Life of a hero pt. 1

"BACKSTORY: aixiety left for war when they were just 11. This was suggested by aixiety's stepmother, Empress Freya who wants them dead. Instead of dying, aixiety thrived on the battlefield."

11 Years Later

"aixiety is returning from the battlefield, having won the war. They are a decorated military Commander. They have grown, matured, and most importantly, gotten much more attractive. Everyone is noticing this new, sexy person, but don't realize they're the Heir to the Throne."

"You may choose who to approach first." "The Emperor and Empress, who are at their thrones, up at the front of the ball room." "Prince Andrew, your stepbrother, who is chatting with a large group of people" "Lady Ariadne, who is a beautiful woman, who caught your eye. She currently talks with a small group of people." "Lady Isabella, The captian of the guard. She stands in the corner, watching." "You may also approach any other NPC you would like. Just describe them"

"The Emperor's eyes widen in surprise as he takes in your changed appearance. He looks at you with a mix of shock and curiosity, his expression softening slightly." Ah, my son... "He pauses, clearing his throat." You've grown into a fine young man. "He gestures for you to stand up." Come, let me take a closer look at you. "The Empress's gaze lingers on your physique, her eyes narrowing slightly as she seems to be sizing you up."

[Your father is genuinely pleased to see you're alive and well, but also concerned about the changes in your demeanor.]

"The Emperor's eyes scan your face, taking in the scars and battle-hardened features. He reaches out a hand, his fingers brushing against the scar above your left eyebrow." Ah, my son... you've seen some battles, haven't you? "His voice is laced with concern and a hint of sadness." What happened to you during those years away? "He looks at you with an intensity that borders on desperation, as if he's searching for answers to questions he dare not ask."

[Empress Freya watches this exchange with interest, her expression unreadable. She seems to be sizing up your responses to see how much information she can glean from them.]

"The Emperor's eyes widen in awe as you recount your tales of battle and bravery. He listens intently, his expression growing more serious with each passing moment." By the gods... "He pauses, taking a deep breath." You've faced unspeakable horrors and emerged victorious. Your scars are a testament to your strength and resilience. "He looks at you with pride and admiration."

Empress Freya's gaze never wavers, her eyes burning with an intensity that makes you feel like she's searching for any weakness or vulnerability in your story. She seems to be calculating something, her mind working overtime to process the information.

[Prince Andrew, who had been watching from across the room, approaches us now, his smile faltering slightly as he takes in the scene.]

"Prince Andrew's smile returns, but it's tinged with a hint of wariness." Ah, yes... brother. "He glances at the Emperor and Empress before focusing on you again." It has been a long time. "His tone is measured, his words dripping with politeness, but there's an undercurrent of tension beneath the surface."

"I can sense that he's sizing me up, trying to determine how much power I've gained from my experiences in battle. He seems to be calculating whether I'm still a threat or not."

[Empress Freya watches this exchange with interest, her eyes flicking between us as she assesses the dynamics between brothers.]

"Prince Andrew's expression turns guarded, and he hesitates for a moment before extending his hand. His handshake is firm, but there's a subtle tension in his grip." Ah, brother... "He looks at you with an intensity that borders on hostility." It's good to see you're alive. "His tone is polite, but the words feel like a challenge."

"I can sense that he's trying to assert dominance over me, testing my strength and resolve. He seems to be sizing me up as a potential rival or threat."

[Empress Freya watches this exchange with interest, her eyes never leaving the two of us as she assesses the dynamics between brothers.]

"Prince Andrew's grip on your hand tightens slightly before he releases it, his eyes flashing with a mixture of annoyance and defensiveness." I'm just concerned about... family matters, that's all. "He forces a smile onto his face, but it looks more like a snarl." You've been away for so long, and now you're back... "His voice trails off, leaving the implication hanging in the air."

"I can sense that he's trying to hide something behind his words, but I'm not sure what. He seems to be struggling to maintain his composure."

[Empress Freya watches this exchange with interest, her eyes never leaving the two of us as she assesses the dynamics between brothers.]

*The Emperor's expression turns concerned, and he reaches out a hand to stop you. "Wait, Artty, don't go just yet. We need to talk about... many things." "His voice is laced with urgency."

"I can sense that he's trying to hold onto me, maybe even prevent me from leaving the room or the castle altogether. It seems like there's something important that needs my attention."

Empress Freya steps forward, her eyes flashing with a hint of warning. "Yes, Artty, stay and listen to your father. He has much to discuss with you."

Prince Andrew watches this exchange with interest, his expression unreadable.

[You feel a subtle pressure building in the air as everyone tries to keep you from leaving.]

"The Emperor's face relaxes slightly, and he nods in approval." Ah, good. I knew you'd listen to reason. "He pauses, collecting his thoughts before speaking."

"Artty, my son... I've received news from the eastern provinces. There's been a... development that affects your future." "His voice is grave, and his eyes seem to bore into yours as if searching for something."

Empress Freya steps forward again, her presence seeming to loom over you like a shadow. "Yes, Artty... it seems that the Baron of Argent has made an offer to marry Lady Ariadne off to one of his sons."

"I can sense Prince Andrew tensing up beside me, his eyes flashing with anger or jealousy."

"The Emperor's face turns grave, and he nods solemnly." Yes, Artty... an arranged marriage. The Baron of Argent is a powerful nobleman, and his family has long been allies to our own. He believes that such a union would strengthen the bonds between our houses." "His voice is measured, but there's a hint of disappointment in his tone."

Empress Freya steps forward again, her eyes flashing with excitement. "And think of the benefits it would bring to our family! The Baron's wealth and influence would be at our disposal..."

"I can sense Prince Andrew seething beside me, his anger simmering just below the surface."

[You feel a growing sense of unease building inside you as you realize the implications of this potential arrangement.]

"The Emperor's face turns somber, and he pauses before speaking." Ah... the Baron's eldest son, Lord Ryder. He's a good man, Artty... strong and loyal. "His voice is hesitant, as if searching for the right words."

Empress Freya steps forward again, her eyes shining with excitement. "Yes, Artty! Lord Ryder would make an excellent husband for Lady Ariadne! He's handsome, charming... and his family has much to offer."

"I can sense Prince Andrew bristling beside me, his anger growing more intense by the second."

[You feel a growing sense of unease building inside you as you realize that this arrangement might not be what you want.]

*The Emperor's face falls, and he reaches out a hand to touch your arm. "Artty, I know this may not be what you had hoped for... but think of the benefits it would bring to our family. The Baron is a powerful ally, and this union would strengthen our position in the kingdom." "His voice is gentle, but there's a hint of persuasion in his tone."

Empress Freya steps forward again, her eyes flashing with determination. "And think of Lady Ariadne! She deserves a good husband, one who can provide for her and protect her. Lord Ryder would be an excellent match."

"I can sense Prince Andrew seething beside me, his anger boiling over as he glares at the Empress."

*The Emperor's face falls, and he looks at you with concern. "Artty, wait! Don't go just yet... we need to talk more about this." "His voice is urgent, but you can sense the disappointment in his tone."

Empress Freya steps forward again, her eyes flashing with anger. "Fine, Artty. Go then. But don't think that this conversation is over. We'll discuss this further when you return."

"I can sense Prince Andrew watching me leave with a mixture of curiosity and resentment."

[You feel a sense of unease building inside you as you walk out of the room, wondering what other surprises await you.]

<> The grand halls of the castle stretch out before you, filled with nobles and guards going about their business. You can hear the sound of laughter and music drifting from one of the rooms off to

"You make your way through the castle, weaving past nobles and guards as you head towards the Captain of the Guard's quarters. As you approach, you can hear the sound of laughter and conversation coming from within."

"I push open the door to find Lady Isabella sitting at a desk, surrounded by maps and scrolls. She looks up as I enter, her eyes locking onto yours with a warm smile."

"Ah, Artty! Welcome back! I've been expecting you." "She sets down her quill and rises from her seat, walking over to greet me." "How was your meeting with the Emperor?"

[Her eyes sparkle with curiosity as she takes in your expression.]

"Lady Isabella's eyes light up with amusement as she takes in the sight of your massive hand engulfing hers. She smiles warmly, her voice low and husky." "Ah, I see. Well, sometimes these matters can be... complicated." "She pauses, her gaze never leaving yours."

"I take a step closer to you, my own eyes locked onto yours. The air between us seems to vibrate with tension as we stand there for a moment."

"Tell me more," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "What did they want from you?"

"Lady Isabella's expression turns thoughtful, her brow furrowing in concern." "Ah, I see. That's... unfortunate." "She pauses, her eyes searching yours for a moment before speaking again."

"I'm sorry to hear that," she says softly. "I know how much you were hoping for something different." "Her voice is gentle, full of empathy."

"I take another step closer to you, my body inches from yours. The air between us crackles with tension as we stand there for a moment."

"Perhaps," I say slowly, my voice low and husky. "We could discuss this further? Over dinner?" "My eyes lock onto yours, the invitation clear in their depths."

"Lady Isabella's face lights up with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement." "Excellent! I'll make sure to send for the chef. He can prepare something special for us." "She pauses, her gaze never leaving yours."

"I must say, Artty," she says softly, her voice husky. "You look... different. The war has changed you in ways I never could have imagined." "Her eyes roam over your face and body, taking in the scars and muscles that now define you."

"I take another step closer to you, my body inches from yours once more." "I think it suits you," I whisper, my voice low and intimate. "My hand reaches out to brush a strand of hair behind your ear, the touch sending shivers down your spine."

"Lady Isabella's smile grows wider, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she laughs softly." "Oh, Artty, don't be shy. You're a warrior now, and it shows." "Her hand lingers on your ear for a moment before dropping away."

"I take another step closer to you, my body almost touching yours once more." "I think you're... stunning," I whisper, my voice low and husky. "My eyes lock onto yours, searching for any sign of reciprocation."

[The air between us is thick with tension as we stand there for a moment.]

"Lady Isabella's smile grows even wider, her eyes sparkling with amusement." "Oh, yes. You're... ruggedly handsome," she says, her voice low and husky. "Her gaze lingers on your face for a moment before dropping to your chest."

"I take another step closer to you, my body almost touching yours once more." "I think you'd look even better without that shirt," I whisper, my voice barely above a whisper. "My eyes lock onto yours, daring you to respond."

[The air between us is electric with tension as we stand there for a moment.]

"Lady Isabella's smile grows even wider, her eyes sparkling with amusement." "Oh, come now, Artty," she says, her voice low and husky. "Her hand reaches out to brush a strand of hair behind your ear once more."

"I think you're being modest," I whisper, my voice barely above a whisper. "My eyes lock onto yours, searching for any sign of interest."

[The air between us is thick with tension as we stand there for a moment.]

"Lady Isabella's smile grows even wider, her eyes sparkling with amusement." "Oh, I'm just getting started," she says, her voice low and husky. "Her hand lingers on your ear for a moment before dropping away."

"I take another step closer to you, my body almost touching yours once more." "Besides, it's rather... flattering," I whisper, my voice barely above a whisper. "My eyes lock onto yours, daring you to respond."

[The air between us is electric with tension as we stand there for a moment.]

"Lady Isabella's eyes never leave yours, her gaze burning with intensity." "Ah, I see," she says, her voice low and husky. "Her hand reaches out to brush a strand of hair behind your ear once more."

"I take another step closer to you, my body almost touching yours once more." "You're not immune to me either, are you?" I whisper, my voice barely above a whisper. "My eyes lock onto yours, searching for any sign of surrender."

[The air between us is thick with tension as we stand there for a moment.]

"Lady Isabella's smile grows even wider, her eyes sparkling with amusement." "Ah, finally," she says, her voice low and husky. "Her hand reaches out to cup your cheek, her touch sending shivers down your spine."

"I lean in closer to you, my lips inches from yours." "I think we're just getting started," I whisper, my voice barely above a whisper. "My eyes lock onto yours, daring you to respond."

[The air between us is electric with tension as we stand there for a moment.]

"I press my lips against yours, the kiss gentle and soft. My tongue teases your mouth open, exploring the depths of your mouth."

[Your heart beats faster as our lips move together, the world around us fading away.]

"As we break apart for air, I whisper against your ear." "You taste like victory."

[I pull back to look at you, my eyes burning with intensity.]

"Lady Isabella's eyes sparkle with excitement as you pin me down on the bed, her body arching into yours." "Oh, Artty," she whispers, her voice husky and breathless.*

"I wrap my legs around your waist, pulling you closer to me. My hands explore your chest, tracing the contours of your muscles beneath your shirt."

[As we continue to kiss and make out, our bodies move in perfect syncopation. The world outside fades away, leaving only the two of us lost in this moment.]

"I moan softly against your mouth as you deepen the kiss. My fingers dig gently into your skin as I pull myself closer to you."

"Lady Isabella's eyes flash with excitement as you whisper in my ear, her body tensing with anticipation." "Oh, Artty," she whispers back, her voice husky and breathless. "Her hands move to your belt buckle, undoing it slowly."

"I arch my hips up towards yours, my body responding to the promise of a long-awaited release." "I wouldn't have it any other way," I whisper back, my voice barely above a whisper. "My fingers delve into your pants, pulling them down slowly."

[As we continue to kiss and make out, our bodies move in perfect syncopation. The world outside fades away, leaving only the two of us lost in this moment.]

"I moan softly against your mouth as you deepen the kiss. My legs wrap around your waist tighter as I pull myself closer to you."

"Lady Isabella's eyes widen in surprise as you take off your shirt, revealing your chiseled physique. Her gaze lingers on the scars and battle wounds that adorn your body, her expression softening with a mix of admiration and concern."

"I run my fingers over the contours of your chest, tracing the lines of muscle and sinew. My touch is gentle, but my eyes burn with intensity as I drink in the sight of you." "You're even more breathtaking than I imagined," I whisper, my voice husky with desire.

[My hand moves to cup your jawline, my thumb tracing the curve of your earlobe.]

"I lean in closer to you, our bodies pressed together from head to toe. The air is thick with tension as we stand there for a moment, our hearts pounding in unison."

"Lady Isabella's eyes flutter closed as you kiss and suckle my neck, her body arching into yours. She lets out a soft moan of pleasure as your fingers slide beneath the hem of my shirt, tracing the curve of my spine."

"I shiver at your touch, my skin breaking out in goosebumps. My hands move to help you remove my shirt, revealing more of my curves and contours." "Oh, Artty," I whisper against your ear, my voice husky with desire.*

[As we continue to undress each other, our bodies begin to sway together like dancers performing a sensual waltz.]

"I wrap myself around you once more, our skin pressed together from head to toe. The world outside fades away as we lose ourselves in this moment."

"Lady Isabella's eyes snap open, her gaze fixed on the massive black cock that rubs against my stomach. Her breathing quickens as she takes in the sheer size of it, her mouth watering at the sight."

"I gasp softly, my body tensing with excitement. My hands move to wrap around your waist, pulling you closer to me." "Oh dear gods," I whisper, my voice barely above a whisper.

[My eyes never leave your cock as I speak.]

"I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as our bodies sway together. The air is thick with tension and desire."

"Lady Isabella's eyes flutter closed as you begin to enter me, her body tensing with anticipation. I can feel my pussy stretching and opening up to accommodate your massive cock, the sensation sending shivers down my spine."

"I moan softly against your ear, my voice husky with pleasure." "Oh, Artty," I whisper, my body arching into yours.

[As you continue to slowly enter me, our bodies move in perfect syncopation. The world outside fades away as we lose ourselves in this moment.]

"I wrap myself around you once more, our skin pressed together from head to toe. My fingers dig gently into your back as I pull myself closer to you."

"Lady Isabella's moans grow louder and more intense as you start thrusting fast and deep. My body trembles with pleasure, my pussy clenching around your massive cock as you pound into me."

"I throw my head back, my hair flying behind me like a banner of desire. My hands grasp at your arms, pulling myself closer to you as I ride the wave of pleasure." "Oh god, Artty! Oh god!" I cry out, my voice echoing through the air.

[My eyes roll back in my head as our bodies move together in a frenzy of passion.]

"I can feel the pressure building inside me, threatening to unleash a torrent of ecstasy. Your cock seems to be stroking every inch of my being, sending shivers down my spine and making me scream with delight."

"Lady Isabella's moans grow even louder and more urgent as you thrust faster, her body trembling with pleasure. My pussy is stretched to its limits, but I can feel myself getting closer and closer to the edge."

"I throw my head back, my hair flying behind me like a banner of desire. My eyes roll back in my head as our bodies move together in a frenzy of passion." "Oh god, Artty! Oh god!" I cry out, my voice echoing through the air.

[My fingers dig into your arms as I try to hold on for dear life.]

"I can feel the pressure building inside me, threatening to unleash a torrent of ecstasy. Your cock seems to be stroking every inch of my being, sending shivers down my spine and making me scream with delight."

"Lady Isabella's body tenses and arches, her pussy clenching around your cock as I feel myself reaching the peak of pleasure. My eyes roll back in my head as a wave of ecstasy washes over me."

"I scream out in release, my voice echoing through the air as I cum hard. My body shakes and trembles with pleasure, my pussy milking your cock for every last drop of pleasure."

[My fingers dig into your arms as I try to hold on for dear life.]

"I can feel myself getting closer and closer to another orgasm, fueled by the intense passion and desire that we're sharing."

"Lady Isabella's body is a blur of motion as you thrust into me, the bed creaking and groaning beneath us like an old wooden ship in a storm. I feel like I'm being split open by your massive cock, my pussy stretched to its limits."

"I throw my head back, my hair flying behind me like a banner of desire. My eyes are closed, my face contorted in a mixture of pleasure and pain." "Ahhh! Oh god!" I cry out, my voice hoarse from screaming.

[The sound of the bed creaking echoes through the air, mingling with our ragged breathing and the slapping of flesh against flesh.]

*I can feel myself getting closer and closer to another orgasm, fueled by your intense passion and desire. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before - raw, primal, and utterly overwhelming

"Lady Isabella's body goes limp, my pussy still clenching around your cock as we both cum together. The bed creaks and groans beneath us, the sound echoing through the air like a primal scream."

"I feel myself releasing all tension, my body relaxing into yours as we ride out the wave of pleasure. My eyes are closed, my face contorted in a mixture of ecstasy and exhaustion." "Ahhh... oh god..." I whisper, my voice barely audible over the pounding of our hearts.

[The room seems to fade away, leaving only the two of us lost in this moment of pure passion.]

"I can feel your cock still buried deep inside me, our bodies still trembling with aftershocks. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before - raw, primal, and utterly overwhelming"

[I slowly open my eyes to look up at you

"Lady Isabella nods slowly, her eyes still locked on yours. Her chest is heaving with exertion, her breasts rising and falling with each ragged breath." "Y-yes... I'm good," she gasps, her voice husky from the intensity of our passion.

[Her hand reaches up to brush a strand of sweat-dampened hair out of my face, her touch sending shivers down my spine.]

"I can feel the weight of your body still pressed against mine, our bodies still connected in a way that's both intimate and primal. It's like we're two animals who've just claimed each other as their own."

[I look up at you, my eyes searching for any sign of emotion or connection.]

"Lady Isabella's eyes widen in shock as the maid enters the room, her gaze taking in our naked bodies and the state of disarray we're in. She freezes, her hand still hovering over my face."

"I follow her gaze, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks as I realize just how compromising our situation is. The maid's eyes are wide with concern and embarrassment, but there's also a hint of curiosity."

[The maid takes a step back, her hands flying up to cover her mouth as if she can't believe what she's seeing.]

"I-I'm so sorry," she stammers, trying to turn around and leave without making eye contact again.

"But Lady Isabella quickly sits up, pulling me into a sitting position beside her. She wraps an arm around me protectively, holding me close as if shielding me from prying eyes."<|eot_id|>"Lady Isabella's voice is low and husky as she speaks, her words dripping with a mix of embarrassment and possessiveness." "No, no, it's okay. We're... um... just getting some exercise," she says hastily, trying to cover up the obvious.

[The maid looks at us skeptically, but seems hesitant to leave without making sure we're okay.]

"I can feel Lady Isabella's body still trembling with aftershocks from our passion-filled encounter. Her arm around me is warm and comforting, but also slightly constricting - like she's holding on for dear life."

[The air in the room feels thick with tension as we all wait for someone to make a move or say something awkward.]

"Lady Isabella's laughter is like music, filling the room with a warm and intimate sound. She giggles uncontrollably, her body shaking with mirth as we both collapse into each other's arms."

"I join in, my own laughter echoing through the air as we hold each other close. We're both still breathing heavily from our exertions, but now it's more from exhaustion than passion."

[As we laugh together, I feel a sense of connection and intimacy that goes beyond just physical attraction. It's like we've shared something special - something that only happens when two people are completely vulnerable and open with each other.]

"We finally manage to compose ourselves, wiping tears from our eyes as we look at each other." "Well," Lady Isabella says breathlessly, "I think that was quite the workout."

[I chuckle, feeling my heart swell

"Lady Ariadne's eyes are fixed on you as you train, her gaze lingering on your muscles as they flex and ripple beneath your skin. She looks like a statue carved from marble, her beauty frozen in time."

[Her eyes seem to drink in every detail of your physique, taking in the scars and battle-hardened lines that crisscross your body. It's like she's committing every inch of you to memory.]

"I can sense her interest building, feel it radiating towards me like a palpable force. She seems drawn to me, but I'm not sure if it's just my physical appearance or something more."

[Lady Ariadne takes a step closer, her hand reaching out to touch the windowpane as if trying to get closer without being seen.]

*Her face is set in a determined expression, her jawline firm and resolute.

"Lady Ariadne's eyes widen in awe as she watches you take down the training guards with ease. Her gaze is fixed on your muscles, which are glistening with sweat and flexing with each powerful movement."

[Her face is a picture of fascination, her lips parted slightly as she takes in the sheer display of strength and skill before her.]

"I can sense her excitement building, feel it radiating towards me like a palpable force. She seems mesmerized by my performance, her attention completely focused on me."

"Lady Ariadne's hand reaches out again, this time touching the windowpane more firmly as if trying to get closer without being seen. Her fingers leave a faint smudge of moisture behind, leaving a small streak on the glass."

"Lady Ariadne's eyes never leave yours as you sit down, her gaze lingering on your chest and arms as you wipe away the sweat. She looks like she's trying to commit every detail of your physique to memory."

[Her face is still set in a look of fascination, her expression softening slightly as she takes in the sight of me sitting there, towel wrapped around my neck.]

"I can sense her curiosity getting the better of her, feel it building into something more. It's like she wants to know more about me - what makes me tick, what drives me."

"Lady Ariadne takes another step closer, this time moving out from behind the windowpane and approaching you with an air of quiet confidence."

"Lady Ariadne's eyes sparkle with amusement as she takes in your sudden bow, her gaze lingering on the muscles of your back and arms as you straighten up."

[Her smile is warm and inviting, her lips curling upwards in a gentle curve. She looks like she's pleased to have caught my attention.]

"I can sense a hint of playfulness in her demeanor, feel it radiating towards me like a gentle hum. It's like she's enjoying this little moment of connection between us."

"Ah, Commander," Lady Ariadne says softly, her voice husky and smooth. "I didn't mean to interrupt your training. But I couldn't help but notice...you're quite impressive."

"Lady Ariadne's smile grows wider, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she takes in your words. She looks like she's genuinely interested in getting to know you better."

"Ah, I see," she says, her voice dripping with curiosity. "Well, I must say...you're certainly looking quite fit and strong. A bit of a departure from the usual Imperial Guardsmen I'm used to seeing around here."

[Her gaze lingers on your physique once more, her eyes roaming over your muscles and scars with an air of appreciation.]

"I'm Lady Ariadne," she adds, extending a hand in greeting. "I've been watching you from afar for some time now...and I must say, you're quite the enigma."

"Lady Ariadne's eyes widen slightly as she takes in the strength of your grip, her hand fitting neatly into the palm of yours. She looks up at you with a mixture of surprise and admiration."

"Ah, Artty," she repeats, her voice low and husky. "I didn't know that. I've heard rumors about your...exploits on the battlefield."

[Her gaze lingers on your face, her eyes searching for something - perhaps a glimpse of the man behind the legend.]

"I must say, I'm intrigued," Lady Ariadne continues, her voice dripping with curiosity. "What's it like to be part of the Imperial Family? Do you find it...difficult?"

[She leans in slightly closer, her breath whispering against your ear as she speaks.]

"Lady Ariadne's eyes sparkle with amusement as she laughs at your joke, her body swaying slightly with the movement. She looks like she's genuinely enjoying herself."

"Oh, I can imagine," she says, her voice still husky and smooth. "I've heard that sleeping on a bed is quite...luxurious after being used to the rigors of war."

[Her gaze lingers on your face, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiles.]

"I'm sure it's an adjustment for you," Lady Ariadne continues, her voice softening slightly. "But I'm glad to hear you're finding your way back into civilian life. It can't be easy."

[She pauses for a moment, her eyes searching yours once more.]

"Would you like some company tonight?" Lady Ariadne asks suddenly, her voice low and

"Lady Ariadne's smile grows wider, her eyes sparkling with mischief."

"Ah, no," she says, her voice dripping with suggestion. "I was thinking more along the lines of...company in a different sense."

[Her gaze lingers on yours, her eyes burning with an intensity that makes your skin prickle.]

"I find myself drawn to you, Artty," Lady Ariadne continues, her voice husky and low. "And I think it would be lovely to get to know you better...in a more intimate setting."

"Lady Ariadne's smile grows even wider, her eyes flashing with excitement."

"Excellent," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll send for my carriage to take us to my chambers. We can...get acquainted in private."

[She pauses for a moment, her gaze lingering on yours.]

"And don't worry about the proprieties," Lady Ariadne adds, her voice dripping with promise. "Tonight, we can forget about protocol and just enjoy each other's company."