#prince Waldemar | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

reverieblondie · 2 months ago

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The Dark Prince: Chapter 3, The Morning After

Paring- Dark Prince Rolan x Blessed Princess F!Tav

Warnings- 18+ MDNI, will include violence and smut, and two pinning idiots.

Summary: Tavs first night in Waldemar is not like she expected... So the next day she's not in the best of moods when it comes to her new husband. maybe they should talk about it...or not.

A/N: Its here!! I hope you are as excited as me and Sweet anon are! (huge shout out for them for helping me with the editing and helping me with parts I just could not get right! they are a life saver!) I hope you enjoy!

<- Chapter 2

Vignette 1: Retribution (Do you want a short read about the others exploring Waldermar? Well here you go!)

He never came...

Tav slumps her head within her hands and groans.

She had been agonizing over making the right first impression ever since Sivailon had agreed to the Dark Prince's proposal. She had forgone sleep and leisure, even during what would be the final days she had left to spend in her home and among familiar faces, to instead learn more about the kingdom she was to help rule. She had sat and smiled and held her tongue all evening in the face of his blatant indifference and disregard towards her and now he hadn’t even bothered showing up to consummate the marriage he had wanted!

Is this to be a sexless marriage? Was the Dark King just shy? Did he maybe want to take things slow?

She is certain they could figure out something to make this work if only he would just talk to her!

An explanation, an agreement to discuss matters at a later time, she'd even take a note under the door if it meant getting so much as an inkling on what to expect.

Three sharp knocks interrupt roiling thoughts. A part of her wonders if it is the Dark King but...

"My Lady? May we come in?” Shadowheart's voice chimes through the door.

There is the sound of movement quickly followed by three more knocks,

—though it would be more accurate to call it bangs—on the door.

"Make yourself decent, dark usurper!" Lae'zel demanded, "I have no qualms wrenching this door from its frame!”

As Tav hurriedly wrapped one of the blankets around herself, she could hear what sounded like Wyll's voice trying to calm down his fellow knight. Rising to her feet and not sparing another thought towards how she might appear, she opened the door to be greeted by each of her friends wearing their own faces of concern.

Shadowheart attempted to school her expression as she gave her fellow selûnite a once over, “It seems you had a restless night…"

"He didn’t show." Tav blurted out curtly, her fingers burying themselves further into the blanket she clutched around her.

Her court exchanged looks of collective confusion before Shadowheart tried to tactfully voice it, “You didn't see him after we left?"

"No, I didn't see him." Tav snapped, turning on her heels and striding back into her room as she felt her frustration about to spill over, "The Dark Prick never came!”

Shadowheart immediately rushed over to her friend, equal parts surprised and concerned. Lae’zel smirked at seeing a glimpse of Tav's fierceness again before the githyanki pulled Wyll into the room with them when her fellow knight hesitated between entering or waiting outside the room. Wyll began to bring up concerns about propriety and decorum, causing a humorless laugh to rip from Tav's throat before she could stop it. Shooting him an apologetic glance, she made her way behind the changing screen as Shadowheart began gathering clothing and various other supplies to help the new Queen get ready.

"You two can wait outside if you want. Though I doubt it would make much difference to him either way." Tav called to her knights, dropping her blanket and kicking it to the side with lingering irritation before yanking off her slip, "And if he doesn't like it, then he can march his tail down here and talk to me about it himself."

There was a moment of silence before she heard the door click shut.

"That he can." came Wyll's soft spoken reply, the faint smile audible in his words as was Lae'zel's noise of agreement.

Tav couldn't help but smile lightly herself, once again grateful to have such loyal friends with her now. Just knowing that they were here with her, here for her, helped ease the storm of her emotions to a more manageable level.

It was replaced with a momentary flash of frantic embarrassment when she rushed to change her ruined underwear. The evidence of that damned haunting, irritating, delicious dream is swapped out and thrown in the hamper before Shadowheart joins her behind the changing screen. They'd had a dress made of the two kingdoms' colors for Tav's first day in Waldemar... but maybe that one would have to wait for a different time. A dress of soft blue with lilac flowers ebroed on the skirt was selected instead.

Shadowheart helps pull the dress over Tav's head before the lady-in-waiting started to lace it up. There is a comfortable silence in the room as Tav grabs a brush, running it through her hair as she begins to get her thoughts back in order. After finish with the dress, Shadowheart teasingly swats the Queen's hands aside to take over. Eventually, they both exited from behind the changing screen as the Queen placed the royal circlet upon her brow with a determined smile. "Shall we head to breakfast?” Tav proposed before pulling a somewhat exaggerated face, "Well... Assuming we can find our way there after last night..."

Lae'zel began listing off the most efficient routes she'd found to reach the locations where a meal would likely be served while Wyll tried to give Tav a chiding look for her comment despite clearly trying to fight back his amused smile. Shadowheart bumped the two knights away from the door before opening it to allow them through. As they exit the grand room, the door across from them on the opposite side of the hall is gently creaked open.

Tav paused thinking it could be Alfira or perhaps one of the other tieflings they'd seen last night, but what she sees makes her blood run cold. A woman with firey orange hair that contrasts her gray skin, which her dark dress showed a generous amount of, slinks out of the room, a spaded tail curling gracefully behind her as she stretched her vast wings and turned her horned head to regard the small audience. The woman—no, the fiend—smirked, looking Tav up and down then her dark eyes seem to move past Tav and that smile grows wider.

"My, I didn’t expect he would put you so close to his room.” The fiend says in an almost sing-song voice, wiping the corner of her mouth with a thumb as she approaches.

"His room... ?" Tav tries to ignore the cold, sinking feeling in her chest.

"Why, the King's room, of course." the fiend answered with barely veiled condescension, "Whose else would it be? Surely his wife should know that."

It was no secret that the usurper of Waldemar had devils in his court but this... In his room?

"Quite bold of you to have such a parade leave your private chambers in the morning." the devil continued, "It could cause a rather... scandalous impression should the wrong person catch wind of it."

"Enough!” Wyll snapped, inserting himself between them, "If you have something to tell the Queen, then speak plainly and with respect."

"At ease, loyal pup,” She smirked, briefly revealing her pointed teeth. “I’m only teasing.”

Lae'zel made a point to place herself in such a way that the fiend could see the githyanki's blade that was being partially drawn from its sheath. However, the devil didn't seem to react to this; instead letting her eyes slide back to Tav.

"I am Mizora—one of the King's personal advisors." the stranger introduced herself, "Forgive any impoliteness you perceived on my behalf. It feels as though I already know you all so well."

Mizora slowly inched closer. Tav's eyes never left the fiend, but she could still feel as Shadowheart further tensed beside her.

"Of course, everyone knows you, Tav. Then her little handmaiden Shadowheart and your novel gith knight Lae’zel." Mizora listed, the saccharine sweetness oozing from her words belied by the uncomfortably sharp anticipation in her eyes, "And lastly Wyll Ravenguard, a knight of noble blood and even more noble spirit. Quite intriguing, I must say.”

The fiend leans in closer towards him and Tav is struck by the overwhelming need to get this devil's attention away from her friend.

"Is the King in his room?” she blurts out, drawing Mizora's focus from the knight.

"Not currently." the devil hummed, "I had been hoping to have a... private meeting with him about some things."

"Oh?" Tav asked, fighting to keep her voice level and to not get caught on what this fiend might be implying—that could be dealt with later when there wasn't a devil far too close to herself and her friends.

"The King is quite the avid study, even among wizards. He likes to know things and encourages his court to do the same. He is a very busy man. No time or patience for interruptions or those who can't contribute." Mizora continued, "But listen to me prattle on. What was it that you needed from him, hm? I'm sure I could pass along the message for you."

I don't trust you to pass me in the hallway, much less to pass along a message.

Tav swallowed, praying silently to Selûne that she did not reveal her disquieted agitation in front of this devil, "I was hoping to have breakfast with him. Share our first meal together.”

Mizora made a show of trying to stifle her laughter before a more familiar voice cut in from down the hall.

"Mizora!" They all turned to see Alfira walking towards them with haste, her posture and polite smile as tight and strained as the enthusiasm in her voice, "I see you've met the new Queen!"

The male tiefling the King had hugged last night followed close behind Alfira's heels. Unlike the bard he stood beside, his anxious, searching gaze silently jumped between them all.

“Alfira, how good of you to finally arrive." Mizora barely even spared the two tieflings a glance, suddenly seeming far less interested in the conversation, "We were just discussing what the Queen plans to do this day. I felt it only appropriate that I take the opportunity to properly introduce myself and offer my assistance, seeing as you were running late."

"How thoughtful of you..." the bard replied, expression still tight as her eyes darted between Tav and the fiend.

"Of course! And I couldn’t help but get so… enthralled with the conversation. Newlyweds are so precious with their little ideas, after all. She was telling me of her hope to share a meal with the King when you joined us.” The devil hummed, a small smirk returning to her lips as she looked Alfira up and down. "But, now that you're here, I suppose I'd best leave your job to you and attend to my own. Ta-ta!"

With a coy wave of her hand, a darkness rippled across Mizora's form, quickly enveloping her before she vanished with a small burst of sparks and embers. The two tieflings didn't so much as flinch—though Alfira continued to stare silently at where the fiend had been even after the ciders disappeared. The male teifling looks between the bard and Tav.

He eventually let out a slightly nervous chuckle and gave Tav a weak but warm smile, “Devils, right?"

“It's... definitely company we're unaccustomed to." Tav admitted.

"I guess I should finally make my introduction since everyone else seems to keep beating me to it. I’m Cal," he walked forward with his hand outstretched, "Rolan's brother."

Wait, brother?

Tav resist the urge for her jaw to drop as she looks at the tiefling—his square jaw, dark dusty colored hair, and fiery orange eyes.

Cal gives a much more genuine smile and light hearted chuckle, “Judging from your expression, I’m guessing Rolan hasn't mentioned us.”

Us?

Before Tav can ask Cal for clarification, Alfria cleared her throat and bowed before Tav and her court, “I'm so sorry for being late, your Majesty. Please, forgive me.”

"There's nothing to forgive. I'm sure you were simply busy with other matters." Tav answered, though the bard didn't seem entirely reassured.

"Thank you, your Majesty." Alfira straightened, her hands clasped behind her back, “I had meant to ask if there was anything you may need. I know the majority of your belongings have yet to arrive, so I would be happy to find suitable replacements for you until then.”

Tav tilted her head, considering for a moment. The room she had been gifted was well supplied with various amenities. Even if it still didn't quite feel like her own space just yet, most of what she really needed was already there except for her personal shrine to Selûne.

“I suppose... Are there any silver vessels I could keep in my room for a time? Cups, chalices, goblets, and such." Tav eventually asked, before adding on, "And perhaps a jug of milk, if there is a way to keep it from spoiling."

Alfira blinks in confusion before hastily dipping into another bow, “Of course, your Majesty! Right away!”

With that, the bard was off with surprising speed. Soon she had disappeared around the corner in a rush of color and jingles, leaving Cal, Tav, and her court alone in the hallway.

After a moment, Tav felt a light tap on her shoulder. Looking towards it, she found Shadowheart regarding her with a slightly pinched expression.

"My Lady, we still don’t know how to reach the dining hall from here... or even if that is where we are to go."

Tav looked from her, then back down the hallway where the closest thing they'd had to a guide was now long gone, before finally looking towards Lae'zel in hopes that the knight had found some indication of where they should go. The githyanki approached Cal, her very presence seeming to command his attention.

"You, one who stares," she demanded, "You will escort us where we must go."

“Ha, right of course! It's this way.” he says a bit shyly before waving for the group to follow him, still laughing slightly to himself, "I'm just glad you didn't want to kick my tail again. It's too early for that."

Tav feels her eyes widen slightly as she looks from her new brother-in-law to Lae’zel, neither of whom seemed too thrown off by the statement. She was clearly missing something here but Tav just shook her head; the Queen still needed to worry about getting a handle on her own relationships here—especially that between her and her new husband. So long as nobody seemed distressed or perturbed, concerning herself with the relationships of others would have to wait.

Turns out that the dining hall was not as nearly confusing to get to as Tav had dreaded. The route Cal brought them down was mildly lengthy but still relatively straightforward—at least compared to the tour they'd been given last night.

Like everything else, it would take time to grow accustomed to, but their walk allowed Tav to begin learning more about Cal. Apparently he was a chancellor in his brother's court. Though Cal admitted he didn’t exactly get to help Rolan handle matters of politics or the whole kingdom, the younger tiefling was in charge of the various day-to-day operations around the castle and making sure those could be carried out smoothly.

"I basically handle the smaller scale things Rolan doesn't want to be bothered with." Cal says, fondly rolling his eyes, "I wouldn’t have it any other way, though. Even if it can keep me pretty busy."

This was proven when, right as their group arrived at the dining hall, Cal ended up being pulled away by a few servants who needed him.

With an apology and a bow he promised he would have to join them for breakfast at a different time.

"I don’t remember the last time we all had a meal together, but it's something we should definitely try now that you're here.” the tiefling smiled, "I’m sure we'll have plenty of time to chat, considering you're family now.”

Those words left Tav with her own smile. Cal had been so warm and welcoming, and when he spoke of his brother it was with such fondness. It was apparent how much he truly loves his brother. While Tav doubts any affection will ever bloom between herself and her husband, she is now slightly more hopeful for building mutual respect in their marriage. If Cal can speak of his brother in such high regard, then the Dark King certainly couldn't be all bad.

As Tav pauses before the two dark colored doors, she feels her heart thumping in her chest. Despite last night, she still wants this to go well. Taking a steadying breath, she reminds herself that this could still be the start of prosperous partnership... sneering vampire spawn and devils aside...

Just be open-minded and polite.

Shadowheart waits until Tav gives her a nod before opening the doors. The Queen keeps a smile on her face as the room is revealed to her. That smile falters when she sees that the seats lining the long dining table are all empty. Her brows furrowed as she walked in further, eyes glancing about the space.

There is food, lit chandeliers and candelabras, a few guards, and various decorations.

Yet there is no sign of her husband.

"Ah, your Majesty!” an enthusiastic voice called from the far side of the room.

Coming in through the servants' entrance, Tav sees a man with longish brown hair and a single earring in his left ear. In his hand, he holds a plate of food that he quickly places down as he approaches.

"The moon-blessed, divine soul sorcerer! Tav of Sivailon! Queen of Waldemar! A true pleasure to at last make your acquaintance." he began, reaching out and shaking Tav's hand, "You have already become a popular topic in the castle, I will have you know. Honestly can’t go anywhere without overhearing some discussion or other about you. I, for one, am happy to have you here.”

Tav listens as carefully as she can to the man and his rambling. It seems like everyone but the Dark King is friendly here.

The man's eager smile is framed by a short beard, a smile that takes on a hint of embarrassment when the human's dark eyes glance at the faces of Tav and her court to see their lost expressions, “Oh! Right, I suppose I skipped a few steps in making introductions. Apologies, I'm usually better at this. I'm Gale, magister of Waldemar and, if I dare say, a trusted member of the King's court. Us wizards like to keep close, you know.”

Gale gives Tav a bow that she welcomes with a smile and a curtsy of her own, “It's a pleasure to meet you. I do not intend to be dismissive, but..."

"Where is the Dark King?” Shadowheart finished for her bluntly, sparing Tav from having to ask after her husband, again.

Gale looks a bit surprised at the lady-in-waiting's curt interjection, but only for a moment, “Ah, yes! King Rolan has already gotten his breakfast and begun to go about his duties. He was rather eager to resume after returning last night—wanted to be filled in on every little thing that happened while he was away—so I can hardly say it's a surprise that mindset carried over to this morning."

Tav once again feels her heart sink in disappointment.

"Ah- However, I was asked to join you, lest you be left to believe you've married into a most ill-mannered kingdom. I, for one, happen to be very grateful for this chance to make you and your court's acquaintance." Gale quickly pressed on, his words slightly rushed as he attempted to keep the air positive, "I've even asked Tara to join us, if she can spare the time. But, should she decide to grace us with her presence, I can assure you this... ah... hiccup in your day will be swiftly forgotten."

"It's not the kingdom that is ill-mannered." Tav heard Shadowheart grumble under her breath as she pulled out a chair for her Lady.

As Tav sat, a small handful of servants wasted no time in placing various foods and dishes before the Queen—not even giving her a chance to examine the options herself before setting her plate. Tav did her best to remain unbothered at yet another choice seemingly being made for her, even one as simple as this; the servants were likely just following instructions anyway.

"So what duties is the King seeing to this morning?" Tav began, plucking an orange slice from a small artfully arranged fruit platter, "I would very much like to know if it's something I could be invited to accompany him with. Or are there other matters that I could instead attend to?"

Though Tav believes she had chosen her words with the utmost of care, Gale appears to nearly choke on his food, much to the Queen's surprise and mild alarm.

"Urm- Right. Your duties... Well, you see... um..." Gale adjusted in his chair, probably trying to get his thoughts in order and regain his composure, but Tav could recognize the expression of someone mulling over how to deliver information they worried would be poorly received. The interaction leaves Lae'zel and Shadowheart to share a questioning glance before the lady-in-waiting pours a goblet of water for the wizard upon noticing the Queen's look of concern. Gale gratefully accepted the goblet with a quick nod of thanks, downing the water before clearing his throat.

However, Gale's chance to speak was promptly cut off with the sound of an exasperated sigh from Shadowheart. “If you say that the King decided she needs more time to adjust, then you will be the first to learn I do not share my Lady's patiences.”

Gale simply stared at Shadowheart with surprise for a moment before his expression fell into a somewhat pensive smile, his eyes not stern but with a certain warmth, "If I may be honest, I personally believe it is the King who needs the time to adjust. He is... Well, to say it plainly, the man can be a bit of a control freak—finds it difficult to delegate tasks rather than trying to take care of it all himself."

He should have thought of that before proposing marriage and co-rulership...

Tav's thoughts must have shown on her face, as the wizard gave her a sympathetic yet knowing half smile, “Grace him with your patience, your Majesty. Besides, with no duties, you are free to explore to your heart's content! I heard you had... an interesting tour of the castle last night, but we have a vast library, the gardens and the palace grounds are rather beautiful to behold this time of year, and then there are the training grounds where you can watch Zevlor and Karlach train our soldiers into top shape-"

“You will tell us more about these training grounds, wizard." Lae'zel declared, the mention of them having instantly caught the githyanki's attention and interest.

"You will find it on the far right of the castle grounds a little ways off from the gardens. Needless to say, you're all welcomed to use and practice there as you like." Gale answered, appearing mostly unfazed by Lae'zel's interjections and instead seeming pleased with having caught at least one person's interest, "If you're ever having trouble finding suitable sparring partners, then I could always see about conjuring up a few opponents. Alternatively, if I happen to be unavailable, you could ask Leon for the same—assuming you're able to find where the sorcerer is lurking about.”

A fellow sorcerer?!

Tav tried to contain her excitement at the news, as she had rarely gotten the chance to meet other sorcerers in the past. Though she had always wanted to become better practiced with her magic, she could only teach herself so much—even with all the resources at her disposal in Sivailon. Perhaps she could learn from Leon? Or at the very least she might meet someone else who shares some of her experiences.

Trying not to appear overeager, Tav softly cleared her throat, “I look forward to meeting Leon; I feel we would have much to discuss.”

"Well, I'd be more than happy to give you two a proper introduction. At this time of day, he's probably tucked himself away in our shared study, in his quarters, or somewhere among the shelves of the castle's library. I'll warn that we might have a hard time finding him in that last one, as it is quite vast." Gale smiled, "Though there is also a chance we'll cross paths with Rolan while there. The King is quite the avid reader. Always so eager to learn.”

Unless it's about his wife.

The bitter thought rose unbidden and unwelcome in Tav's mind as she fought to keep her expression and voice from betraying her, "I think we walked past the library a few times last night while Alfira was giving us our tour, though we never actually entered it.”

Gale let out another small chuckle, though the Queen couldn't tell if it was forced, nervous, or genuine, "While I admit I'm somewhat guilty of losing track of time there myself, that place might as well be an extension to Rolan's study."

Tav lifted a cup to her mouth, stalling and hoping to hide her disquiet from the wizard who was clearly trying to be nothing but kind and didn't deserve to deal with her frustration. It was almost a relief when a refined voice cut through the air, pulling away everyone’s attention.

"His Majesty's study?" the new voice asked, somewhat incredulously, "More like a second bedroom, though you're hardly much better, Mr. Dekarios, with how often I've caught you asleep there.”

While Tav and her court looked around for the owner of this new voice, Gale's expression lit up as he looked down at something just behind his chair.

"Tara! You made it!"

Everyone turned back in time to see a green-eyed calico cat leaping upon the backrest of Gale's chair, a pair of feathered wings lightly fluttering to steady the landing before folding neatly against the creature's back.

If she hadn't known her fellow selûnite so well, Tav would have been startled when Shadowheart excitedly grasped her hand at the sight.

"A tressym..." the cleric eagerly began to explain, "Brilliant creatures with magical abilities to match.”

"Brilliant? Oh, my!" the tressym—Tara—perked up, that refined voice evidently coming from her and now sounding pleasantly surprised, "How delightful to meet someone else with such fine taste. Mr. Dekarios, she has such an astute sense for character. You know what I say about a woman who can sense character!"

At that Gale's eyes widened slightly, flicking from the tressym to Shadowheart before he somewhat ducked his head, “Yes, Tara, you've mentioned it… Multiple times, might I add."

“Well, if you actually listened more often, then I would have no need to remind you so often.”

"Tara, must we do this now?" Gale lightly chuckled, dragging a hand down his face, which now seemed to be a tad flushed, "Surely it can wait until after our new friends here-"

"Oh, don't delay on our behalf." Shadowheart smirked, voice tinted with mirth and the smallest amount of mischief, "Besides, it sounds like you wouldn’t have to do this now if you just listened to her, Gale.”

Tav felt bad for wanting to laugh at the poor wizard's predicament. It seemed her lady-in-waiting was already finding a new furry friend in Tara, but the Queen still didn't miss the way Shadowheart's hand twitched as the cleric restrained herself from reaching out to pet the tressym from across the table.

"Tara," Gale tried again, awkwardly gesturing toward Tav, "We are in front of the Queen.”

Fur fluffing out, Tara stretched to see around the wizard's head and her eyes widened as they found Tav. Unsure what else to do, the Queen offered her a small wave.

"You let me prattle on like this in front of the Queen?!" Tara hissed, taking flight in a flurry of motion as she bapped a paw against the side of Gale's head, "Had you not thought to give us a proper introduction?! Have you no manners, Mr. Dekarios?!"

The wizard only laughed and, by Selûne's light, Tav was fighting hard to hide her own amusement at the scene playing out before her. While poor Tara clearly seemed mortified, seeing the banter was honestly a breath of fresh air compared to the rehearsed lines Tav had been learning to expect thus far and the Queen couldn't help but steal a glance at her friends to gauge if they were as amused as herself.

Lae’zel stared at the tressym in narrow-eyed confusion. It reminded Tav of when the githyanki had met Scratch. Shadowheart was probably the only one of them to have already known what a tressym is, but even she seemed to have been surprised that Tara could speak; Tav could only guess how surprised Lae'zel must be to see a cat with wings. The Queen's face fell when she turned her attention to Wyll. His expression seemed oddly grim and Tav realized how quiet her friend had been this whole meal.

"It’s quite alright." Tav spoke up, making a note to check in on her knight when they had a moment alone, "Give it enough time and I'm sure you will eventually overhear my court and I sharing a bit of verbal jousting ourselves."

Tara eventually settled once again and the rest of the meal passed relatively peacefully. By the end of it, Lae'zel had left to continue her exploration of the palace and Tara had ended up on Shadowheart's lap, much to the cleric's delight.

As a small handful of servants began clear the table, Tav excused herself, trying to not be too hasty when she explained her departure with wanting to clear a space in her quarters for keeping the silver and milk Alfira was gathering. Ever observant, Shadowheart shot her fellow selûnite a glance that silently asked several questions before nodding in understanding when the Queen inquired if her friend would mind staying back with Gale and Tara to see if they knew of any magic that could help prevent the milk from spoiling. Thankfully, both wizard and tressym seemed eager to be of assistance, not even stumbling at what must have sounded like an odd request when divorce from the context, and the two were already rattling off potential solutions as Tav and Wyll exited the dining hall.

While Tav had no reason to distrust the pair, she still wanted at least some degree of privacy for the conversation she and her knight were about to have. Tav maintained a slow pace as she tried to remember the way back to her parlor with Wyll at her side.

"So, what's on your mind?" She eventually murmured once the voices from the dining hall had faded.

"Ah... Well... Shadowheart seemed rather pleased about Tara." Wyll began, his eyes not being able to hold Tav's gaze for long, "We all know she already misses Scratch. Perhaps we could write to Jaheira about getting the furry fellow here."

“Wyll, we both know that is not what I'm asking." Tav raised her hand before her friend could try to protest, "I've known you since we were children, Wyll. We're practically siblings. After all these years, after growing up together, I can tell when something is weighing on you."

The pair fell silent for a moment, the only sounds between them being that of their footsteps on the stone floors faintly echoing through the hallways.

"It was worth a shot..." Her knight sighed, a weak smile lifting the corner of his lips before his expression grew grim again, “I- That fiend from before… I didn’t like how she spoke to you, to us. For the King to work with one..."

Tav nodded as Wyll fell silent again, “I was never thrilled about the idea of the vampire spawn and fiends in his court, but I admit that actually seeing them in person is... I suppose that just makes it all feel more real. We can't even pretend that they're just rumors now."

Wyll let out a hum of agreement. They lapsed into silence again as Tav steadied herself for what she was about to say next.

"If staying here is no longer something you are comfortable with-"

"No." her friend's answer was firm and unwavering, "I said I'd be here for you and I meant it. We all did."

She let out a sigh of relief and flashed Wyll a grateful smile, "It is a little jarring though, given how the King has otherwise surrounded himself with rather kind people, at least from what I’ve seen so far."

"We'll just need to keep our distance from her and any other darkness that lingers within these halls.” Wyll replied, their paces slowing to a stop as the pair glanced around the unfamiliar hallway, "Well, once we figure out how to navigate them first."

With an irritated groan, Rolan pushed aside the pages he had been futilely trying to read for a third time now and dragged a hand down his face, as if he could simply wipe the exhaustion off himself. He hadn't gotten much sleep last night, having spent most of it ensuring that word of his union with the princess of Sivailon would reach all corners of Waldemar by morning. Then the newly made King had turned his attention towards catching up on and resuming the countless other tasks that came with being a King, consulting the notes his court made during his absence and reading through the missives that never seemed to stop coming, before eventually falling asleep in his study.

He had woken up hours ago, his neck sore as he lifted his head from where it rested upon a missive from Thuria, a mining settlement on the outskirts of the kingdom. After checking to make sure that he hadn't damaged the parchment or the important information written upon it, the Dark King stood and began his day.

Tired as he was, Rolan was grateful that Gale let his fellow wizard lead the conversation when they crossed paths on the tiefling's way to the castle library. The normally verbose human only nodded as Rolan ordered that a tray of food be brought to his study, as had become the ruler's habit in the years since assuming power. The King was further relieved when Gale accepted the instruction to entertain their new Sivailon residents at breakfast—or whenever their moon-blessed royal would wake; perhaps Rolan would be lucky and she would only be awake at night.

Rolan shook his head in frustration as he recalled glimpsing how the people lining the streets of the capital had watched in awe at their new Queen's display of magic. The Dark King didn't have time to get hung up over his bride's subpar spellcraft, no matter how much the wizard in him bristled at the divine soul sorcerer's lack of skill and discipline, no matter how much it burned seeing the near reverence upon the people's faces—even as he saw how her cantrip flickered and wavered while his spells had steadily coiled through the air.

It didn't help that he is finding it rather difficult to keep his eyes open. Hells, Cal and Lia were probably correct about him not resting enough. He made another noise of bitter frustration as that text started to blur on the page… again.

As Rolan feels his eyes begin to grow heavy he shakes his head and jerks himself to his feet before dragging himself to the study's large window. Gripping the stone window frame, the Dark King allowed the sun to warm his face as he watched Waldemar's capital city bustling beyond the gates separating it from the palace grounds. It was still hard to believe that three years ago this kingdom was threatening to expel him and all others like him from their borders. Now he, one of the very "monsters" that was to be driven out, stands as its King.

Rolan's grip on the stone window frame tightens, as if the tiefling were trying to wring something out of the smoothly carved rock. He should never have hesitated all those years ago. It shouldn't have taken what happened to Lia for him to take action.

The Dark King shoved those thoughts aside, striding back to his elaborately engraved wooden desk, snatching up the missive from Thuria and one of the books he'd retrieved earlier from the library. His work is far from done and he would not make the mistake of hesitating again.

Three years later and there was still so much to do and more to prove. His marriage to a more palatable and noble-born figurehead was just the first step of that. Now, he needed to find where to direct his focus to next.

Absent-mindedly straightening his black jacket, Rolan opened a heavy door and stepped out into the hallway as he began to run through where he would most likely find Minthara about this time. In the back of his mind, the Dark King once again hoped he would be fortunate enough to not run into his new Queen while he looked for his spymaster. Perhaps he should ask Minthara to learn the schedules of their Sivailon residents so that he would know how to avoid them? Then again, the spymaster was likely already planning to do so anyway. Besides, the worst his new Queen would probably do is demand tea parties or for a tailor to make her dresses. Poor Kanon will be worked to the bone if that ends up being the case, but the wizard supposed he could pay his fellow tiefling extra for the work—especially if it meant keeping the royal sorcerer out of his hair.

Deciding he was thinking too much about his wife, Rolan turned his attention back to tracking down Minthara and back to the situation he wished to speak with his spymaster about. Summoning a mage hand to flip through the book he now balanced open with one of his real hands, Rolan's gaze alternated between trying to skim the pages for what he was looking for and taking brief glances around himself as he walked down the halls.

Perhaps Rolan shouldn't have been surprised when he collided with someone as he rounded a corner to the main hallway, the loud clattering and sloshing sounds which followed making him flinch back more than the initial impact had. Instinctively, he held the book away from himself even after he had already felt liquid splash against its cover and onto his hand, as if holding it away from him would somehow spare the book of further damage.

Rolan glared ahead of himself, irritation flaring and ready to snap at whoever he ran into, only to see a startled Alfira and a frowning Lakrissa. The wizard looked at what the two tiefling women were holding; Alfira was balancing a set of trays that had evidently been piled with silver objects while Lakrissa was hefting along a pair of jugs filled with... milk?

"What the Hells are you two doing?!" he demanded, confusion lessening the otherwise harsh bite of his words, "What is all this crap?!"

"Take it up with your wife." Lakrissa snapped back at her King, clearly not appreciating his tone, "Alfira had to fetch 'all this crap' at her request!"

"What does she even need it for?” Rolan pressed, his temper threatening to rise again as he racked his mind for any sort of explanation, "Material components for some kind of spell?"

"No clue." Lakrissa scoffed, placing the two milk jugs on the floor so she could help Alfira in gathering up the fallen silver, “We've just been bringing silver vessels and milk to her room and leaving them there.”

"Bringing it to- Oh, this is ridiculous!" the wizard sputtered in mounting frustration before he stormed down the halls towards his Queen's chambers. "Do not bring her anymore until I figure out what the Hells she is up to!”

If his anger upsets or alarms the servants, none of them show it. Instead, his fellow tieflings merely move aside as they see Rolan marching down the halls and around corners until he finally reaches the Queen's chambers. Through the heavy wood of the closed door, he can hear at least two muffled voices from within the room.

Not wasting any time on trying to deduce the owner of the voices or what they are saying, Rolan delivered two hard knocks that silenced whoever was on the other side. He doesn't have to wait long before the door opens to reveal his wife, though her expression hardens into a mask of neutrality when she sees who is standing in the hall. Whoever she'd been expecting, it clearly hadn't been the Dark King she was married to.

"Yes?” the sorcerer prompted him expectantly after a moment, not opening the door any further than she already had even as Rolan saw her human knight come up behind her.

"I demand entry.” Rolan stated curtly, his tail quietly lashing behind him as he waited for her to acquiesce in the face of the fiendish usurper and he tries to ignore the bitterness at the thought-

"No."

He barely has enough time to process her single syllable response before the door has already clicked shut.

Surprise gave way to burning frustration as the wizard loudly knocked his fist against the door, "I demand entry at once!”

The only response he receives is the sound of the door being locked.

Rolan dragged his hands down his face as he glared at the dark wood. As irritating as it is when people would flinch or fawn over the Dark King when in his presence, at least they would still be cooperating with him.

This woman is infuriating…

"Rolan?"

He turns his attention to see Gale and the Queen's lady-in-waiting, the two carrying various odds and ends including more silver. Even Tara was there with a few items held delicately in her jaws.

"You're in on this as well?" Rolan asked, doing his best to ignore the half-elf silently glaring at him, "What is going on?”

Before Gale can respond they all hear the door unlock and open again. The Queen's face is stern as she looks at her husband but brightens upon seeing the others. Murmuring a brief thank you to the human wizard and tressym, she pushes the door open a little further to let her lady-in-waiting inside. Before Gale can move to follow, Rolan blocked his fellow wizard's path with an arm while his glowing eyes remained fixed to his wife.

"Explain yourself." he bit out, his blood nearly boiling, "What are you up to?"

The Queen's knight positioned himself behind her, ready to bar anyone else from trying to slip through the doorway. The sorcerer briefly placed a comforting hand on the human's shoulder before turning to face the tiefling with narrowed eyes.

"Rather presumptuous of you to demand entry into my chambers like this." the Queen replied, her voice level but firm, "I must admit I'm also a tad surprised by your sudden insistence, considering you didn’t even bother to visit me last night.”

"What?" Rolan straightened his posture, bristling at her tone even as he stared her down with growing confusion, “Why the /Hells/ would I have come to see you last night?!"

Had he looked away, Rolan would have missed how the sorcerer's jaw had clenched and how her brow twitched as if struggling to maintain her composure. Closing her eyes for a moment, she slowly dragged in a harsh breath while her knight and lady-and-waiting shot each other a knowing look.

“Right. Of course." the Queen finally answered coldly, like she had to pry each word from her own mouth as she tossed him a parting glare before turning back into her room, "Now, excuse me, but I need to resume... adjusting.”

Rolan had barely begun taking a step to follow before her lady-in-waiting was there, pushing the King aside with a hand as if rebuffing an unruly apprentice, "Apologies, your Highness, the Queen will not be seeing anyone now. Goodbye.”

Then the half-elf slammed the door in his face, leaving Rolan tongue tied and seething. For a moment he contemplated banging on the door again and demanding an explanation.

What do they mean she would not be seeing anyone?! She had just been accepting silver and milk and whatever else it was Gale and Tara were bringing her, all with a smile on that pretty face of hers!

Feeling his tail erratically whip back and forth in response to his simmering temper, Rolan turned and stormed away. The Dark King refused to let their Sivailon residents see how much they had gotten under his skin. It wasn't long before the tiefling heard Gale following close behind. As soon as they were several halls away, Rolan's temper finally snapped and he began ranting at his fellow wizard.

Angry words spilled from Rolan like floodwaters from a shattered dam. The Dark King could hardly keep up with his own indignant tirade as it went from questioning why the Hells the Queen was having people running around gathering milk and silver for her bloody room to her refusal to answer him to the other confounding nonsense she had said to him as if he was the one who needed to explain himself to her!

"Visit her? Why would I have visited her last night?! Does she mistake me for one of her servants, there to be at her beck-and-call?!"

Gale, who had been following and waiting for his own opportunity to speak, made a hum of polite disagreement. Rolan looked back at his fellow wizard to see his friend clearly mulling over how to explain something.

Letting out a small huff, Rolan stopped to turn his full attention to the man beside him, “What?”

"Well, I must argue that you are being... rather uncharitable towards your new wife. Tara and I both thought she was quite polite while we shared breakfast, if a bit tense and reserved." Gale began, not even acknowledging when the Dark King rolled his eyes, "The Queen is clearly frustrated and, to be quite honest, I find it hard to fault her for that, especially the more I learn about your wedding night. Did you truly not even think to visit her?"

"What about it?" Rolan snapped, tired of everyone dancing around whatever this point was supposed to be.

"You know that newly weds... Well, it's not part of all unions but...” Gale tried to continue, suddenly seeming a bit awkward and self-conscious, “Most newly wed couples spend their first night together to… consummate the marriage..."

It was as if Rolan's whole body froze the moment it all finally clicked together. He began to replay his new Queen's words in his head, about him not seeing her last night, about him suddenly wanting to be in her room.

Had she been expecting me to-

"She- Help her with whatever she needs. See if you and Alfira can figure out what she's doing." the Dark King managed to get out between his now racing thoughts and waving the other wizard away, "I need to... Ugh, goodbye.”

And with that, Rolan was off. Even through the burning storm of his thoughts, he knew he couldn't go back to his own chambers—his chambers that her chambers were now directly across from. The tiefling doubted he would be able to endure facing her with his mind now kicked up into such frenzy. Beyond that, the Dark King hardly paid attention to where his feet were taking him, perhaps to his study were he could dump himself onto one of the decorative fainting couches lining the wall or perhaps to Cal's room to borrow his brother's bathing chamber so the wizard could dunk himself in cold water.

Zurgan. What is wrong with me?

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