Post by Salvatore Deliambre on Mar 25, 2018 12:43:15 GMT -5
It felt strange, traveling into Desrochers, knowing that was where the former Royal Family lived now, rather than in Bordelaix. Accordingly, that was where Tory knew he could find his sister. There had been little opportunity for him to see or speak with Carlotta about what she wanted for herself now that profound changes were enacted, but he knew that time was running out. If they were to declare their intentions to their cousin, if he was to defend her choice, Tory needed to know Carlotta's heart and mind.
The initial news of the attack on the Princesses and other nobles had been fraught with tension. Tory found himself facing off against a fellow knight, a brother in arms, a friend, someone he never expected would draw a blade on him. It was indisputable proof that the situation was irrevocably altered, further augmented with the news that the Order of the Clavigers was disbanded under the new king. Tristan declared his loyalty to the former Princess Regent, now currently Duchess of Faucheux, and her younger sister. He intended to remain in Desrochers as knight-protector to the ladies. Nick also opted to remain loyal to Nicolette, receiving a small fiefdom for his efforts.
What did he want? That was a question Tory couldn't answer. Learning of Antoinette's death left him stunned and for a time, angry. Justice would be done to Benoit, he knew, but it did little to assuage the grief he felt for the Princess he'd served, and if he was candid with himself, secretly loved. There was no future for them, he knew, but a Claviger was forbidden to marry. It was safe for him to love her, he felt, drawing inspiration to craft himself into the best possible knight, worthy to serve the Princess Royal.
A folly, in retrospect. Tory dismissed that romantic notion as readily as his status as a Claviger was removed. Feeling somewhat empty and adrift, he hoped that in talking with Carlotta, he could work past that and maybe find renewed purpose that did not require his return to Calandria. There was nothing there for him now. He needed to find a new harbor, so to speak... and maybe it was in Desrochers.
Waiting for her in one of the sitting rooms, Tory tried not to pace with restless impatience.
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Carlotta Deliambre