go silent, glancing conspicuously in their direction.
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