ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏʏᴀʟ sᴇʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ - advanced roleplay discussion

((Picture added later))

A while later, Blaz awoke in the infirmary. It took him a second, but he remembered what had happened. He sat straight up in the bed, wincing at the pain from his wounds. "Where is Eva? Is she alright?" He demanded to no one in particular. He had thought she had escaped the garden, but he couldnt he sure

((Oh, it worked. o.o)) Devon had carried him in and stayed with him, so he was now standing against the wall guarding. When Blaz woke he spoke, "Please, lay down sir. You need to heal. Lady Evangeline just stepped out for a moment, I think she wanted to find a maid to inform the Drawing room of her whereabouts, but she'll be right back."

Blaz sighed in relief. "Oh, good." He said, then let himself fall backwords into bed. He would have winced when he hit the mattress, but he was asleep again before he even got the chance.

Eva walked into the room, pushing aside a nurse. "His condition? " She barked at Devon, her eyebrows creased. "Oh. He's sleeping." She noticed, her voice becoming soft.

Devon jumped, startled, his cheeks reddening. "I'm not a d-doctor..." He mumbled, frowning, unsure what to say. This girl scared him. Please don't be the next queen, please don't be the next queen. He thought, nearly shaking just from the way she barked at him. Give him a battle any day and the barely trained teenager would run into it rather than be near this girl.

Blaz woke up to the noise, bearly (( Get it? )) conscious. He lifted his uninjured arm up to signal he was awake. He slowly opened his eye lids, and looked to Eva. "Are you all right ma'am?" He asked weakly

"Bring a doctor, if you're so incompetent then!" Eva snapped, bending down to Blaz. "Of course I'm all right," she soothed Blaz, "You should sleep until the doctor comes, of course. " She let down her hair and put the hair clip on a bedside table. She walked over to a chair and glared at Devon. "Bring this chair to his bedside- IMMEDIATELY. "

Devon let out a girly squeak, "YES M'AM!!!" He exclaimed. Eva had him twirled around her finger but not in a good way. He hurried to find a chair, because the one she gestured to was nailed to the floor, which the closest one happened to be a giant lounger. Huffing and puffing he did a combination of pushing and carrying until he got the heavy thing to the bedside. But now he had to tell Eva some bad news. "I'm afraid Dr. Cannenta isn't here at the moment..." He mumbled, bracing for her rage.

Blaz smiled, happy he was able to protect Eva. "Oh, good. And I think… I… will…" Blaz fell asleep almost instantly, as if the only thing tha had kept him awake in the first was his worry for Eva. The last thing he saw before falling asleep again was Eva's concerned face, which for some reason made him feel happy. He smiled as he fell intoa deep slumber.

Eva was angry. "Well? Where is the woman? Blaz here could be DYING!" She jabbed her finger in his chest violently-"GO. FIND. THAT. DOCTOR! Please, and thank you very much." She found a water glass and took a small, dainty sip

Devon stared at her with big, fearful dark doe eyes and whimpered. He nodded and ran from the room.

Eva stood up, shutting the agape door. She observed Blaz silently. Was she feeling....romantic intentions from him? Eva very well knew she didn't need, or even want, a man...and she was here for the Prince! She mentally chided herself. She looked around to make sure no one was there. She brushed a wayward strand of hair off his face and kissed him hesitantly.

( WOAH. Commenting right now, just a sec ))

Blaz woke to the touch of Eva's lips against his forehead. Normally, he wouldve blushed up to his ears, but he couldnt help but feel attached to this girl. He slowly put hisgood arm aroumd her neck, and squeezed, ever so slightly.

Eva smiled softly, before backing away. "Oh dear Lord," she worried,"I'm in the selection! This won't work!" She whimpered, approaching him again and sitting on the divan

Fern turned and looked up at Devon once they stood outside the doors of the Infirmary, her nerves were all over the place, but she didn't let it show. She needed to be worthy of her title, she was Royalty just like the rest of her family, maybe not as high in power but she still had some and she was about to use it with some bossy cow that was being rude to her... to... to her crush? She didnt' know how to describe Devon, but as her face tilted up at him she couldn't help the soft smile that came to her face, and then it all went spiraling out of control. He was asking if Keira could be trusted, the poor maid was staying a few steps behind and kept her eyes averted, good girl, because Devon leaned down, his masculine scent infiltrated Ferns senses as his lips crushed hers in a kiss, and not the soft, run away type this time either, no. This kiss lasted more than a few seconds and Fern found herself wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning into him some as they kissed, tasted each other, his tongue reminded her of the peppermint mints her Grandmother carries sometimes. Then he was pulling away, his eyes bright, and a lame excuse on his lips. Fern's cheeks were pink as she let her arms slide down, they landed near her sides and her lips were still slightly parted in a kind of blissful shock. "Um," She blushed a little deeper, "Yeah, just in case, Keira you saw nothing," She added, the maid behind her nodded vigorously, then Fern turned and pushed her shoulders back, held her head high and entered the chambers of the Infirmary. "Now what seems to be the problem? I am the Duchess of Illea, the youngest in the land, and this is my personal medical aid," She gestured to Keira, "Keira, tell her everything that is going on. You're lucky that you told my personal guard to come find me, otherwise no one would've shown since the doctor is out at the moment," Fern wanted it clear to this unknown girl that she would no longer be in charge, Fern, the royalty, would be, and that Fern wasn't going to allow the girl to maltreat her staff either.

Braz couldnt help but feel dissapointed. "Oh." Was all he said though. As he was about to fall back asleep, a few people burst into the room, one of them claimed to be the duchess of Ilea, but he wasnt sure, as everything sounded sort of distant to him. He tried propping himself up against the wall, but failed miserably, falling back onto the bed with a soft whine.

"This guard," Eva announced, standing up,"Has been gravely injured by a bear while he was dutifully protecting the palace grounds. Is your maid qualified? " She questioned. "Sorry for the brief notice your Grace. I am Evangeline Vanderbilt. "

Eva observed her hair, and deftly pinned it up once more. "Your Grace, I insist we hurry." Her tone was sharp and cold as she looked down at Blaz silently, fearing the worst inevitable choice.

Devon grinned at the fact that they still hadn't talked about his impulsive kissing, but at least she wasn't telling him he was fired or sending him to be executed, so that was nice. But wow... that kiss was something else. He had to shake it from his thoughts as they entered the infirmary. He stood tall, though he kept his distance, standing as far away from Eva as possible. She scared him. But he still stayed close enough to protect Fern.

Evangeline saw no sign of the maid, and judging by the Duchess's close proximity to the guard, decided just to hurry up and treat Blaz herself- though she had no idea how to do it. She put a cool, pale palm on his forhead and frowned- he was absolutely burning up! She boosted his back up with two pillows and found two fever-reducing pills.

Keira took over next, she let her shy demeanor fall away as she went to the young guard, her sole attention on him and no one else in the room. Fern looked on as the maid bent over the guard and checked his injuries, then she started barking out orders and Fern rushed to help, she grabbed cleaning supplies, bandages and the like, some ointments that were labeled that she asked for, and hurried back to the maid's side with her arms full, Fern talked to the girl, "She's very capable of taking care of him, I trust her with my life." Fern then backed up some, standing next to Devon, only a hairs breath from her arm touching his. No one would notice, but she sure did, she could feel the body heat emanating off of him. She wished just then that she could lean against him, but instead she stood her ground and watched everything that was going on. Keira was busy cleaning up the guard, making strips for bandages, and giving the patient medication. Fern stepped around Devon and took a few steps toward the girl, "Lady Evangeline I do hope that he recovers quickly, but please calm down and have a seat, Keira will do her very best I assure you."

Eva brushed Fern's concerned hand off her and sat on the lounge, with her ankles crossed and hands in her lap. She was used to long gaps of waiting with nothing to do, so she just watched Keira critically.

Blaz allowed the maid to do whatever she saw fit, moving his arms and legs accordingly. When he noticed how concerned Eva looked, he gave her a weak smile. "Dont worry, ill be better before you know it." He said reassuringly. He himself wasnt entirely sure he would be alright, but he felt it his duty to make sure Eva didnt worry. Then he turned his head to the doctor. "So?" He asked questioningly, uncomfortable with just laying in a bed in the middle of the day.

((It might help if you didn't post so fast, Empress.))Devon could tell too. He was aware of where Fern was at all times, and having her so close made him want to smile, but instead he put on his blank guard face. He did, however speak up. "Miss Evangeline, perhaps you should go to the Drawing Room and allow us to help Blaz." He suggested. He saw that look in her eyes, and it made him tense. What had they been doing before Fern and him had arrived? Something didn't seem right.

(Patience my young padawans)

Fern watched as Evangeline seemed to be pretty well stressed about the guard, she wondered if the guard had actually saved her life or something? And she just wasn't saying? Because she acted very attached to him, and wasn't she one of her cousins selected? Fern worried her bottom lip between her teeth before she started nodding her head, "Excellent idea Devon, you could go back to the drawing room? Keira has this, and will probably not be letting the guard back to duty right away," She looked over at the maid for confirmation, then she glanced at Devon, she gave him a smile, to let him know she still knew he was there and appreciated him.

Keira frowned, she had the guard bandaged up, but she really didn't want him moving just yet, Fern was correct in that assumption. "Yes Guard Blaz will not be leaving the infirmary for at least a few hours, I'll stay and watch over him," She then went to start cleaning up rags and such at a nearby sink, and keeping her head down while staying busy. "He'll be fine in a few hours more than likely, but I just want to be sure," She threw over her shoulder in a quiet tone, explaining herself, though really she had no reason to because Fern trusted her completely.

"See? See that? Keira says he'll be just fine, so we can all return to the drawing room together, and leave this mess behind us. Blaz I'll be back to check on you later as well, and will let my Aunt and Uncle know of your bravery today," Fern added as she glanced at the wounded guard, she then walked over to Devon and looped her arm through his, "Would you be kind enough to escort me back to the Drawing room Sir Devon?" She asked him, and then glanced at Evangeline, she figured everything was wrapped up now, "Come along lady Evangeline, we can come check on him later."

Evangeline stood up and walked over to Fern. "I hate to disobey your wishes your Grace, but I feel like I should stay here with Guard Blaz. After all he did save my life." Eva told Fern,"I'll send for Keira if the need arises. I would be perfectly fine staying here for a couple hours. Someone can send for me when his Royal Highness Prince Oliver is ready to properly meet me." She cleared her throat and sat down, daring them to say no with flashing eyes.

Blaz raised his hand to object. "You should go ma'am. I couldnt live with myself if I interupted something as important as your selection." Blaz said quietly, barely audible. "I'll probably just be sleeping anyway." He assured Eva. He gave her a quick smile, to signal he was alright.

Devon frowned. It was actually against the rules for anyone but the injured, essentials, and royalty to be in the infirmary, and the girls were supposed to be in the drawing room. He glanced at Fern and nodded but then he stepped forward, reaching a hand out to Eva. "Miss, I'm sorry but I'm going to have to insist that you come with us. Selection rules, miss." He said in a formal, but commanding tone, ready to grab her by the arm and drag her out if he had to. But he looked nervous to be addressing her like that. However, he really did have to enforce the rules. His other arm was still looped with Fern's, almost protectively.

Eva pushed Devon's hand away. "Actually, if it is a necessity that I am needed,I am sure the palace could spare a single maid to alert me that my presence is needed. It is only for a few hours, is it not Devon? " She sat firmly in the chair. "I will stay here to ensure that Guard Blaz is well for the remaining hours that he is situated in the infirmary. I am sure his Royal Highness Prince Oliver would not be disappointed if one of his selected were to stay with an ill guard who saved her life."

Fern frowned, she didn't like that the girl wasn't listening, even the guard was telling Evangeline to go, that he would be fine. It didn't sit well with her at all that she wasn't budging and was looking very stubborn, but she decided to take things in her own hands, "Its fine, come Devon. Keira will come if you have need of her, but if you're staying then she doesn't need to right now," Fern sent Keira on her way, even though the maid didn't look happy about it. Fern tugged on Devon, "Come, I don't want to keep my aunt waiting," She said it meaningfully at Devon, and dragged him out the door practically, away from the stubborn girl and the guard, she would make sure protocol was followed, just in her own way, and so the room emptied, leaving only Evangeline and Blaz once again.

Devon was about to argue, looking over at Fern. This was against the rules, this was his job. I mean, sure he'd gotten drafted and hadn't actually wanted to be a guard, but he still felt wrong about this. But then he saw the look in Fern's eyes and the meaningful tone in her voice and he melted. "O-Okay, Fern." He mumbled, following her out. Fern had him wrapped around her little finger, like a loyal puppy with big, dark brown eyes. Kind of like a chocolate Labrador.((Where to? Back to the Drawing Room?))

Evangeline sighed as the door shut, and she collapsed onto the sofa, taking off her heels, and curling up her feet beside her. "Blaz?" She asked softly,"Are you alright?" She held his hand gently.

Devon released Fern's hand for only a moment to open the door for Fern and the Queen, keeping his head down and not looking at Eva. He knew that Eva would be mad, and Eva scared him. A lot. When they walked in to see Evangeline holding Blaz's hand, Devon instantly grew more nervous. Would the Queen eliminate her? Did she have that power or was it just Oliver? Would they tell Oliver about this? Even so he didn't take Fern's hand again, but he stood close, standing alert so he could protect her. And the Queen, of course.

Eva dropped Blaz's hand quickly. "He still has a pulse." She informed them, rising. "I think he'll be alright. Optimistically, of course. " She told no one in particular.

Blaz had only been vaguely aware of Eva holding his hand, him being on the edge of consciousness. Whwn he saw the queen walk in, Blaz attempted a sort of half bow, resulting in only more pain, and he flopped back onto his back. "Please forgive my pitiful excuse for a bow, your majesty." He apologized weakly. He finally got to meet the queen herself and he couldnt even bow to her. Blaz was thouroughly dissapointed in himself, and he didnt bother hiding it.

Eva curtsied to the Queen. "Good afternoon, your Majesty. I believe we have not met? Evangeline Vanderbilt, Caste 2. Hello again your Grace." Eva noted, seeing Fern come in behind Devon. "One of your loyal Guards- Guard Blaz in this case, has been injured."

Rosabella walked gracefully into the infirmary with Fern and Devon following closely behind her. Once they left, she was going to have to talk to Fern about how to deal with people like this Eva she'd been hearing about, and then she would need to talk to Devon, to make sure he didn't do anything to her niece. He seemed like a nice boy, but who knows? Rosa let her eyes sweep right over Evangeline as she spoke to her, she really didn't even pay attention to the girl on purpose, to try and nudge her into her place. She looked at Kiera and smiled "Hello Kiera, it's nice to see you." She said to her trusted maid; she's left her children in Kiera's care plenty of times, and admired her medical skills. Next Rosabella looked to the guard that was stuck in bed and cringed as he tried to bow to her "Oh please don't hurt yourself any further for something as silly as a bow.." She told him, taking a seat beside his bed and raising her brows "Now I've heard from the duchess that you've done a very brave thing today, and I want you to know, Blaz, is it? That I will make sure my husband hears of the exemplary job you've done. How does your arm feel? Do you need anything that we can send for for you?" She asked him, laying her hands in her lap and looking at him with a considerate smile.

Fern ducked her head in thanks when Devon opened the doors, she walked in as quietly as possibly, Keira nearby, she curtsied when Fern and the Queen entered, Fern motioned for her to go back to work. She tucked herself into a corner to watch, her hands folded in front of her. Aunt Rosa was sitting down with the guard, encouraging him and trying to keep his spirits up it would seem, well that was a good thing. The poor guy looked like he needed it, she was glad that he'd been so brave, but what had been up with the hand holding between him and Lady Evangeline when they'd all walked in? Fern knew her aunt would get to the bottom of everything, she just had to be patient, so she kept quiet and off to the side with Devon.

Devon watched, frowning. "She's lying." He said without thinking, and then his face went bright red. Dealing with a schizophrenic mother, he had become adept at learning to see people lying. It was one thing that he excelled in when he was drafted into the Illean Military Academy. He knew for a fact that she hadn't been checking his pulse, she'd been holding his hand. And he knew there was a vibe between that girl and the injured guard, he could tell. He almost retracted his statement, glancing nervously to Fern and Rosa, but he didn't, instead he repeated quietly, "She's... lying." Although his tone shook this time.

Eva was furious, but kept a straight face. "I am not a liar." She insisted, curlimg her hands angrily,"This guard just needs treatment. I will be heading to the Drawing Room." She sniffed,"I am afraid I can't stand to be near Guard Devon while he says such inconsiderate and uncouth things about me. I am to meet his Royal Highness Prince Oliver later this evening, after he finishes with the other young ladies. "

"No, your majesty. I hope to be fine by tonight." Blaz responded with as much dignity as he could muster into his voice. He shook his head lightly when she said she'd mention his deed to the king. "No, no. I was simply doing my job as a royal gaurd, your majesty. I did nothing extraordinary." Although his words sounded convincing, in truth, it was his dream to be recognized as the best gaurdin all of Ilea. But he couldnt do that yet. Fame and admiration came after he, like, won a war or something. Blaz was very by-the-book about these things.

((Devon is a previous being stay in ur lane))
Rosabella clucked her tongue softly at the young man, what a silly thing to think. "Well I think you have done something magnificent today, so I'll let him know. But I'll make sure to be very casual about it." She teased, patting his arm in an effort to comfort his raging sense of pride. Rosa looked over to Kiera, about to make sure she wouldn't let the guard leave too soon, when Devon declared in a shaking voice that Eva was lying. Rosa's brows furrowed for a quick moment while she tried to realize what she meant; but she soon understood that he was saying she'd been holding the guards hand when they came in. Rosa's eyes darkened and she let out a sigh and stood up from her seat. Eva was crying, or so it seemed. But one look at Fern and her guard told Rosabella that she wasn't as sensitive as she seemed. Rosabella crossed the room and caught Eva before she could leave, placing a hand on her shoulder and having the girl look at her. "Evangeline; I am not the one who does the eliminations around here, but I think it would be good to offer you some advice." She said, but the kindness wasn't in her eyes, she wasn't happy with this girl "First of all, do not be holding the hands of guards and flirting with men that bear no resemblance to Oliver. He deserves much better than trickery and lying, and I know it's something he will never stand for in his palace." She warned, then peeked quickly at Fern and Devon "Secondly, that you beautiful young girl over there is the duchess of Illea, and she isn't to be disrespected by you. If she says jump, you ask how high. You do not argue with her, or even politely decline what she says. She may be young, but she has more power in her pinky than you will ever hold. Thirdly, the guards and maids are not yours to insult. The guards that work here are the best and brightest of our sources, and are of a higher rank than the likes of you. Devon is one of the most promising we have. He does not need 'treatment', and quite frankly, he doesn't need your opinion of him at all." She said, glaring into the young girls eyes, her head held high and regal, her jaw locked; capturing the very essence of a queen on the war path. Rosabella took a step back, composing herself and sighing happily, letting all the tension fall out of her body as she grinned over towards Fern, clapping her hands together. "Well! Now that all of that unpleasantness is over. Devon, Fern, why don't we all escort Lady Evangeline back to her rooms? I'm sure she would like some time to think of how she's going to explain all of these actions to Oliver, once it comes to be her turn to meet him." She chirped, reaching out and taking Fern's hand. Rosabella was a mother; so sending a child to her room for being bad wasn't unusual.

(Empress I deleted your post, you can post when its your turn :P and Devon is perf )

Fern gasped slightly, not too loudly, but just loudly enough to where Devon surely heard her, he was calling Evangeline out on what she'd done, and that surprised Fern. She was glad he did it though and tried to smile encouragingly at him as they waited to see what the Queen would do after she was done speaking with Blaz. The poor guard looked like he was ready to pass right out, and Fern didn't blame him, Keira more than likely gave him some meds that would make him sleepy, plus the trauma and well drama going on. She put a hand to her mouth when Rosa started lecturing the young selected girl, letting her know what was what, and how she should respect Fern, which made Fern let her arm drop and stand a little taller. Once her Auntie was done she grabbed Fern's hand and they were walking out the doors back towards the palace, to escort Evangeline to her rooms, she didn't get to go to the drawing room after all, at least not until it was her turn to be called upon. Fern was very proud to be a part of the family in that moment.

Calypso slowly woke up, keeping her eyes closed, wondering why she was in bed, when all her memories suddenly flooded back to her. She must've been in the infirmary. That means that idiot William must've taken her here! Great! How was she supposed to explain her injuries to the doctor!? She could feel the bandage around her head, and didnt hear the doctor around, so she cracked hey eyes open.

Calypso glanced at William suspicously, then just decided to straight up ask him. "Why did you bring me?" Calypso asked. In her experience, men were rude, selfish, and didnt care one bit for other people. She touched the back of her head, wincing in pain as she touched the injured area, and drew her hand back instantly. It still hurt, which wouldnt be very good for work today. Oh well, she thought, I'll just have to deal with it.

Calypso did the most unexpected thing right then. She giggled. "Heehee, your so cute when your frustrated." She said, a radiant smile, that few got to see, on her face. Then her face was serious again, and she sighed. "You really need to work on your apologies, but since you probably saved me the trouble of bleeding to death, I'll forgive you this once." Calypso slowly sat up, and swung her legs off the edge of the bed. She carefully got out, and headed for the door, holding her head, a mini headache flaring up each time she took a shaky step.

Devon stared at the Queen in open mouthed awe, his dark eyes shining. She had believed him, and spoken up for him and for Fern, and so flawlessly as well. It warmed his heart to see the Queen, The Queen!, stand up for him. He gave a nervous smile, glancing towards Fern. Plus the Queen also complimented him, and now his cheeks were bright with blush. "Y-Yes, M'am." He walked forward and forcefully grabbed Eva by the arm. Not enough to hurt her but tight enough to escort her with them.

"Hey! Put me down!" Calypso shouted, pounding his chest with her fists. When he set her down on the bed, she instantly sat up again. "I need to go, the others have probably already…" Calypso began to feel drowsy, then sharply shook her head to clear away the tiredness. "Begun breakfast without me." She said, standing up on her feet, shaky from being picked up and put back down then standing up again without break. "They aren't paying me to recover you know."