#˗ˏˋ ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳˢ· ic ﹕ the lost prince.

[wovetales]

there   is   an   awkward   air   hovering   between   them   as   theo   slowly   begins   to   walk   out   of   the   apartment   ,   his   usually   well   kept   attire   messy   &   wrinkled   as   he   takes   his   leave   ,   steps   growing   heavier   as   gets   closer   to   the   exit.   never   has   the   former   prince   ever   been   this   daring   on   a   night   out   before   ,   but   victor   is   unlike   anyone   he's   ever   met   ,   bringing   out   a   part   of   him   he   didn't   realize   he   ever   had.   now   he   is   completely   intrigued   to   spend   more   time   with   this   man   &   perhaps   learn   more   of   the   world   he   is   clearly   still   new   to   ,   but   how   does   he   make   that   known   ?   does   he   just   ask   ?   he   won’t   know   unless   he   tries.   with   his   coat   in   his   arms   ,   folded   as   well   as   he   could   with   his   currently   boggled mind   ,   theo   clears   his   throat   a   bit   as   he   turns   to   face   victor   ,   cheeks   a   light   shade   of   pink   as   he   begins   to   speak.

❝   thank   you   for   the   .   .   .   well   .   .   .   ❞   he's   not   sure   how   to   put   it   ,   stumbling   over   his   words.   ❝   &   thank   you   for   letting   me   stay   over   to   recover.   um   .   .   .      perhaps   we   could   do   it   again   sometime   ?   ❞   he   grimaces.   oh   god   ,   he   hopes   he   isn't   coming   across   pathetic   in   any   way.   too   late   to   go   back   now.   ❝   that   is   ,   only   if   you'd   like   to.   i   wouldn't   want   to   impose   if   this   was   meant   to   be   a   one   time   occasion.   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳˢ·      it’s   showtime   ﹕   theo bennet   &   featuring  @erebius   as   victor   conley.

[wovetalesarc]

it’s    been    quite    some    time    since    the    young    heir    to    house    ravenswood found    himself    in    king's    landing    ,    but    its    essential    that    he    mingles    with    those    in    the    castle    despite    having    little    care    of    who    these    people    are    ,    only    here    for    appearances    &    nothing    more.    he    dreads    having    to    speak    to    the    hightower's    once    this    ball    is    done    ,    as    he    know    they    will    insist    that    his    family    bend    the    knee��   to    aegon    &    offer    benefits    as    to    why    that    is    the    right    side    to    choose.    theo    was    not    in    attendance    when    his    father    bent    the    knee    to    rhaenyra at the time she was pronounced heir    ,    but    he    knows    if    his    father    were    alive    ,    he'd    want    to    see    through    to    his    vow    &    keep    his    promise    to    the    peaceful    king    viserys    ,    who    ,    gods    rest    him    ,    kept    the    realms    as    safe    as    they    had ever    have    been.    it    seems    to    be    an    easy    choice    ,    but    his    house    remains    divided    on    the    subject    ,    many    wanting    to    fulfill    their    oath to the king    ,    while    others    follow    a    more    traditional    line    of    thinking.    nevertheless    ,    theo    will    have    to    deal    with    that    conversation    later    whether    he    wants    to    or    not    ,    but    there    is    no    reason    why    he    shouldn't    enjoy    himself    with    a    dance or two for the time being    ,    smiling    as    he    approaches    lady    alicent's    only    daughter    ,    @denouemente    ,    offering    a    hand    so    that    he    may    lead    her    to    the    dance    floor.

gently    ,    he    takes    her    into    his    arms    to    lead    ,    but    she    seems    resistive    to    the    touch    at    first    ,    or    at    least    ,    it    appears    that    way.    concern    crosses    theo's    features    when    she    seems    hesitant    to    look    his    way    &    the    last    thing    he'd    ever    want    is    to    make    a    lady    uncomfortable.    ❝    so    obviously    this    isn't    the    result    you    wanted    today    ,    ❞    the    lady    helaena    speaks    softly    to    him    &    all    theo    can    do    in    response    is    offer    a    smile    that    doesn't    quite    reach    his    eyes    ,    her    dejected response    speaking    a    thousand    words    as    to    her    situation    living    in    his    castle.

❝    actually    ,    this    is    perfect.    ❞    he    isn't    jesting    in    the    slightest.    wanting    to    remain    respectful    ,    he    keeps    their    hand    holding    loose    &    featherlight    ,    allowing    her    the    chance    to    move    away    should    she    need    to    do    so.    greens    or    blacks    don't    matter    here.    all    he    wants    is    to    ensure    this    poor    girl    is    content    ,    even    if    its    just    for    a    brief    moment    in    time.    ❝    you    saved    me    from    having    a    very    uncomfortable    conversation    with    your    grandsire.    if    anything    ,    you've    saved    me    lady    helaena    &    i    can't    thank    you    enough.    ❞    theo    grins    ,    now    slowly    leading    the    young    woman    into    a    gentle    sway    ,    the    music    joyous    &    beautiful    as    they    move    together    &    the    song    ends    faster    than    they    expected.    he    bows    before    her    &;    releases    her hands    ,    but    he    doesn't    move    away    just    yet    ,    &    a    part    of    him    isn't    too    sure    why.    ❝    i    would    love    to    dance    with    you    more    ,    my    lady    ,    but    i    believe    the    cooks    just    brought    out    some    cake    that    i    cannot    take    my    eyes    from.    ❞    he    grins    mischievously    ,    head    tilting    toward    the    table    where    the    cake    lies.    ❝    shall    we    investigate    it    together    ?    ❞

[wovetalesarc]

❝    will    you    get    your    hands    off    of    me    ?    stop    !    ❞    theo    knew    better    than    to    visit    her    sister's    private    quarters    when    they    were    away    from    their    home    planet    ,    but    his    protective    instincts    wouldn't    allow    him    rest    until    he    knew    she    was    comfortable    ,    though    katherine    was    prepared    to    scold    him    for    his    carelessness ,    no    matter    how    well    intentioned    his    heart    was.    sure    enough    ,    not    even    a    few    minutes    inside    her    room    ,    he    was    dragged    out    by    his    sister's    assigned    guard    for    the    evening    ,    &    clearly    the    jedi    do    not    hesitate    to    make    those    in    their    ranks    as    strong    as    one    can    possibly    allow    ,    the    grip    this    woman    had    on    his    arm    causing    him    to    hiss    from    the    sharpness    of    the pain.    no    one    knows    that    he    is    the    queen's    brother    ,    &    that    her    royal    name    ,    queen    hela    ,    is    not    her    true    birthname.    they    do    this    out    of    protection    so    no    one    discovers    their    true    family    name    ,    but    he    still    can't    help    but    check    on    her no matter where they travel    ,    even    if    it    wasn't    his    job    to    do    so.    once    dragged    out    of    the    room    ,    he    finally    pulls    his    arm    away    from    the    jedi    &    quickly    begins    to    adjust    his    coat.    the    nerve    of    this    woman    .    .    .    did    she    have    to    be    so    rough with him    ?

❝    i    was    only    checking    to    ensure    the    queen    was    well    accommodated.    there    is    no    need    to    treat    me    like    some    common    criminal.    ❞    despite    his    frustration        ,    theo    keeps    his    voice    down    so    as    not    to    bother    the    others    who    are    also    in    their    rooms    preparing    for    bed.    ❝    we    work    together frequently    &    are    good    acquaintances.    it's    only    natural    that    i    want    to    check    in    on    my    s    .    .    .        my    queen.    ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᵖʳᵒˡᵒᵍᵘᵉ·     scream   &   run   away   ﹕   @satellitewar   as   arra   tuined.

[wovetalesarc]

the   theatre   actor's   iced   macchiato   begins   to   swirl   into   one   singular   color   as   the   ice   melts   into   his   drink   ,   but   he   doesn't   seem   to   give   too   much   of   a   damn   ,   too   focused   on   the   woman   who   sits   across   from   him.   god   ,   how   did   he   get   so   damn   lucky   ?   when   he   lived   back   in   ardenia   ,   all   his   romances   had   to   be   kept   secret   ,   knowing   he   was   probably   going   to   be   matched   with   someone   of   ❛   noble   ❜   blood   when   he   was   meant   to   take   over   the   throne.   it   felt   so   freeing   to   be   able   to   date   as   just   a   regular   person   for   a   change   ,   but   he   felt   incredibly   fortunate   to   somehow   win   the   favor   of   the   beautiful   &   intelligent   helaena   targaryen.   so   what   if   his   ten   dollar   coffee   becomes   basically   undrinkable   ?   he   can't   help   but   stare   as   she   sits   &   sips   her   drink   in   such   a   beautiful   way   ,   the   sun   draping   over   her   like   a   spotlight   to   give   her   this   effortlessly   ethereal   glow   ,   as   if   it   was   a   sign   from   the   universe   telling   him   she   was   an   angel.   he   didn't   need   a   sign   to   know   that.   theo's   known   that   from   the   moment   he   met   her.

❝   you   look   incredible.   ❞   finally   he   speaks   ,   cheeks   turning   a   rosy   color   when   the   truth   spills   out   without   hesitation.   clearing   his   throat   ,   theo   stands   with   his   phone   &   aims   it   at   helaena   ,   smiling   sheepishly   a   bit   still from his earlier compliment   ,   struggling   to   look   at   anything   else but her , even for a second.   ❝   can   i   take   your   picture   ,   hel   ?   ❞   his   voice   squeaks   a   bit   ,   which   only   furthers   his   anxiety & embarrassment   more.   ❝   it   feels   like   a   crime   that   i   don't   have   a   photo   of   you   in   my   phone   yet.   i'd   love   to   have   something   for   whenever   we   can't   hang   out.   something   i   can   stare   at   when   i'm   really   missing   you , which will be always , let's be real here.   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᵖʳᵒˡᵒᵍᵘᵉ·     dear   reader   ﹕   @eueclid   as   helaena   targaryen.

[wovetales]

victor   is   quite   literally   everything   he   was   taught   not   to   be like   ,   a   bit   of   a   charming   troublemaker   with   a   perchance   for   breaking   the   rules.   he   follows   the   beat   of   his   own   drum   &   does   what   he   needs   to   do   in   order   to   survive   ,   wearing   a   perfectly   crafted   mask   that   seems   to   be   uncaring   of   what   others   think   ,   but   deep   down   ,   theo   is   sure   he   does.   it's   been   truly   enjoyable   spending   one   on   one   time   with   him   as   of   late   ,   thankful   that   his   friend   had   introduced   them   at   that   party   ages   ago.   what   started   out   as   an   awkward   introduction   has   turned   into   .   .   .      something   that   keeps   bringing   him   back   ,   unable   to   resist   that   tug   he   feels   whenever   he's   near   the   taller   man   ,   despite   everything   in   his   heart   &   mind   telling   him   he   should   be   wary.   his   upbringing   ,   specifically   his   aunt   &   uncle's   words   ,   have   been   so   embedded   into   his   head   that   he   can   still   hear   their   voices   whispering   in   his   ear to cease this infatuation.   he   won't   let   their   old   fashioned   ways   ruin   the   happiness   he's   managed   to   find   away   from   ardenia   ,   especially   when   he's   finding   himself   teetering   beyond   the   realm   of   ❛   like   ❜   when   it   comes   to   victor   conley.   the   former   prince   has   never   been   in   love   ,   but   maybe   .   .   . he   could   fall   for   a   man   like   him.

victor   drags   himself   into   the   kitchen   in   search   of   something   to   drink   in   his   usually   empty   fridge   , & the sight alone has   theo   smiling   from   ear   to   ear.   he   watches   onward   as   victor   eventually finds   a   milk   carton   to   drink   from   ,   only   deciding   to   check   the   date   of   said   drink   after   already   taking   a   swig.   ❝   expiration   dates   are   for   the   weak.   ❞   he   says   confidently to the former prince   ,   &   all   theo   can   do   is   laugh in pure delight.   still   in   his   underwear   ,   hair   messy   from   the   night   before   ,   he   makes   his   way   into   the   kitchen   in   order   to   investigate   the   milk   himself.   the   expiration   date   is   scratched   off   the   carton   ﹙   how   convenient   ﹚   ,   but   the   milk   itself   seemed   to   smell   fine   ━━   a   risky   choice   drinking   it   without   certainty   ,   but   that   was   just   victor.   he   lived   life   on   the   edge.   ❝   perhaps   i   should   do   a   taste   test   just   to   make   sure   you   won't   be   sick   later.   ❞   before   allowing   the   taller   man   to   say   anything   in   protest   ,   theo   then   reaches   over   to   cup   victor's   cheek   &   caress   the   soft   skin   he   finds   with   loving   intention   ,   taking   the   moment   to   gaze   at   him   fondly   before   his   thumb   swipes   along   his   bottom   lip   ,   cleaning   the   remnants   of   the   milk   with   graceful   ease.   he   then   takes   a   moment   to   lick   off   the   contents   off   his   thumb   in   full   view   for   his   friend's   ﹙   ?   ﹚   delight   ,   thoughtfully   considering   the   taste   before   finally   smiling   & nodding in approval.   ❝   seems   alright   with   me.   i   think   you'll   live   to   tell   the   tale   later.   ❞   he   winks   ,   his   hand   moving   back   to   gently   pat   his   cheek.   ❝   i   don't   think   there's   enough   to   make   pancakes   from   it   ,   so   i   suppose   some   eggs   &   bacon   will   have   to   do.   how   do   you   want   your   eggs   done   ,   darling   ?   ❞ he's already moved into the kitchen , curious how his earlier actions are affecting him. what can he say ? he learned from the best. ❝ do   let   me   know   when   you're   done   staring   at   me   ━━   i'm   not   due   to   rehearsal   until   later   tonight   ,   so   i   have   all   the   time   in   the   world   for   you.   ❞

˗ˏˋ     ᵖʳᵒˡᵒᵍᵘᵉ     theo   bennet   ﹕   the   love   hypothesis.   featuring   @erebius  as   victor   conley.

[wovetales]

his   journey   had   been   nothing   short   of   perilous   since   the   moment   he   escaped   the   castle.   unable   to   return   home   for   the   deception   that   awaits   him   ,   yet   barely   able   to   survive   out   here   when   so   many   try   to   rob   him   blind   ━━   his appearance making him an   easy   target   since   he   barely   has   any   experience   in   fighting or defense.   it   was   only   a   matter   of   time   before   exhaustion   finally   hit   the prince   to   a   point   of   collapsing   onto   his   knees in the middle of an unknown forest   ,   panting   as   he   feels   his   aching   body   struggling   to   fight   the   way   he   sways   &   moves   ,   finally dropping   onto   the   hard   ground   fully   &   finally   giving   in   to   the   darkness   that   obscures   his   view.   when   he   awakens   again   ,   he   finds   himself   laying   on   his   back   &   in   a   comfortable   position   ━━   there's   someone   tending   to   him   wearing   golden   like   armor   ,   though   he   is   unable   to   truly   pin   point   anything   when   his   vision   remains   hazy   still. how has he even survived this long ? why would the gods favor him with such luck ? so many questions , yet so little time. best to slowly get through all his little queries one step at a time.

❝   where   am   i   ?   ❞   the   prince   queries   as   he   attempts   to   sit   up   &   observe   his   surroundings.   it   was   not   a   good   idea   to   do   so   ,   as   the   pain   from   his   earlier   fall   shoots   up   his   sore   spine almost immediately   ,   grimacing   through   the   pain   that   forces   him   to   lay   back   down   &   allow   the   other   figure   to   finish   what   they   had   begun.   theo's   vision   soon   returns   to   a   more   clearer   state   &   now   he   can   fully   make   out   the   person   whom   he   can   deem   as   his   savior.   all   he   sees   is   golden   hues   all   over   this   hero's   body   ━━   from   her   hair   to   her   armor   ,   she   is   practically   glittering.   never   has   the   prince   seen   such   a   sight   like   this   before   ,   so   he   finds   himself   staring   at   her   for   a   moment   while   she   check   for   bruises   ,   only   stammering   &   stumbling   a   bit   when   he   notices   hands   reaching   for   his   shirt.   ❝   i   uh   .   .   .   i   haven't   been   stabbed   ,   i   don't   think   it's   necessary   to   do   that.   ❞   theo   blushes   ,   gently   pushing   her   hands   away.   ❝   are   you   the   one   who guided me here   ?   where   .   .   .   what   is   this   place   ?   ❞

EVER THE HERO, : ALWAYS ARRIVING AT THE PERFECT MOMENT. the fact that it was a stranger that needed aid had no effect to the hurried pace of her steps ; running to reach him. ... she crouches down beside him, not minding any dirt that might cling to her knees. seas of gold have a hint of concerned glimmer ; but upon inspection, there does not seem to be lethal wounds upon him. ❝ it's alright, ❞ ECHOES DIVINE VOICE, smooth &. serene, yet still firm with the words ; ❝ i've got you. ❞ leaving no ounce of doubt into any soul.

@wovetales + theo : lean .   lean  on  my  muse’s  shoulder .

HIS ARM AIDED AROUND HER SHOULDER, : EFFORTLESSLY SHE STANDS, but now more carefully, since his balance relied on her. failure is not a choice. ( but when is it ever? ) ... while there were many questions to be asked, they'd have to wait ; his well - being the first priority here. &. what if your golden heart has beaten once more with more empathy than deserved? then let her fall for the trick, it would not be she who regrets it later. ... the abandoned ruins reached ; her camp not much, but it would have to do. the bed made would now serve him, as she moved slowly to crouch, &. aid the man to lay down gently.

[wovetales]

˗ˏˋ      ᵖʳᵒˡᵒᵍᵘᵉ·      tags      ﹕      part   seven.

[wovetales]

˗ˏˋ      ᵖʳᵒˡᵒᵍᵘᵉ·      tags      ﹕      part   six.

[wovetalesarc]

˗ˏˋ      ᵖʳᵒˡᵒᵍᵘᵉ·            out   of   character            ﹕      part   six.

[wovetalesarc]

the   heir   to   the   ravenswood   house   claims   to   be   here   on   important   business   on   his   father's   command   ,   but   that   couldn't   be   further   from   the   truth.   in   his   time   away   from   king's   landing   ,   he   would   still   keep   in   correspondence   with   princess   helaena   ,   unable   to   help   himself   in   ensuring   she   was   alright   &   quite frankly   ,   he   truly   enjoyed   receiving   letters   from   her   just   making   sure   she   was   as happy as one could be in her situation.   what   was   innocent   in   nature   became   more   worrisome   as   time   past over the years   ,   so   much   so   that   theo   could   no   longer   ignore   helaena's   cries   for   help   &   sailed   a   ship   to   the   castle   in   order   to   see   her for   himself.   they   have   been   friends   since   they   were   young   &   he's   always   been   protective   of   her   due   to   how   many   tend   to   look   down   on   her for her less than conventional ways of communication.   now   that   they   are   older   ,   that   protectiveness   remains   even   when   he   knows   he   should   not   feel   that   way   ,   but   he   knows   better   than   to   turn   away   from   someone   who   needs   help   ,   especially   someone   he   cares   so deeply about.

helaena's   rough greeting   is   not   at   all   surprising   to   him   ━━   she   rarely   is   affectionate   with   anyone   ,   but   there   is   clear   worry   visible   in   her   doe   like   eyes.   with   a   guard   posted   at   the   door   outside of   the   room   &   no   one   else   to   view   them   ,   theo   reaches   for   the   princess   &   lets   his   hands   rest   on   either   side   of   her   shoulders   ,   attempting   to   ground   her   &   perhaps   provide   comfort   on   whatever   it   is   that   is   plaguing   her.   he   may   not   fully   understand   everything   that   helaena   is   going   through   ,   but   he   does   his   best   to   listen.   many   people   doubt   her   &   call   her   odd   so   that   they   can   write   her   off   &   be   on   their   way   ,   but   theo   refuses   to   do   the   same.   he's   come   all   this   way   ,   let   him   be   of   service   to   her.   ❝   your highness   .   .   . helaena.   ❞   his   voice   takes   on   a   hushed   ,   soft   tone   ,   bending   down   so   that   he's   at   her   level   ,   showing   both   safety   &   submission   to   her.   ❝   i   came   here   because   you   have   been   worrying   me.   i   feel   as   though   you   are   quite   lonely   here   in   this   castle   despite   being   surrounded   by   family.   ❞   he   speaks   boldly   ,   he   knows   he   does   ,   but   he   feels   he   needs   to   speak   plainly   ,   if   only   so   that   he   can   get   through   to   her.   ❝   please   .   .   .   what   is   it   that   is   troubling   you   ?   what   is   it   that   you   sense   ?   ❞   theo   releases   her   ,   but   then   reaches   for   her   hand   ,   gentle   in   his   touch   ,   massaging   the   top   of   her   hand   in   slow   strokes.   ❝   you   can   trust   me   ,   helaena.   i'm   here   for   you.   i   came   all   this   way   for   you.   ❞

Things were going to change. Her father grew sicker by the day, her mother ignored it more and more and it felt like no one noticed or knew. King's Landing continued to be swarmed by visitors, thankfully including a trusted childhood friend. No one cared to listen. She knew she was different — but her parents, her brothers, they really treated her like it. At least @wovetales didn't.

“ It's not a good time to be here. ” She tells him, the first thing she's said since he arrived at the palace. “ Not a good time. ” Rhaenyra and Daemon would arrive soon — her mother would get into one of her moods. “ But I'm happy you're here. Today will be hard for all of us. ”

[wovetalesarc]

the   whole   theatre   was   thrown   into   a   tizzy   when   it   was   announced   that   barbie   roberts   was   going   to   be   their   costume   designer.   everyone   knew   about   her   &   her   fashion   company   &   her   way   of   personally   involving   herself   in   her   work   ,   so   it   was   exciting   to   have   such   a   creative   force   be   apart   of   their   small   little   up   &   coming   theatre.   theo   knew   of   her   ,   of   course   ,   &   was   more   than   happy   to   be   working   with   someone   who   was   an   expert   in   their   field.   he   didn't   expect   the   woman   to   be   a   stunning   beauty   too   ,   her   introduction   to   the   cast   by   the   director   sending   him   speechless   in   a   way   no   one   has   ever   achieved.   even   here   now   as   she   takes   his   measurements   ,   he   finds   it   difficult   to   say   anything.   he   doesn't   dare   move   as   she   focuses   on   her   work   ,   but   when   she   stands   fully   ,   their   eyes   meet   for   the   briefest   moment   &   he   swears   he   could   have   gotten   lost   in   them   had   she   not   pulled   away   so   abruptly.   ❝   oh   ,   it's   quite   alright   ,   ❞   theo   finally   speaks   ,   offering   a   small   smile   as   she   scrambles   away.   if   only   he   could   find   some   excuse   for   them   to   be   close   again   ━━   god   ,   the   look   of   her   ,   the   scent   of   her   perfume   .   .   .   this   woman   will   be   the   death   of   him.   ❝   you   need   to   make   sure   everything   is   perfect   ,   i   understand.   honestly   ,   it   is   nice   to   see   someone   be   so   involved   in   their   work.   normally   ,   you   hear   of   fashion   designers   having   their   assistants   helping   them   ,   but   not   you.   ❞   he   notices   the   pink   measuring   tape   she   was   just   using   now   lying   on   the   ground   ,   immediately   bending   down   to   pick   it   up   &   offering   it   to   her   while   his   tone   shifts   into   something   soft   &   genuine.   ❝   you're   different.   an   artist   passionate   about   her   craft.   it's   nice   to   see.   ❞

measuring tape brushes the length of theo's leg, barbie consumed with being precise. she was thrilled to be working on something that she admired so. there was something captivating about theater, and though it had not been something she pursued in her own career, she did love to watch it. and she wanted these costumes to be perfect. to fit theo and the other cast members to a t. satisfied, barbie scribbles down the length in inches before standing up. her heels allow her to almost meet theo's height, eyes nearly level, blue against the deepest brown she has ever seen. her breath hitches slightly. 'oh, wow... i mean - sorry!' barbie giggles airily, pushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear as she finally gives takes a step away from theo, occupying herself with writing something down. 'when i get in the zone, i kind of forget that people have personal space!' @wovetales.

[wovetalesarc]

oh   ,   the   pure   &   complete   irony   of   this   current   relationship   of   theirs   is   not   lost   on   the   aspiring   theatre   actor.   theo   ran   away   to   escape   the   confines   of   royal   life   several   years   ago   &   now   ?   now   ,   here   he   is   ,   falling   for   a   princess   without   a   second   thought   ,   a   princess   whom   he   probably   would   have   been   forced   to   marry   him   if   he   were   still   a   prince   &   living   in   ardenia.   it's   a   funny   situation   he finds himself in , but   one   miss   barbara   is   none   the   wiser.   they   haven't   been   courting   one   another   long   ,   but   theo   has   not   been   brave   enough   to   tell   her   the   truth   of   his   origins.   to   reveal   so   much   of   his   past   when   she   loves   him   for   who   he   is   as   a   person   has   deterred   him   on   more   than   one   account   ,   living   on   the   thrill   of   such   a   beautiful   &   innocent   romance   ,   one   that   blossoms   &   is   slowly   turning   to   full on   love.   he   hasn't   said   those   words   yet   to   her   ,   but   he   feels   them   so   deeply   in   his   soul.   when   he   does   say   those   three   words   ,   he   knows   he'll   need   to   be   honest   with   her   ,   but   for   now   ,   perhaps   he   wants   to   ride   on   this   high   for   a   moment   longer   &   enjoy   what   they   have   without   the   complications   dragging   them   down.

❝   barbara.   ❞   theo is   damn   near   breathless   as   he   turns   to   face   her   ,   wearing   her   signature   pink   as   she   approaches   ,   all   smile   &   pure   joy   just   from   being   near   him.   who   can   say   they   have   shared   such   a   similar   &   innocent   experience   ?   it   makes   his   heart   sing   &   he   doesn't   hide   the   way   his   cheeks   burn   ,   just   as   his   whole   being   equally   burns   for   her.   ❝   a   surprise   ?   i   feel   as   though   you   are   spoiling   me   far   too   much , darling.   first   the   ball   yesterday   &   now   this   ?   ❞   he   doesn't   go   into   detail   about   the   ball   what   with   her   handmaiden   present.   he   won't   talk   about   how   they   kissed   so   passionately   on   that   balcony   ,   the   scent   of   her   perfume   still   muddling   his   senses hours later , the sound of her name whispered so eagerly into her parted lips.   he   clears   his   throat   after   a   moment lost in thought   ,   happy   to   allow   barbara   to   take   the   lead   ,   social   constructs   be   damned.   ❝   well   ,   i   can't   say   no   to   a   princess   ,   now   can   i   ?   ❞   theo   chuckles   ,   giving   her   gloved   hand   a   squeeze.   ❝   am   i   meant   to   close   my   eyes   &   allow   you   to   take   the   lead ?   i   trust   you   won't   let   me   run   into   a   wall   if   that's   the   case.   ❞

society would surly disapprove of a princess falling in love with an actor. an artist. someone not of royal blood, nor any sort of nobility, but a man who simply had love and passion for his craft. but barbie did not care for what others might think of her. theo made her happy. watching him perform, the improper moments alone they had behind the curtains. her handmaiden stands several paces back as the princess waits with her gloved hands clasped together, glancing up through long lashes as theo approaches her from backstage. 'good evening, theo,' when she started using his first name rather than his title, she doesn't know, but her vibrant grin accompanies the word. 'i was hoping i might be able to show you something. will you follow me?' eyes gleam a bit as she reaches out her hand. again, another societal abnormality for a man and a woman, but she enjoyed how gently he wraps his hand around hers. 'a surprise, so do not ask any questions of me,' @wovetales.

[wovetales]

when   people   meet   the   former   prince & for the first time   ,   their   reactions   are   usually   always   the   same.   he's   been   taught   to   stand   tall   ,   to   present   himself   as   unfeeling   &   cold   &   it's   been   difficult   to   shed   that   part   of   himself   as   he   tries   to   adjust   to   a   more   humble   living   in   the   city.   often   when   friends   introduce   him   to   others   ,   he   isn't   seen   as very   approachable   ,   so   he   knows   it's   his   own doing   when   he   isn't   receiving   many   invitations   to   other   events   &   parties.   for   some   reason   ,   when   his   fellow   co   -   star   introduced   him   to   victor   conley   ,   something   in   him   just   snapped   &   the   once   icy   seeming   prince   is   now   suddenly   at   a   loss   of   words , unsure   how   to   carry   on   a   normal   conversation.   in   the   end   ,   the   party   was   fun   despite   having   too   many   memory   lapses   to   really   recall   most   of   it   ,   but   he   does   remember   victor   leading   him   back   to   his   place   ,   ensuring   that he   was   well   hydrated   &   cared   for   ,   &   then   a   kiss   .   .   .      maybe   more   than   one   kiss   , was   shared   &   suddenly   his   cheeks   are   red   just   thinking   about   it   all   over   again.   they   only   just   met   &   he's   thrown   himself   over   this   man   who's   still   just   a   stranger.   this   is   so   not   becoming   of   him   &   yet   somehow   ,   victor   seems   kind   about   it   ━━   even   going   as   far   as   encouraging   him   to   stay.   this   is   .   .   .   most   definitely   a   first   for   him.   should   he   stay   ?   he   clings   to   his   coat   a   little   more   ,   using   it   to   ground   him   as   he   tries   to   navigate   his   way   through   this   uncharted   territory.

❝   i'm   rather   thankful   you're   not   chasing   me   out   ,   especially   with   how   i   acted   last   night.   ❞   he's   still   a   little �� remorseful   over   kissing   him   ,   not   because   he   didn't   like   it   ,   he   liked   it   a   lot   more   than   he'd   care   to   admit   ,   but   moreso   because   it   was   done   so   hastily.   if   given   the   chance   ,   he'd   take   his   time   ━━   make   it   more   romantic   ,   more   meaningful   &   after   a   long   period   of   getting   to   know   victor   better.   too   late   to   change   the   past   now.   ❝   i'm   sorry   for   springing   that   on   you   ,   by   the   way.   i'm   normally   not   like   that   &   i   don't   know   what   came   over   me.   ❞   well   ,   he   does   know   ,   but   no   need   to   bring   up   all   that.   best   to   focus   on   that   invitation   victor   just   posed   .   .   .   should   he   stay   ?   ❝   you   know   ,   i   could   do   with   some pain   killers.   my   head   does   feel   a   bit   painful & oddly foggy   at   the   moment.   ❞   but   was   it because   of   what   they   took   or   because   of   how   this   man   is   making   him   feel   ?   he   couldn't   say for sure.   ❝   do   you   have   ingredients   to   make   an   omelet   ?   i'm   rather decent   when   it   comes   to   cooking   breakfast.   breakfast   &   pizza   are   my   specialties   ,   actually.   ❞

theo  is  cute  ,     victor  thinks  ,     while  trailing  into  his  kitchen  with  a  blanket  pulled  around  his  shoulders.     more  than  cute  ,     even———handsome  ,     all  ruffled  and  a-fluster  ,     coat  in  arms  ,     trying  to  seem  put  together.     stepping  through  the  archway  into  the  living  room  ,     victor  leans  against  the  couch  with  his  blanket  still  gripped  tight  ,     cheeks  heating  as  he  watches  the  other.           ❛❛  you're  welcome  whenever  you'd  like  ,     theo.     especially  if  you've  got  drink  with  you.  ❜❜           a  wicked  smirk  takes  his  face  ,      but  all  that  facial  movement  makes  his  poor  hungover  head  hurt  ,     so  it  falters  not  long  after  with  a  grimace.

eyes  flicker  then  to  his  coffee  table  ,     all  the  pill  bottles  strewn  about  it  ,     and  he  grimaces  again———shifts  and  moves  closer  in  hopes  of  pulling  theo's  attention.           ❛❛  you  don't  have  to  run  out  so  fast  ,     y'know.     i'm  not  chasin'  you  with  a  broom.     you'd  probably  do  well  with  some  water  and  an  advil———any  good  at  cookin'  ?  ❜❜

[wovetalesarc]

the   senator   has   always   struggled   when   it   came   to   his   anger   ,   always   quick   to   lash   out   whenever   he   felt   disrespected   ,   but   especially   when   it   came   to   his   sister.   he   expected   arra   to   fight   back   ━━   perhaps   put   him   in   his   place   in   some   physical   form   or   fashion   ,   but   just   as   jedi   preach   &   practice   discipline   &   peace   ,   so   does   his   sister's   protector   as   she   continues   to   keep   a   cool   &   calm   demeanor when speaking to him.   it   makes   him   speechless   to   see   someone   react   so   unaffected   to   his   clearly   angered   tone   ,   not   used   to   anyone   speaking   to   him   in   such   a   respectable   way.   that   is   his   fault   of   course   ,   but   he'd   rather   feel   the   weight   of   a   lightsaber   through   his   chest   than   fully   admit   to   those   faults aloud.   guilt   begins   to   spread   through   the   senator's   chest   as   the   jedi   continues   to   speak   ,   asking   for   his   cooperation   so   that   his   sister   remains   as   safe   as   she   possibly   can   be.   you   love   her   ,   she   claims   &   theo   does   his   best   not   to   react   to   that   statement in any way that could reveal the truth.   while   arra   is   not   wrong   in   her   observation   ,   it   is   not   the   kind   of   love   she   probably   imagines.

silence   fall   over   them   again   as   they   stand   there   in   the   hallway   ,   theo   barely   able   to   keep   his   gaze   focused   on   the   jedi   merely   out   of   personal   shame.   he   wonders   if   his   sister   is   listening   at   the   door   to   hear   their   conversation.   knowing   her   ,   he   wouldn't   put   it   past   her.   hela   may   be   a   wise   queen   ,   but   she   is   still   young   ,   innocent   &   curious   ━━   all   the   more   reason   why   theo   is   so   fierce   in   protecting   her.   ❝   it   seems   as   though   i   let   my   anger   get   the   best   of   me.   ❞   theo   clears   his   throat   ,   clearly   annoyed   that   he   has   to   admit   this   to   the   jedi   ,   but   he   doesn't   want   arra   to   turn   her   back   on   them   solely   because   of   his   actions.   ❝   i   only   want   the   queen   to   be   as   protected   as   possible   ,   that   is   true   ,   but   you   wounded   my   pride   when   you   dragged   me   out   of   the   room   &   i   lashed   out   at   you.   i   am   a   senator.   i   should   know   better   than   to   lash   out   at   such   a   well   respected   jedi.   ❞   fingers   pinch   the   bridge   of   his   nose   as   he   releases   a   deep   sign   ,   the   stress   of   this   trip   clearly   getting   the   better   of   him   ,   but   he   knows   that's   not   a   valid   excuse.   ❝   forgive   me   ,   miss   tuined.   you're   right   ,   we   should   work   together   to   ensure   queen   hela's   safety.   i   hope   in   time   you   can   forgive   my   actions   &   see   that   it   all   comes   from   a   good   place   ,   despite   my   less   than   kind   tone. i . . . i hope i did not insult you in any way.   ❞

his care for the queen is obvious. perhaps there are feelings attached that arra is unaware of, feelings she needs to respect. the senator's vehemence is blinding — his distrust of the jedi to keep queen hela safe is even more obvious. arra, it seems, is approaching this situation the wrong way, and needs to make changes. "i see." the jedi stands still, stands straight, but does not flinch or falter at his hatred. even when he gets right in her face, hoping to intimidate her, arra is unmoved. "you will not see her harmed, senator," is her even response, cadence specifically chosen for simplicity's sake. she is calm. her tone is easy. "queen hela is safe, and the separatists will not do her harm. i can assure you of that. that is partially why i am so adamant about approving her visitors; i must protect her, senator, and by storming in there without my permission, you have jeopardized her safety." arra still hasn't flinched. she stares into his eyes, holds her ground, and steadies herself. "i sensed your entrance, but i recognized your care for her and did not stop you. your passion for queen hela is obvious. but you overstayed your welcome and lingered too long, which is why i made you leave. you disobeyed my orders. that was wrong."

there's a long, pregnant pause before arra speaks again. this time, she's softer. the warmth in her throat melts down to a slight simmer, and the corners of her eyes soften with understanding. all of @wovetales's words stick to the roof of her mouth. "you love her," arra notes, voice low. "you wish to see her safe. you wish to know she is unharmed at all times. instead of sneaking past my defenses and not trusting me, perhaps it would be wise to establish some kindness instead. work with me, senator." her head tilts. "for her sake, let us strive to protect the queen with everything we have. tell me when you wish to see her. allow me to trust you, and you, to trust me."

[wovetalesarc]

in    all    his    frustration    ,    the    senator    knows    he    could    easily    say    something    to    the    jedi    that    may    cause    her    to    unleash    her    lightsaber.    he    isn't    afraid    of    such    backlash    ,    but    he    knows    better    than    to    stir    conflict    to    a    point    where    his    dear    sister    will    need    to    involve    herself    &    resolve the issue.    dramatically    ,    theo    adjusts    his    coat    while    his    eye    contact    remains    locked    on    arra    as    she    speaks    &    chastises    him    for    his    actions    ,    still    insulted    by    the    way    she    chose    to    handle    things    &    drag    him    a    way    ,    a sight    that    he    has    no    doubt    his    sister    enjoyed    seeing    ,    especially    when    she    had always    claimed    that he    was    being    too    uptight    &    overprotective    for    his    own    good.    the senator    sighs    ,    trying    to    find    the    right    words    to    say    without    causing    anymore    trouble    ,    though    admittedly    he    finds    it    very    difficult    &    perhaps    it    would    be    smarter    to    just    walk    away    &    move    on    from    this. unfortunately ,    even    he    isn't    able    to    just    let    it    go    so    easily.

❝    i    didn't    realize    i    had    to    alert    you    of    my    every    move , miss tuined.    ❞    theo    leans    his    body    against    a    nearby    pillar    ,    arms    crossed    over    his    chest    as    if    he    were    some    pouty    child    trying    to    explain    his    reasonings    for    having    a    tantrum.    ❝    as    a    jedi    ,    aren't    you    meant    to    know    our    every    move in advance    ?    why    do    we    entrust    you    with    our    protection    when    i    could    so    easily    slip    by    you    the    way    i    did    ?    ❞    it    wasn't    fair    of    him    to    make    such    a    comment    &    he    knows    that    the    moment    the    statement    falls    from    his    lips    ,    but    arra    had    embarrassed    him    &    he    refused    to    let    that    go    lightly.    he    won't    cause    anymore    trouble    ,    but    he    won't    just    let    this    be    completely    ignored.    ❝    my    .    .    .    queen    trusts    you    jedi    to    keep    her    &    the    rest    of    us    welll protected    ,    but    i    am    not    so    sure if i'm as easily convinced.    forgive    me    if    my    fate    wavers    a    bit    ,    but    i    can't    help    but    remain    attentive    to    the    queen    at    all    times.    i'll    ❛    alert    ❜    you    next    time    ,    but    perhaps    it    would    be    better    if    you    were    at    your    post    where    i    can    properly    alert    you.    ❞    just    as    he's    about    to    turn    on    his    heel    &    walk    away    ,    theo    decides    to    take    a    few    steps    forward    toward    the    jedi    ,    aware    of    her    strength    both    in    physical    &    mental    prowess    ,    but    he    wasn't    about    to    let    fear    falter    him.    ❝    queen    hela    is    a    treasure    to    ardenia    prime.    if    anything    were    to    happen    to    her    under    your    watch    .    .    .    there    will    be    hell    to    pay    ,    i    assure    you.    ❞

arra is anything but violent (or at least, she tries to be), but the very moment the ardenia prime senator crosses that line and jeopardizes queen hela's safety, arra takes action. she would very much like to be gentle here and coax theodore bennet out of her quarters with words rather than physical strength... but his insistence and disrespect of the jedi's demands makes arra resolute in her action. she only snatches him by his coat, but the way @wovetales hollers in protest, you would think she grabbed something worse.

"i realize, senator, that you are no 'common criminal,' but the queen is under my protection, and i cannot have casual guests wandering into her quarters without warning when the stakes are so high." this is not the first time a ruler of republic-owned space has been threatened by separatist invaders, and also not the first time a jedi has taken the reins of said royal's protection. this, however, is starkly different for countless reasons — they will not be returning to ardenia prime until the problems are solved by clone forces, for one. this means the queen is here on coruscant; this means arra tuined is responsible for her safety, and this means theo bennet must obey her commands and stay out of her quarters unless approved by the jedi herself. "you snuck in without alerting me," she continues, arms crossed over her chest. "you're meant to tell me before you go blundering in to see the queen. really, senator, surely you know better than that." arra almost wants to sneer or use a jedi mind trick on the man, but his brain (however badly she wants to believe otherwise) is most likely not weak enough for that. "next time, tell me, and i'll accompany you inside. she's in grave danger, senator bennet," arra adds, brows lowering over her eyes, "and i won't let your secret sneaking-in compromise her safety."