Solum Reign discussion

The carriage came to a soft halt as the horses huffed up clouds of air from their deep lungs. Flexing his hands he opened the door and got out with the utmost grace, pulling the step out, bowing deeply as he waited for the Dominus to get out. Relieved of their weight, the horses with out any question began making their own way to the stables without so much as an attendant. They obeyed those high on the food chain, even if with great strain. An attendant was waiting for them to lead them to the kings where-a-bouts. Once lead through a maze of halls they finally reached the throne room, banging his heavy cane, he roared the announcement of both the Dominus and himself. But upon arrival there was no king to great them but an impotent child. Eyes narrowed, hands behind his back. "Where pray tell is the king this evening. We were told of meeting him here. His highness does intend to wait." He told the boy, fingers itching with disrespectful irritation.

Gabriel looked at the men before him having no intention of even caring, but the air was cold and he had never met the leaders of Xuin on first hand account. He stood tall eye level with both men, "I'm sorry the king has pressing matters to tend to what may I do for you?" he asks plainly. "Any of my father's business can be handled by his second eldest son as well."
Markus was wearing a red velvet cloak with a hood, "My boy do you have any idea who your father truly is, much less do you have any idea as to who we are?" Markus stood a bit straighter with a smile showing his sharpened canines.
Gabriel almost faltered at the sight of Markus's teeth..."Um...I'd presume you are Vampires...Immortal Dark Witches with a bloodthirsty appetite. What you are doing here is what I do not know as for my father in case you didn't catch my words..I am the second born son to the King and Queen of Vada. Markus laughs colly yes I'm sure that's true for one of your parents." He said sensing the boys power and he knew that Valentine felt it too.

Valentine watched as the boy seemed to fidget even though he was trying his best to remain still and calm, it was apparent that the boy was anything but calm and it was disrespectful to be found in front of a boy instead of a king. "It is a good thing you know who you speak to." He told him, bypassing the short comings for now. 'Considering what we were promised, I do hope you are prepared for what we have come here to collect and ask." He told the boy with a dangerous look, even though he looked stiffer than a statue. "We have come to collect our stock, the promise that was made between us and the king in return for protection. Though we must ask for a few extra this time, some with expertise on crops, livestock and the lay of land." His gaze drifted to the door as an attendant walked in with and equal amount of servants, both male and female who were thankfully to the description he had specified. "Ah here we are." Valentine looked to Markus. "Will they do? Do they meet your tastes?" He asked with a bow.

Annabelle had been summoned to the servants quarters just before it was time for her to take her leave home. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she didn't have any qualms with fulfilling a few demands before she went. But when she was grouped with others who looked like they had been dragged out of their bed it began to worry her. She shuffled in with the rest as they entered the throne room and it took her a moment to recover from her blushing upon spotting the prince and like the others bowed and kept their heads down.

Markus gazed upon the new livestock theyw ere to take back to xuin. "They look fresh...what is the number of farmers we have? I also demand the supply of glass material to be made I will be creating a room connected to our fortress where the crops may grow year round. It will be our personal Eden. If you are a man of recognition please ensure such. I desire one blacksmith as well." He says moving along the line keeping hsi cloak on. He looks them over with hsi arms crossed at hsi back. He then stops and turns at Annabelle. He places a thumb and forefinger upon her chin turning ehr head side to side. "You livestock...what is your name? Why are you here?" He asks for the simple pleasure of fear to strike her heart and the others who were bewildered at what was happening.

Gabriel saw Annabelle and instantly recognized her. She was warm to the touch...in fact the last human being he had ever touched the day she fell from the chandelier. She held warm yet torn eyes and sweet lips. He would die jsut to kiss her. She was gorgeous even for a servant, but now she was a sacrifice...Gabriel knew his plans had to go into effect somehow. "That one isn't for..." He paused as he came to realize his voice was hardly audible. He gulped he was practically shaking in fear in their very presence. "Sir, if you don't mind my questions...who are you exactly? What tile do you two hold in the forbidden kingdom of which we fear? Also...sorry, but curious what did you mean about only one of my parents being king or queen?" He always knew he was differnet and he wans't even allowed ot share hsi secret with hsi siblings...even if some already knew. His mother never even brought it up to his own father. If there was something he was missing he wanted to know what it was.

Annabelle didn't move or look up because something in the room was making the hairs on the back of her neck raise up like a spider about to strike at a threat. Her heart was lodged in her throat, fear creeping through her system each step closer the dark stranger took. Even though she looked calm on the outside she wanted to run away on the inside. The strangers touch was chilling, eyes wide as she was made to look up at him. Livestock? "A-Annabelle, sir, I-I was summoned by Madam Sybil, she wished me to attend the throne room. I do not know why." She whispered, unable to summon any kind of strength into her voice. Her eyes unconsciously darted to Gabriel, wondering what in gods name was going on, before looking away and down.

Valentine's eyes narrowed on the prince at his cowardly whisperings of protest. He looked to Annabelle and realised that something was connecting the two, unsure what. It almost made him smile when he smelt fear pouring off the wobbly little boy they deemed to call a royal in Vada, almost. "His Highness, Markus Rosa, Dominus to Xuin." He introduced, walking over to the boy, hand held out in a gesture of good will. "Valentine Deering, Arbitur of Xuin,... pleasure." He muttered the last part in distaste, daring the boy to take his hand. "You will find out about your parents in due time." He told him, uncaring about measly matters. The doors opened once more and men with tools came in. "Farmers." Once of the attendants announced. "I expect the glass will be delivered a day after we arrive back in Xuin, your highness." He turned to Markus almost dismissing the boys presence entirely.

Gabriel was considering taking Valentine's forearm in introduction and respect but something held him frozen in place. His thoughts have always been to kill the Dominus who ruled Xuin and yet in his presence he was completely stiff.
Markus turned from the girl seeing his blacksmiths and farmers..."Excellent I require mortal horses and two barred carriages." He said turning to the alleged prince. Gabriel falters..."Yes, sir, but....but...I must make a request...If I may...Annabelle stays or I go too."
Markus clasps his hands together and undoes his hood. His eyes were cold and dark as any eerie shadow or looming fog. "Excellent the more the merrier. I insist you come to Xuin as an honored guest...surely, that will appease thy prince." His words were no question as he snapped his fingers the guards of Vada came in and began clasping shackles on the Farmers, Blacksmiths, and the group lined up. "Come Gabriel, you will ride with myself and Valentine."
Gabriel was first in shock that he didn't let Annabelle go and even more so he was shocked he was now himself a forced guest of Xuin. "Sir...I...I don't believe I am able to leave Vada. It is forbidden of me." He says downing his head in shame. Everyone always thought he simply chose to not leave, but in reality his mother ordered it to be forbidden.

Markus laughs coldly..."My poor innocent boy, do not question what I ask of you...simply comply to do so. I will not take no for an answer and it will be done...My will be done." He says plainly before turning, but two guards at the door crossed their spears in front of Markus. He allowed an amused grin to cross his features. "Don't worry boys he will be well fed and robed." They did not budge, but one spoke up..."Sorry, sir...Prince Gabriel is forbidden to leave the castle."
Markus turns with a raised eyebrow "Forgive the scenery." He said to no one in particular as in a quick move shadow swallowed the two guards and almost instantly two shouts of pain escaped outward before the shadows cleared and the guards bloody and lifeless corpses seemed to be in odd bent angles on the floor.
Gabriel felt sick to his stomach but more intrigued than anything else. "Now, shall we?" Markus says wiping his mouth and placing his hood back on. Gabriel steps forward as the others were urged out with just the clothes on their backs.
Markus gets in the carriage and Gabriel follows sitting as far from him as possible before Valentine could get in. Gabriel sat across from the Dominus in hopes a better way of escape if need be.

Annabelle looked to Gabriel's feet in panic, wondering what he was doing bargaining for her. She didn't want to leave either, nor did she wish to stay in their presence but that did not mean the prince himself had to bargain for her and her alone. What about the others? Wasn't he going to try and save the others as well? Annabelle heard chains and her eyes went wide, her face pale. She was the first to back away from the encroaching doom. "W-What are you doing?!" She squeaked, fighting the guards to keep the chains off of her. But they quickly caught her in shackles, forcing her to feel the heavy burden of her own life in someone else's hands. Tugged along they all made their way to the provided carriages, feeling like death was following her.

Valentine wasn't pleased with the princes protests, nor was he pleased with his insolence towards Markus. Pathetic creature, couldn't even govern his own path outside his castle. Though he made no move to teach the child a lesson, the fear stricken look on his face after the act the Dominus committed was enough of a lesson. Valentine followed as per usual and stepped into the carriage, looking the boy over as the door closed. It didn't take long for them to reach their destination, Xuin laid out like and almighty carpet awaiting its owners return. Once home he got out, letting the Dominus out first before the prince. "Take our guest here to our larger quarters, make sure he has all the necessary necessities, what ever our prince here wishes. We will be retreating to the North tower." He told the attendant, walking on. "Do forgive us for not showing you around, but we have pressing matters to attend to."

Annabelle was yanked out of the carriage like the rest and was made to walk in a line. They were led around the back of the castle where they were shown servant quarters, similar to those she had seen back in Vada, but somehow slightly more attentive, glamourous. She just wanted to go home and see her family. She didn't understand what was going on or why they were being treated like slave or... livestock. They were all assigned a room of their own but were promptly locked in, being told they would be given three meals a day and that their dinner would arrive in an hour. Annabelle laid on her bed and curled in on herself, trying to rid herself of fear and the sensation of death.

{End of Scene}
[Moving onto Annabelle's Servant Quaters]