Spirits of the Earth

The Aeltin Cliffsides were a ragged edge of mountains that broke away from the normal run of the Kilanthro's to stretch out against the sea. Years of ocean waves carved the rocks into weather worn wonders whom the ancient Aeltin clan claimed had been the fallen, petrified faces of past Gods. Here, the earth ran deep, with colors ranging from ashen blues to deep, nearly black crags. And not a speck of this strip of land could mirror another, from the Yellow Bay and it's calm, serene silver waters, to the choppy, untamable rapids and towering waves along Dreygon's Bluffs.

Sandy beaches were few and far between, even Yellow Bay's sands were gritty at beast and left much to be desired. And Yellow Bay was always chilly, hardly a place to go swimming, unless it was summer, and even in the summer the waters were ice cold.

Further south and past the bluffs the land and ocean cut open to a more peaceful valley, where Allar City remains perched and the seas barely visible from the shallow mountains that protect it. Here is where the sands seem more sustainable, and long winded, and the temperatures a bit fairer. It is why here many docks line the shores and fishermen make their living threaded along the many mariners and their ships coming in and out of Allar City docks.

Many proud banners from all over the world flapped along the boardwalk, where internal trade was held with warm regards. One could purchase many fine goods on the docks; from the finest Serenian silver, to master crafted Adelan blades as well as rare fruits and vegetables from the islands both due south east of Allar, and also as far away as Hyotian islands and the Yoreiqi.

People could even be purchased at any price; from good stock of men carted up from the deep south; to fine women waiting to become the next temptress at the local brothel.

'No, you're lieing,' the girl once said, only a day into her new home in Allar City.
'I can prove it. Watch the men lined up the purchase 'er. They all have sly and greedy expressions. And see how they all 'ave a funny bulge in the front of their pants?"
The girl made a face.
"What of it?"
"That's a man's sex. Your old enough to learn about that now. You're nearly sixteen. I learned about all this when I was ten."
Angered the boy seemed to want to one up her, she jutted her chin out to inform him,
"Who says I don't know anything about men and sex?"
"Then you won't mind seeing our bet for yourself. Though I'm going to personally see what Master Lemmon's is gonna do w'it her... I'm not sure it'd be a place for a girl- especially one so noble as you, Lady Marcell.'
She didn't like the way he spoke her name, as if using it were a means to actually better himself when he had barely a station himself. Eggard was a round faced boy, same age as her brother, and was handsome enough, she supposed. He had been her first kiss, and the first boy she'd seen everything of. Even still, she hadn't shamed herself to show off the same. After all, she was only just becoming a woman, and hadn't had her first blood just yet, which embarrassed her when eventually she was asked by her father.

It made her uncomfortable how openly men spoke of these things, and though her Aunt Jundie tried to comfort her, she merely pushed the budding girl along to let her know, "Well, you're going to learn sooner rather than later." And "At least in my day I had my cousin to teach me- and let me tell you, it was some ride!"

Even still, the little naive woman was blossoming, and many men had their eyes on the eye pleasing young Lady Marcell. Gavriella was everything a man could want in a bride, and her father often said it, and often reminded her how important it was to keep her body in check. He had even go so far as to call her out about her little romps with Eggard- reminding her if she isn't pure by the time her wedding comes, she'd not only hang Eggard, but his punishment couldn't even be spoken for what he'd do to her for shaming their family.

It was always important, she was told, how strong the family blood needed to be. And that's why he focused primarily on Andreas's future- but now as he saw his only daughter coming of age, he began to turn his attentions to her. He was a picky man, but knew he'd be able to fetch a good alliance with her. Same went for his son, though he was to be a duke- his heir, and next ruler of Allar. Though often times he wished things were easiest to just wed his two children and be done with it,- but then again- what good would that be? Only creating an alliance within itself.

Gavriella just took it all in stride, awkwardly traipsing the fine line between a noble woman, and a young girl still living out her childhood desires- for now she was walking barefoot along Barely creek-a cold water, rocky stream that wove it's way towards the cliff sides and to Seamar's falls.

She was by herself, which she knew she might get whipped for- but she needed to be alone. She had taken homage with her brother over a lot of things, but as their journey from their southern home lead them to their sudden rise in nobility, she found herself feeling more and more confused. Her brother and Eggard were the only boys she could interact with- and though she had kissed them both; it was only within the past few weeks she began to develop cheek burning feelings that often lead her to masturbating quite frequently over certain fantasies inside her head.

Only a month before Eggard had touched her in places that made her feel strange, and at night she had spotted him rutting with a stable girl....
Only then did she begin to feel strange not only towards him, but her brother as well. Though they had grown up together, she had noticed in the passing years he was becoming very handsome. His shoulders broadened, his voice deepened, and he began to take on the stubbling shadow of a beard. And his eyes...
She couldn't help but felt his dark green eyes were so dreamy, unlike her own that she always fervently wished would change shades. But he had always told her her eyes were as beautiful as the sky-a nd it always warmed her.

But now she was finding herself craving more warmth from him, as an unnatural curiosity grew. Seeing Eggard and the girl should have prompted her to envision herself with Eggard-
But having gone skinny dipping only a few weeks prior with Egg and her brother, she found herself extremely drawn to the way her brother's body was developing. And it had since lead her to become some what distant from him because as she thought about what a man and woman ought to do.....

The man in her fantasy was her brother, and each night when she touched herself, it was the same.


Last night she and her brother had gotten into a fight- a really insignificant, frivolous fight, but one none the less. They were talking about women for Andreas to marry and all she could think about was how much he prospect of him becoming married angered her. She ended up striking out at him and was sent to her room- but when he tried to approach her, she had locked him out of the bedroom and after crying to herself for several hours- she wanted to remain alone.


The heat from what she desired she hoped could be cooled by the sea winds, which she could feel through the tall spiked topped pines whose scent mingled with the ocean salts. She had made it all the way to the cliff's edge where the waters rushed down into the oceans below in a proud power that was all nature.

But then she was found, brought back home and her father scolded so harsh Gavriella thrust her hate upon him, made a tantrum but then was struck across the face. Her Aunt eventually intervened and Gavriella was sent to her room, once again finding herself in tears that soiled her bed linens.

And as she was sobbing, there was a sudden knock at the door. And she was surprised to find it was Eggard.

"What do you want?" she asked, eyes glossy like sharp glass. "I know you're the one who told my father. So don't try to deny it!"

"Actually, I came because I didn't."

The look Eggard was wearing confused her to no end and made her more upset than she wanted to admit.

"Look... I know you saw me.... and Rayella and I-"

Whatever Eggard was trying to say to her she didn't want to hear anything of it, and soon she was throwing pillows and brushes and anything else she could get her hands on to flush him out of her room. She eventually got him cornered and found herself pink cheeked and screaming, "Get out! Get out of my room! I never want to see you again, Eggard! Never! Ever!"

It was the shouting that drew his attention.

Andreas had been sent out to practice fencing with the armorer some hours ago and his focus was not at all in it. Old Joseph had beaten him soundly- twice- before he finally called a halt to break for a bit of water.

The young nobleman sighed and upended half a pitcher of water over his head before bothering to pour a glass to drink.

"You're head's just not in this today, young master," Joseph told him in his raspy, croaking voice.

Andreas gave him a droll look. I'm well aware, thank you." Normally fencing was a kind of relief, an escape from his normal lessons of boring history and politics, even a chance to just move and clear his head- which had been uncomfortably full as of late.

Currently it was his fight with his sister that was bothering him. Sure, she hadn't exactly handled the situation well- in fact, he couldn't quite remember what had sparked such an explosive burst of temper- but nor had he. He'd met her fire with cool, quipped insults- he might have called her a brat- and guilt prickled at him for it.

But it wasn't just that. She was getting in trouble with their father more and more lately, particularly about that boy- Eggard- and he was angry. At first it had seemed normal- she was his baby sister, naturally he was protective! Particularly in these sorts of things. But as it had gone on he'd realized his anger was growing more and more disproportionate.

And he couldn't quite figure out why.

With a frustrated growl, he downed another gulp of water- then paused as he heard shouting. It sounded like his father- no, there was his aunt.

"Oh God." He dragged a hand down his face. "What has she done now?" With not much more than a nod to Joseph, he swiped a towel over his neck and shoulders and jogged back inside, still soaked from his head to his shoulders.

He was just in time to overhear his father and Aunt Jundie talking, and gleaned enough to know Gavriella had been caught out on her own and sent to her room as punishment.

He sighed and started up the stairs a little warily. She'd chased him away last night, but he was hoping her anger toward him might have cooled enough that she'd accept his presence.

Except the seen he stumbled across was certainly not "cooled anger". His sister was shouting and throwing things, and Eggard was ducking back and trying to shield his head.

Andreas saw red. In a burst of movement, he lunged forward and caught Eggard by the collar of his shirt. It didn't even cross his mind that the other boy might not necessarily be in the wrong- all he saw was his sister hurting, and this boy was at least partially the cause.

"Get out of here," he snarled, anger lending him strength as he tossed Eggard down the hall so forcefully the boy stumbled and collapsed. Without waiting to see what he did next, Andreas turned into his sister's room and slammed the door, breathing a tad heavily.

Gavriella stood there, a trembling mess of pouty lips and pink, tear stained cheeks. She was trembling, hair askew and unable to move. And she blinked, her resolve wavering for but a moment before she snapped at him,
"Have you come here to shame me too? To yell at me and mock me in my misery?"

But even as she said it, a sob rippled up her lungs and she felt hot tears bubbling out to blur her vision. Though even in her moment of distress, it wasn't lost on her that her brother was out of breath and red from a run. No doubt practicing...
But had he been doing more? She couldn't help but feel repulsed her brother might do that with another-
But then again, how else was she to feel? She was an emotional wreck and felt trapped-

And now only her brother stood between her and the door.

He frowned at her, hating to see her so distressed but not sure what he could do to fix it. "Shame you?" His mouth twisted. "I think you've done a fine job of that yourself, sister."

Oh. Oh no. He hadn't meant to say that, it was just- he was still so angry. Not at her, necessarily, more at the boy- but he couldn't think, not when she was glaring at him, crying, and all he wanted to do was hold her like he had when they were children-

No. Not quite like that, and he knew it, and it terrified him.

"Ella..." He cautiously used the nickname he hadn't spoken in years when they both decided they'd outgrown it. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that."

Without thinking, he crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her, holding her to his chest. His hair was still dripping and he probably stank of sweat, but he honestly forgot that. "What happened?"

She wanted to slap him. How could he say that!? The horror was clearly written on her face, but the moment he crossed the small distance to hold her, she was caught up in the sensation and mindlessly sobbed.

"I don't want to talk about it!" was all she said when she was able to form any sort of words. "Please, I just want to forget everyone and anything!"

"Oh, sister." He held her tighter, glancing to the bed and then- with a quiet sigh- scooping her up into his arms so he could walk them over and sit on the edge. "Shh, shhh," he soothed, stroking her hair absently. "It's alright, you don't have to talk about it."

He hesitated a moment, then pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, hand passing over her back in rhythmic strokes. "What am I going to do with you, Ella?' he muttered on a sigh, reluctant to let go of her now that he held her.

She felt so small and vulnerable, and she hated feeling so weak beside her brother. But it seemed the comfort she had yearned for was there, and she couldn't help but remain clinging to his body, uncaring that he smelled of sweat, though secretly, it sent a tickle through her belly.

She had never noticed he had a scent before. Is this what women called a man's musk? THough not a good smell, it wasn't bad, and made her shiver.

But at his question, she pulled back and began to brush at her falling tears.

"Don't call me 'Ella. We're not children anymore, you know."

Andreas paused a moment, staring at her as she spoke. "I know," he said softly, eyes fixed on her face.

She certainly was no longer a child- though at times he claimed she acted like it.

Another sighed and he offered her a lopsided smile. "Indulge me. I miss my baby sister sometimes- she's grown up into a lady before I even realized it."

At that sort of comment, she grimaced at him.
"A lady?" she stood up, dress whirling at her feet. "Of course I'm a lady! I'll be sixteen this autumn! And calling me your baby sister is so.. so offensive and unappealing!" Hadn't it been years since he had used that phrase?

She huffed away from him and moved towards her vanity, scowling at her reflection at how ugly she looked and felt with a red, blotchy tear stained face.

He blinked at her, bemused. Had it really been so offensive? "I meant it as an endearment, Gavriella," he murmured, standing and crossing to stand beside her.

She may have been wearing a proper gown, but he was still in simple breeches and a loose shirt he often wore when practicing. "Here." He gathered some of her hair up and twisted it out of her face. "Will you talk to me now?" he murmured, looking at her face in the mirror and reaching around to swipe at the trails tears had left down her cheeks.

She sniffled and pouted at his reflection.
"Why would I?"

Andreas bit back yet another sigh and leaned in to place his face not to hers, watching her eyes in the glass. "Because I'm your brother and I love you?" he ventured with a small, crooked smile. "And I want to know why you're upset."

"Why? So you can mock me?" Yet, she knew it wasn't true, it was hard for her to come around for being so angry.

Though he had a better handle on his temper than his sister, she was certainly pushing it. Or was that something else? Not quite anger, but a definite frustration that was building in his chest, tightening until he felt he couldn't breathe as he watched her tear-streaked face in the mirror.

He jerked his eyes away, pursing his lips. "Never," he murmured. "You know I wouldn't do that." He scrubbed a hand down his face, clenching his eyes shut. "Just talk to me, Gavriella. Please."

Seeing his distress cemented the guilt in her belly. But it was difficult to swallow the knot in her throat.
"I don't know if I feel much like talking." She never really did seem to want to these days.

 "You've been saying that more and more lately," Andreas murmured, getting down on his knees so he could be more on a level with her.

Tired of talking to her in the mirror, he caught her chin between two fingers and gently turned her head to look at him. "Have I upset you?" he asked quietly, eyes searching her face. "Please, Ella, tell me what I've done and I'll fix it."

Her cheeks turned pink when she looked him in the eyes. Why did he have to have such beautiful eyes? But out of reflex, she jerked her chin free and turned away from him.

"Talking won't magically fix things, Andy," she muttered, and reached for her brush. "And I'm in a bad mood now. All I've got to say are rotten, nasty things." She pouted angrily and mindlessly ran the brush through her dark curls, secretly catching a look at her brother through the mirror's reflection.

He frowned when she pulled away from him, rather disproportionally hurt. "Well, then tell me those things." He reached out to touch her shoulder, then pulled his hand back.

"I feel like we haven't properly talked in ages. The closest we got was last night..." And that had hardly ended well.

"Well, maybe we can try another night," came her grumpy reply.

Andreas sighed again and got to his feet. "As you wish, sister," he murmured, dipping to kiss her cheek before he left.

Only he missed, catching at the corner of her mouth instead. Which was hardly a big deal, they'd kissed plenty of times. But for some reason he froze, lips pressed just barely to hers, taking far too long before he pulled away, brow furrowed, and turned to leave.

He wasn't the only one who had froze. But her heart was in her throat as it began to beat rapidly as he turned to leave. Yet something inside her triggered her to move as she began to say, "Andreas... Wait-"
But she was cut off by a sharp knock at the door.

"Gavreilla," Her heart sank, "Its your father. Open the door so we can talk."

He paused, hand outstretched toward the door and half turned back to look at his sister. "What-"

But then the knock at the door and he jumped, throwing it an accusing sort of look.

He looked to Gavriella, brows drawn together, then sighed. "We- we can talk later."
Reluctantly, he opened the door.

"Andreas? Oh, good, you're both here. The three of us have a lot,to discuss," and he gestured towards the settee for his,son to sit.

"Ah- alright." Not really seeing a way he could get out of it, Andreas nodded slowly and say, glancing from his father to his sister.

Taking a seat beside her brother, Gavriella chewed on her lower lip. She didn't get the chance to worry about why he'd come since he went right into the topic at hand.
"Due to our new position here as the new ruling family of Allar, our alliances are crucial to the support of preserving the family line. That being said, this effects both of you. The end of the month we'll be hosting a ball to all those families I felt are the most crucial of alliances, and who we might benefit from the most. Its not easy, I'll tell you that. With this war choking up assets and Duchies rebelling against the crown, we need to act now to show our strength and support of Grand Duke Allarrick. That being said, I'm ready to propose a marriage of his only daughter to you, Andreas."

Andreas raised an eyebrow. "A...marriage? Already?" He couldn't stop the words from slipping out- he knew it wasn't really all that soon, plenty of young noblemen his age were already betrothed or married.

But it felt soon, and- and he didn't want to do it. Marry a stranger. The poor girl would probably be terrified, and...

He wouldn't love her. He knew it, no matter who she was, he couldn't love her, not the way he loved-

Who? He'd never really had a sweetheart, but there was that feeling, as though he'd be betraying someone. He shook his head and dropped his eyes. "Yes, Father." What else could he say?

"Not already. A betrothal first. The poor girl is still a child, after all."

He frowned. "A child?" He looked up at his father quizzically, lips drawn tight. "How old is she?"

Lord Marcell sighed.
"You need to pay more attention to the family houses, son. Myla Allarrick is maybe only 6 years old. And you might bock at the age now, but as you grow older, you'll find it very well to have a youthful wife and young bride. Being so young, she has yet to be spoken for, and I'm sure her father would prefer she marry someone to rule in his home duchy above all else- and we should do the same. The crown is very important to please, and to have as your ally, son. You'll do well to remember that."

"Six?" He gaped. Eleven years his wife's senior? He knew it wasn't exactly uncommon, but...

Swallowing his protests, he dropped his eyes and muttered, "As you say, Father."

Gavriella's brows dipped sharply and her face skewed with the unspoken question that neither sibling dare say. But their father wasn't stupid as he sighed and nodded his head at Andreas.
"These next few years you'll be learning much about politics. Even though my intentions are to have you marry Myla Allarrick, we are still going to host many ball where you'll need to mingle with other family's, and in particular, their daughters, to try to persuade them to have their daughters become a potential option as your future bride. A man must make himself readily available to these families and their daughters in such a way you'll be building up your own success when its your time to rule. Even if you do not end up wedding their daughters, a man's word holds value. Use it to your advantage. And that being said..."
And that's when Lord Marcell's eyes ventured to Gavriella.

"Your daughter is also of marriageable age. And she might, in fact, wed long before you. But for her, I plan to sniff out the best alliances through your own events and social exchanges. We have the benefit of you both being prized assets to those outside of our family circle, so you'll both do well to present yourself, especially you, Gavriella. I have a lot of ideas on who ought to be a good match for you. You're pretty, young and a virgin. All royal men will be tripping over themselves to have you. But i'll need you not to act like a silly girl when the time comes. There'll be balls for your coming out, naturally, as well as your bother, and you'll have to play the world coolly and keep a level head. This affects your own future, and that of our family line, and I need you both to be extra vigilante when pursuing  your futures."

And his eyes when sharply from them both.

"Do you both understand?"

Hands fisting on his lap as some sort of anger that seemed to come out of nowhere surged through him, Andreas nodded sharply. "I understand."

He glanced at Gavriella out of the corner of his eye, praying she wouldn't lose her temper.

In all of her stubborness, Gavriella was actually at a loss of what to say. Sure, marriage was in her future, and she knew it'd be to some lord, probably one within the duchy, but to talk about it now and so openly- and the idea she could be married well before Andreas.....

Her father repeated himself, eyes never once leaving Gavriella's form.
"Do you understand?" There was still a long pause. "Gavriella?"

She clenched her jaw and nodded, before daring to look up at her father.
"Yes, of course." But the reply was hasty as her mind was in a whirl over what he just proposed.

"Good, then you should both understand your roles in the ball to come."

Subtly, trying not to let their father notice, Andreas leaned into his sister slightly, sliding his hand around to touch her back gently.

Gavriella was thankful for her brother's attention as she felt so small beneath her father's commands.

"Andreas, when you are cleaned up from your practice, come to my study. I have much to go over with you." And he turned to make his leave, nodding to both of his children before closing the door.

Andreas gave a sharp sigh as their father left and slumped in on himself a bit. For a long few moments, he said nothing.

"Ella...you okay?"

There was a brief pause as all of the tension inside her built up beyond her control, and without warning or much thinking on it, she threw her arms around her brother and just hugged him, and hugged him tight.

He started, surprised, then wrapped his arms around her and clutched her to his chest. "Shh," he murmured, rubbing her back gently. "Oh, Ella. It's okay, it's going to be okay."

"No, no it's not!" she found herself shouting, shaking her head as she fought off tears. "You heard him. You heard father... He's already planning our future! He aims to marry us... he's going to send us away...."

"Sister..." Andreas clenched his eyes shut and clutched her as close as she could, pressing a kiss to her temple, then her cheek.

"I won't let him," he whispered suddenly, impulsively. "There- there has to be a way. A pair of siblings I could persuade him to find agreeable. We'd be able to stay together then..."

His chest was suddenly aching horribly.

But Gavriella was shaking her head, suddenly irritated by the very idea of it as she pushed her brother away and stood.
"No, no, no! That will never happen!" she went on, finding it harder to fight off the tears that stung harshly to her eyes. "Have you not been listening to father? He wants to use as for political gain! To stretch out his reach through our marriage and would never waste it on the same family!"
Her hands clenched into fists. "Don't be stupid! Father would box your ears in for even thinking that!"

Of course she was right, but he's only been trying to comfort her, comfort them both, just for a little while.

"What would you have me do?" he asked, spreading his hands helplessly. "I don't know what to do, Ella."

And angrily she retorted, "And don't let father hear that." Her tone was nasty as she took a seat at her vanity again, aiming to brush her hair again, as if that'd brush out this frustration.
"You're going to be a Duke, remember? You have to know how to do and please everybody."
And she glared at him through her reflection.

He gritted his teeth and got to his feet, pacing the room restlessly. "I'm not a Duke yet," he growled. "I- I just want to make you happy, Gavriella!" he admitted, dragging a hand through his still damp hair.

He couldn't do this, not right now. Taking a breath, he muttered, "Father's waiting for me," and moved toward the door.

Angered and hurt, she felt the tears near blinding her now as a few hot ones rolled down her cheeks.
"Go then! Follow father like a dog!"

Andreas stood frozen, his back to her. "What else would you have me do, Gavriella?" he murmured. "I don't know what-"

He clenched his jaw and curled his fingers into fists. Without another word, he left the room.

Lanciss Marcell had been patiently waiting for his son as he perused his paperwork in his study. He heard his son enter, but made no notion to address him as he went about, dabbing his quilt into an ink well and going about scratching on parchment. After a few moments of this, he blew across the paper and rest the quill. Then he set it aside and looked over at his son with a sigh.

"You should have cleaned up first," he criticized.

Andreas winced. He'd been so wrapped up in his own thoughts he'd completely forgotten. "Yes, Father. Forgive me," he murmured, ducking his head.

After a moment, he cleared his throat and asked quietly, "What is it you wanted to see me about?"

"I wanted to discuss with you the list of women and men I'd like you to get acquainted with at the ball we'll be hosting. Now it's very important you keep things civil and as amiable as you can."

"Yes, sir, of course." Andreas moved forward and hesitantly took a seat, waiting with the easily patient expression he'd perfected for just such occasions.

It probably felt forever that Lanciss Marcell went over all the intimate details of whom he wanted Andreas to make believe he felt interest towards, as well as those he wanted to get into a close standing relationship with, even if they had no sort of children to barter with.

This lengthy meeting left the already frustrated sister, even more so. She brushed her hair for as long as she could, she even paced around her room for as long as she dared. Eventually she was so upset she stormed clean over to her brother's room....

And was surprised not to find him there. Irritated, she paced around his room to await his return, when she noticed his cooling bath water left untouched. Snorting, she moved to take advantage and steal his bath. Pulling off her clothes and throwing them aside, she stepped into the bath and just let herself soak and relax....
All the while feeling the strange anxiety of being naked and in her brother's room.

But they'd shared baths int he past before, in fact, when she was little, she used to steal his when he was offered to get his first, and they'd end up having a bath fight. Now...
That's hardly what she wanted.

But what did she want? Andreas was taking his good old time and she finally left the bath and toweled herself dry. It was a nice change of pace not to have a servant doing it for her. She wrapped the towel around her form and moved towards the window, when she froze- eyes widening, as she heard someone opening the door.

Panicked, she rushed to hide somewhere, anywhere, but realized how foolish it was because of her discarded clothing and the fact she very evidently already used her brother's bath.

Andreas was drained by the time he was able to return to his room- emotionally, mentally, physically. All he wanted was a bath- probably cold by now, his mouth twisted as he realized- clean clothes, and a nice long nap.

Unfortunately, that didn't seem to be an option.

His eyes widened and he gaped as he found his sister standing in his room, clad only in a towel, hair still damp. "You- what-?"

He shook his head, then quickly closed the door behind him. "Gavriella, what on earth are you doing in here?!"

Her entire face went pink. But she kept her pride and jutted out her chin.
"I was angry and got bored waiting so I stole your bath."
She hoped she sounded braver than she felt.

"But- why were you waiting in here?" He didn't realize his face had gone rather pink. "We aren't children anymore, you can't just come barging into my room and- and undress!"

At being called out on that she couldn't help but get angry.
"What? Why? I can't very well get a bath in my clothes!"

"Do you have any idea how inappropriate this is?!"

Andreas busied himself picking up her clothes and attempting to hand them to her while still not looking directly at her. "A young lady cannot just- just steal someone else's bath! And to be naked in a man's room-"

His voice cut off and he frowned. Wait, that shouldn't be as big of a deal with him, right? He was her brother. They'd seen each other naked plenty of times. Just because she didn't look like a child anymore...

SHe found herself huffing and couldn't help but jab, "What man?"

"Besides.." she went on, strolling around with some confidence in her step before him. "I'm your sister." And her eyes were mean as she glared at him.

He glared. "That's no excuse," Andreas growled, grabbing her shoulders and suddenly spinning her around, slamming her back against the wall, forgetting to check his strength for a moment.

"You can't do things like this," he hissed, meeting her gaze with narrowed eyes. "If you keep prancing around like no one can touch you, someday, someone is going to prove you wrong. You don't own the world, Gavriella!"

He shook her, irrationally angry, and suddenly panicked. "What if I hadn't been the one to come in here? What if it had been my manservant? Someone else? And you looked like this?!"

Suddenly all the fight seemed to leave him and he slumped, taking a step back from her quickly. "Damnit, Ella...people are cruel, and any one of them would take advantage of you if they could."

She was thrown into a world of confusion, sputtering out his name when she felt her body forced against the wall. It only fueled her anger, and the strange tension and heat pooling between her legs. But when he deflated and moved away, she blinked, and stood there a moment quietly, wondering just what had happened....

Then it all began to make sense. he was just looking out for her, and she was a fool.

But they were in their own home...
Why would he be afraid of her being here in such a place!?

She shook her head.

"Stop being unreasonable!" she snapped. "The only one cruel here is you!"

He couldn't stop his hand flying through the air- it was almost an instinct.

He didn't strike her though, stopping a few inches short of contact.

He couldn't hurt her. He'd never hurt her.

Andreas glowered at her, slamming his fist into the wall beside her head. Suddenly he felt like another bout of fencing was called for. Where had all the aggression come from? And why was he so damned hot all of the sudden?

"I could show you cruel, sister," he hissed. Then he clenched his eyes closed, gritting his teeth. "But I won't. I wouldn't."

He put his back to her. "Just- get out. Please."

When his back was finally to her, only then did she realize just how scarey he could be- nad just how scared she was. She deflated some, heart being rapidly and loudly in her ears. She couldn't move, in the moment, she didn't know how to...

And then there was a knock on the door.

For a moment Andreas was frozen. Then he leaped into action, grabbing Gavriella's arm and shoving her into the bath that connected to his room with a quick, "Stay quiet."

Then he tried to appear casual, leaning against his bed, and called, "Yes? Door's open."

Gavriella barely had a chance to catch herself before falling. But fear of being caught this way.. only registered now on how very real it was. She scrambled to hide behind something in the bathing room, all the while holding her breath to listen for the door.

At the door was a servant, though perhaps a woman he had never seen before.

"Lord Marcell?" she asked, eyes roaming over his form.

"Ah, yes." A puzzled frown crossed his face for a moment before he smoothed his expression into an easy smile and crossed to stand in front of the woman. "Forgive me, I don't believe we've met?"

"No, of course not, I'm new." And from the sound of her voice, foreign as well. "I am Martreen. I come to help clean bath." And she looked from him, then towards the bathing room, awaiting him to grant her entry.

"Ah-" He cleared his throat, then shook his head and smiled brightly. "No, no, that's quite alright. I, um, haven't actually had a chance to use it yet- as you can probably tell." He gestured to himself with a perfectly charming self-deprecating chuckle.

"So, thank you, Martreen, but perhaps you could return in a half hour or so?"

Gavriella peered out just in time to catch a glimpse of Marteen. She was beautiful, and much older and curvier than herself. She suddenly felt very self conscious as she hugged her towel closer to her body, and happened to spy one of her brother's robes, of which she quickly slipped into, towel discarded on the floor.

She returned to listen back in just as the servant bade her good night and closed the door behind herself as she left.

With a relieved sigh, Andreas slumped back against his bed, flopping onto his back and throwing his arm over his eyes.

"Coast's clear, Gavriella. You can come out now."

Timid at first, she eventually slunk back out into the room, now wearing his robe, which was tied tightly closed.

"New servant huh?" she asked idly, looking everywhere else in the room but to where he was laying on the bed. THough from time to time, she did steal a look. He looked... really good that way. It reminded her how much of a man he was, no longer the boy from their youth.

"It would seem so."

For a long moment, he didn't say or do anything else. Then, without looking, his hand reached out to close around her wrist and pull her onto the bed with him, curving his arms around her to hold her to his chest.

"At least you put a robe on," he muttered, burying his nose in her hair. A soft sigh, then, "I'm sorry I lost my temper, Ella. But please, tell me you understand why I was so upset. I worry about you..."

She let out a soft squeek as he drew her into his arms and onto the bed. Her heart was beating to fast, she had no idea what to do. She was so close to him, and he smelled....
Well, like Andy. And it made her shiver. She squirmed a minute in protest before stopping as she sighed.

"I guess that's your job as my brother," came her irritable reply, back still to him.

"Yes." He kissed the back of her head gently, lazily, and without thinking his hand started to stroke up and down her arm.

His eyes closed with a soft breath and he pulled her a little closer almost absently. "What am I going to do without you?" he murmured, almost too quiet to hear.

She shivered at his attentions and grew tense and quiet as more awkward sensations began to burn through her.

"Ella?" His sister was many things, but "quiet" was rarely one of them. "What's the matter now?"

He didn't even realize he was still stroking her arm gently. It was oddly comforting, the repetitive motion, the softness of her skin- he may be a nobleman, but he had a fencer's callouses dotted over his palms. But Gavriella was every inch the lady, fair and smooth.

She just felt so fragile compared to him.

His words, thankfully, broke her from her quiet spell.
"I'm just tired,"s he admitted, sighing.

Almost reluctantly, Andreas murmured, "I suppose I should take you back to your room then..."

She felt reluctant, too.
"What if I stayed..." she found herself asking, without thinking.

He lifted his head to look at her better. "Why?" He glanced away, then murmured almost reluctantly, "Though I suppose one bed is as good as the next..."

There was no harm in her taking a nap, right?

she nestled in a little closer to him.
"I miss when we were this close... Before we moved to this city."

His heart twisted a little at that. "I know." He kissed her head again. "Me too..."

With a small sigh, he released her and sat up. "Why don't you get comfortable- I really do need to clean up." He reached down to stroke her hair from her cheek. "I- I'll be right back, okay?"

She sat up enough to observe him.
"What.. In the cold, used waters of your bath?" she teased.

He rolled his eyes. "And whose fault is that?"

Andreas dipped to kiss her forehead. "I'm not getting in, I'll just scrub off quick and put some clean clothes on."

"What?" she sat up. "But you smell." She gave him a look. "I'm not going to bed with a stinky, sweaty brother!"

"Then you can go back to your own room," he replied easily, stripping out of his shirt and tossing it aside. "Or, better yet, next time don't use my bath."

"Well I was going to suggest allowing you to use my bath.." she went on, idly taking in his form. "But maybe I shouldn't be so nice."

"Ella..." He groaned theatrically and rolled his eyes. "Just- take your nap, alright? I'll be right back." He moved toward the door and peered out into the hall, checking if the coast was clear.

She folded her arms haughtily across her chest.
"I'll wait here, but I'm not going to just fall asleep!" she called after him in a whispered hiss. That sounded boring, anyhow.

Andreas just rolled his eyes with a sigh as he slipped out into the hall, quickly scurrying to her room to make quick use of her- now also cold- bath before returning.

He glanced to the bed. "You aren't asleep."

She boredly laid across the bed.
"No." Some of her dark hair fell over her shoulder, and away from her shoulder some of the robe fell, revealing soft, ivory skin. "I told you I wanted to sleep with you, not snore here on my own."

Yet another sigh. "Stubborn," he muttered, shucking his breeches so he was in his underthings and climbing onto the bed.

She didn't bother to move over for him, taking over the majority of his bed. In fact, she seemed to ignore him, eyes wondering elsewhere in the room.

"Brat," Andreas huffed affectionately, unceremoniously shoving his sister to one side of the bed so he had more room.

But a sharp pinch to his arm let him know she didn't appreciate his jest.
"What did you just call me?"

"A brat." He smirked and rolled onto his side, pinching her nose.

She gasped, more offended than she ought to have been and smacked his hand aside.
"ANDY!"

"What?" He withdrew his hand and blinked at her innocently. "I'm only teasing, Ella."

"But you're always teasing me!" she huffed. "I'm your sister. But I'm not a little girl anymore!"
Her forming bosoms were attest to that. They were soft and formed a soft line of cleavage, and her nipples were easily seen as their erect points tented against the robe. Not to mention, she was no longer some formless stick. Her body was developing a nice curve to it, as were limbs as well.

"I know that," Andreas said softly, suddenly finding his eyes wandering over her. He jerked his gaze away quickly and rolled onto his side. "Just- Didn't you say you were tired? Take your nap."

"Nap?" she turned to him, making a face. "Who takes a nap at night?"

"Well, you can't spend the whole night here." He quirked an eyebrow. "That maid will come back, for one thing."

"And?" she challenged. "You can just call her away. Lock the door. It's your room. Not her's."

He snorted. "Because that wouldn't be suspicious. Besides, why are you so hell bent on staying the night here? You keep reminding me you're not a little girl anymore, but you're acting they way you did when you were six and had a nightmare."

"Does your sister need a reason to share your bed? Besides, I didn't come to sleep in here everytime I had bad dreams!" There were times he woke him up because she had good ones, too!

"Normally I would say no." He turned to face her again. "But you've been acting oddly. Just what's going on in that head of yours, hm?" He prodded her forehead gently.

She swatted his hand away with a blush.
"Oddly? Puh! What do you mean? Maybe you're the one who's acting odd."

"Ella." He grabbed her wrist gently when she tried to swat at him. "I get enough of these stupid emotional games from Father and just about every damn person he has me talk to. I don't want it from you."

He sighed and closed his eyes. "I can't, Ella. I can't have it from you, I'll go mad. Just tell me what's wrong."

At such a confession, she grew silent, her eyes large as she looked at him, really looked at him before her cheeks heated immensely and had to drop her gaze. She tried to wriggle her wrist free.
"What do you mean... emotional games?"
Although she played dumb, she felt as if she were suddenly cornered on the subject and...
She wasn't quite ready to even consider an answer. Was there even an answer at all?

She felt her heart skip a beat, and sink into her belly.

"Why would I play games with you?"
But her voice was lame, and she knew the longer they lingered over this...
The bigger hole she was digging for herself.

"This. What you're doing." He released her wrist, frowning. "Trying to distract me with pissy banter instead of telling me what you're really thinking."

Gods. She hadn't always been like this, had she? They used to tell each other everything...

"I don't know why you're doing it," he murmured, rolling onto his back and looking at the ceiling. "But you are. And it hurts." His voice had dropped to a near whisper, hurt plain in his tone.

Gavriella cringed. She didn't know what to say, and it hurt her just as badly that her inability to express herself was also getting to him.

She wasn't a child. But then she was acting so childish, and her reaction was done before she even knew what she was getting into as she climbed over top of him, body straddling his as she looked him clean in the eyes.

She wanted to say she was not out to hurt him. She wanted to say thing were okay. She was just being moody, maybe a little depressed and it was all just growing pain. But the second her eyes met to his she felt an incredible heat flash through her body, and freeze her into place with her face but a hand away from his and her body.....

she realized she was nearly flush to him in quite a compromising position....
Just like how Egg had done it with that stable girl...
The rocking, the riding...
Her cheeks went pink and her lips fell open as if to speak, but she couldn't- no words came out.
And all she was feeling was heat.

"Ella-" Andreas started when he felt her move, then he was struck suddenly silent.

He wasn't as though he couldn't have thrown her off. She was rather slight, in spite of her growing curves. Which suddenly seemed much more obvious.

"What-" He swallowed thickly and looked away, but there wasn't really anywhere to look. "What are you doing?" His skin was suddenly hot and flushed and he tried to squirm under her- then stilled as that brought painful clarity to an incredibly embarrassing, incredibly wrong reaction his body was having to her.

And she felt it. Her own body stilled. But there was no denying it....
Her brother, the beautiful, green eyed man that he was, was was...
"Do you want me?" she asked, before she could even reconsider the words as they fell from her lips. "L-like.. Like how a man wants a woman... Am I... desirable to you?"

She felt suddenly insecure after saying it, her eyes dropping away, even as her body heat rose as she remained, frozen, yet still straddled across his form.

Yes.

He did.

The realization was almost enough to break him. With a quiet gasp Andreas shoved her off, bolting to his feet and racing to put the bed between them.

He stood for a moment, frozen and panting, just staring at her. "You- you should go," he whispered.

Mortified, she didn't even bother to grab her discarded clothes as she rushed bleary eyed towards the door. Not a word was spoken as she threw it open and rushed out into the halls. No, she didn't want to see her brother see her crying, so weak and ashamed. And when she got to her room she promptly locked it, and buried her crying face into her pillow.

Andreas didn't fare much better. The moment she was gone he sank to his knees and buried his face in his hands.

Oh God, what was wrong with him?!

Why had she crawled ontop of him? Why had she said those things!? That was NOT her intent! She was just fooling around. Wasn't it him that made it awkward!? Surely he could only blame himself for her carrying this out! And what was she supposed to say?

Maybe she could just laugh at him tomorrow. Yes, laugh rght in his face. Tell him he looked ridiculous with his eyes big like a fish when she crawled ontop of his lap! He was probably a virgin! Eggard had hinted at it. Maybe he just needed....

Ugh! She tried to shake the ideas out of her head because they made her mad. No. She would NEVER insist he find a whore, or some stable maid to sate him!

But even still...
Why had she asked him what she did!?
She'd never be able to look into his face ever again.

He wasn't sure how he ended up there, or how long it took, but somehow Andreas was standing in front of the door to his sister's room.

He tried the knob. Locked. He knocked shakily. "Ella." His voice was a rough croak. He cleared his throat and tried again. "Ella. Let me in. We- we need to talk."

It still seemed almost surreal to him, what had just happened, but he knew they couldn't just ignore it. There had to be some logical explanation- she'd been messing around, he'd just gone too long all...pent up. Yes, that was it. They'd just talk, work things out, and everything would be okay.

She pretended not to hear him. Maybe if she didn't respond, he'd just go away.

"Ella." He thumped his forehead against the door. "I know you're in there. Please, please let me in."

She flinched at his pleading, but was too embarrassed to want to move. Her eyes were all red and swollen from crying, and her nose was red too, from wiping away the snot. She looked anything like a picture perfect beauty, and she hardly wanted to see her brother see her like that.

"Go back to bed, Andy. I'm trying to sleep!" Came her forced, croaked reply.

"Gavriella." His own voice was rough and he cleared his throat, trying not to sound like he'd be crying- or was going to cry. Dukes didn't do that.

Of course, dukes also didn't get hard playing around with their sisters. No, stop that!

"We need to talk." A moment of quiet, then, "I swear to God if you don't let me in I'm going to break the damn door down."

She couldn't believe his threat and stared at the door.
"You wouldn't dare!"
He wouldn't.. would he?

His hand tightened on the knob. "Do you really want to risk it?"

Her heart did a somersault.
"Do you?" she challenged, still as stubborn as ever, but now she was moving towards the door, but keeping a fair enough distant just in case.

Andreas, white-knuckled, twisted the knob. Hard.

The lock broke.

Huh. He looked down at his hand, actually surprised he'd managed to do that.

And at such a sound, Gavriella rushed at the door.
"What did you do?" she asked, mouth agape a she threw open the door to have a better look at it. "You broke it!"

"Yes. Yes I did." Andreas blinked at the knob again, then shook his head. He looked Gavriella up and down, heart clenching as it was evident she'd been crying.

"Ella..." He ushered her into the room, hesitated, and closed the door behind him. "We need to talk."

"Well yeah, like how are you going to fix my door! Without a proper lock, how can I get any sort of privacy!?"

"Privacy?" He blinked at her. "Do you really want to talk to me about privacy right now?" For God's sake, she'd been naked in his room!

"Yes!" she huffed. "Its uncivilized to live without my lock on my door! How can I ever steal away for some privacy of I'm without?"

"Forget the damn lock!" She closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. "I'll have a new one installed or- whatever. Ella, we need to talk."

She grimaced at his words. And it was only then they set in, and she found herself suddenly unable to speak.

Andreas sighed and slumped back against her door, dragging his hand down his face. "We're you just- just playing around?" he whispered hoarsely. "Trying to make me feel...uncomfortable?"

As much of a bratty thing as it would have been to do, he couldn't deny it was probably the safer option.

Her eyes went wide and her face went pink.
"Oh, right. Of course!" she hastily affirmed. "I was just trying to relive the good old days." Which was a lie through her teeth.

"Ella." He gave her a long look, eyes open and rather hurt. "That isn't funny. You- you can't just do things like that..."

"What? Why not?" she asked indignantly. Even though she knew she was in the wrong, she didn't like the idea of being scolded by her brother.

"You know very well why." He had to exert a great amount of control to keep from shouting.

At his tone, she cut him a look.
"I know why you're mad, and it's not my fault your.. your body got all excited by me!"
And at the very words, she felt a thrill rush through her. Gods.. why did she say that? Why did she bring it up?A nd why was it riling her up in other such ways that her cheeks and between her legs were beginning to burn?

Andreas staggered back as though she'd physically struck him, face going pale. "I- that's not-"

His breath hitches uncomfortably and he turned to flee, head spinning. "I-I'll replace the lock..."

Suddenly realizing just what was going on, she dashed after him and grabbed him roughly by the arm.
"NOW you're going to run away? Are you admitting you got excited?"
Her heart was beating so fast. When had she gotten so bold? ANd when had the room gotten so hot?

He tugged weakly at his arm. He could have broken her grip of he wanted to, but...

He didn't want to. He should want to. Why didn't he want to? "Let go, Gavriella," he begged quietly, voice shaking a bit.

Her grip remain, and she just looked at him, boldly saying, "No."
She stared at his face, studied his handsome features with the unspoken questions and requests that her body begged for. She needed him. She wanted him, but what was she suppose to say?

"Ella." His voice was very small. "You have to let go. If you don't..."

He was afraid he'd do something they'd both regret. "Please, sister."

Her face skewed, easily showing off all the emotions she contended with. But after a moment's hesitation, she dropped her gaze, and her hold on his wrist.

Andreas was almost disappointed when her hand dropped, but he shoved the feeling away. He hesitated a moment, the whispered, "Goodnight," and turned to slip back out into the hall.

Once he was far enough away from the door, Gavriella slammed the door closed. And though she couldn't lock it, she had a feeling her brother would not return. And who else would simply enter her room?

Even still, she was hot and bothered by what had just happened as she paced her room a few time before sighing as she moved to her window, threw it open and just let the breeze come in to cool her face.

Andreas stumbled almost drunkenly back to his own room, closing the door with a foot and collapsing into the bed.

Something was wrong with him, seriously wrong. But... But Gavriella hadn't been disgusted, as she probably should have been. She'd just seemed...

Curious?

Curious might have been an understatement, for not too long after her brother had left, she returned to her bed and was soon finding her fingers between her legs, stroking herself as her breath was growing shallow, and her mind imagined what could have happened, No.... should have happened back inside his room.

She rocked her hips softly, breathing into her pillow as she closed her eyes tightly, pretending her hand was his and the pillow she pressed herself into was his warm, strong body.
What could it hurt to just... fool around with him? To do what Eggard did with the stable girl? To try it out with him?

Maybe she should just ask Eggard to show her how to do it. Maybe she should stop fantasizing about her brother. But the more she thought about it, the heavier she worked herself up over the idea of it.

Andreas still had a problem of his own. A problem his sister had inspired, and only seemed to flame with her temper and her refusal to just talk to him.

How? Why? When had this happened? It seemed to come from out of nowhere, but it was all too easy to let his mind and hands wander, his eyes closing as his breath hitched in his chest and Gavriella's face appeared in his mind.

She eventually was screaming into her pillow, finally finding some sense of relief of her building tension. She lay on her back now, breathing heavily as she stared at the ceiling and thought of what was to come.

Andreas didn't get much sleep that night, tossing and turning, feeling torn between a sense of shame and the feelings that were inspiring the shame.

His father, none the wiser of the plight, had summoned for him that morning to discuss the upcoming ball. Naturally, his sister was not invited since now, his sole focus was on his son's intended.

"The invitations are coming back, so we have quite a lengthy list as to who is going to attend." But he was frowning over the paper work. "It seems the Allister's decided to come," and with that, he sighed and rubbed his temple. "It was a pity invitation that I didn't think Lord Mandwin Allister would accept, but being as it may, you'll have to be wary of him and his sons. Though he has no daughters to tempt us with, he has plenty of sons I know he'll want to marry Gavriella too, and I won't stand for such a union. I won't say it to his face, but this will be a difficult political game in which you will be a part of. Do you understand?"

"Yes father." Andreas kept his eyes downcast, his face drawn and pale from lack of sleep.

He did chance a glance up though, and suddenly found himself saying, "About- about a match for El- Gavriella. Surely she's still a little too young?"

His father frowned at him.
"She's at the perfect marriageable age. Your mother was married to me years younger than Gavriella is now. Now, don't begin to act like the protective big brother, except where it counts. I'll need you to help me sort out who might be a good match for her and we ought to do it soon, keeping in mind no one knows to whom I propose your own engagement. Is that clear, Andreas?"

Once again he ducked his head, hands clenching into fists so hard his nails broke the skin of his palms. "Yes, Father, I understand," he murmured.

"Good now... Do you happen to have a clue as to the girls of whom you need to be made to look of interest towards?"

"I'm afraid j may be a little confused in that matter." He arched an eyebrow. "All of them, yes? I am to show a polite interest, but not hint at any commitments."

"Yes, but I meant in regards to their names. Do you remember the ones we had gone over?" he asked, being more specific.

"The Allarrick girl," he replied, frowning slightly, "but surely she's still to young to be attending balls?"

"She won't be, but I meant the other family's with influence of importance."

"Anyone with a daughter of marriageable age, yes?"

His gaze hardened.
"I meant the list of names." Sighing, he looked down at his piece of paper, then picked it up and placed it infront of his son. "Unfortunately, I wasn't sure I could trust you to memorize them all, so I prepared you a list. Which family's are good, and the why's, what their children's names are and ages. I've also indicated which ones on this list you should pretend to persue."

Andreas took the list. "Yes, Father, thank you," he murmured, keeping his eyes downcast. He glanced at the paper, but honestly the names seemed to be black squiggles that refused to come into focus. He just couldn't think straight.

His father frowned.
"You seem out of sorts. Is something the matter?"

"Hm? Oh, uh, no." He shook his head quickly an offered a smile. "No, I'm fine. Just...didn't sleep much. It's nothing," he tried to reassure hurriedly.

His father raised a brow at him.
"I was told you and your sister were up late."

"Um, yes." He swallowed, but managed to keep a passive expression. "Just...talking. It feels as though we don't see much of each other lately."

He gave a curt nod.
"Yes, well.. you'll have to get used to it. Your place will be here, to replace me once I am gone. And Gavriella will be married and living elsewhere soon enough."

Again he dipped his head, swallowing around a sudden lump of frustration in his throat. "Yes. I understand, Father."

"Very well.. I guess that's all I had to discuss." He sat back into his chair. "You may go about with your duties now. You'll be a duke someday... best you don't fall behind on your studies with books and your blade."

"Yessir, of course." Andreas nodded again and backed out of the room.

Once the door was closed he leaned back against the wall with a heavy sigh, scrubbing his hand down his face tiredly.

It was around this time his sister was being escorted down the hall, two maids in tow and she? She was wearing the most extravagant, but also the most revealing dress she'd ever own. It amplified her budding cleavage and pronounced her soft, sweet skin. Aided by her dark hair being pulled up and pinned in a fancy array above her head, she looked simply desirable.

As she and the maids passed, she paused to smile coyly at her brother and twirled around in her dress.
"WHat do you think of my new dress? I think the soft pink suits me," she went on, smoothing a hand down the fabric as the extra flare of fabric down her sleeves tickled around her elbows down to her wrists.

[Omg, thought I replied to this, my laptop fritzed on me, sorry!!]


Andreas looked up, saw his sister, and went pale as a ghost. He gaped at her as she spun, utterly speechless.

"You- you look-" He cleared his throat and licked his lips. "You look lovely, Gavriella," he murmured, flicking his eyes away. "Radiant. Truly. Excuse me, I- I have to go."

He tried to convince himself he wasn't running away.

But Gavriella caught him by the wrist.
"Oh? And where are you going? I wanted to show off my new dress! Aren't you even curious who it was a gift from?" she went on, not letting him go.

"No, not really," Andreas replied bluntly, still not looking at her. "Just- let me go, sister. I have studying to do."

That infuriated her. But she let him go. And though he was moving to leave, she couldn't help but tell him boldly,
"The dress is from Jaime Allister."

He froze.

"That's...intriguing." He half twisted to just nod at her. "It's a lovely gift."

Without another word he turned and left. He'd been intending to visit the library for book studies, but his feet suddenly were steering him out to the courtyard.

He really needed to hit something.

She was hoping for a better reaction than that. After all, Jaime Allister was a sworn enemy to their house and name. They were the only family able to vie for the throne. The fact one such member of the family sending the young Gavriella gifts spoke volumes. Not to mention what the young man wrote in the card that was delivered with her dress.

The poor practice dummy didn't know what hit it.

Andreas had always been a decent swordsman- not a protegee, but certainly skilled- but today he was a machine, whirling through form after form, cutting down anything the training master threw at him.

By about midday, he was panting and nearly shaking, sweat gluing his clothes to his body, but still he hacked away at the cloth and straw form in front of him.

He definitely wasn't pretending it was the Allister prat.

And as he hacked away at the sparring dummies and got himself all sweaty and wet, his sister was seen far above him moving across a stone mounted over pass. It over looked the gardens where he resided, and Gavriella couldn't help herself and had to stop and lean over the edge to watch with satisfaction as her brother tore those dummies a new one.

Finally he had to pause, if only to keep himself hydrated. Downing a few glasses of water, Andreas happened to glance up and catch Gavriella watching him.

He went still, then slowly raised his glass in a toast to her. Other people were watching, or at least they could be. They were very much in the open.

"Would the lady grant me her favor?" he called to her, gesturing to her handkerchief, as he might have a few days ago, before everything got turned upside down.

She stated at her brother for a very long time before finally moving to pluck the kerchief from between her pert breasts and letting it flutter down towards his form.

Andreas caught it easily and swiped at his forehead and neck.

Then, on impulse, despite the little voice screaming at him not to, he stripped out of his shirt and tossed it aside, using the kerchief to dab sweat off his chest before he laid it aside as well- much more gently- and returned  to his practice.

And Gavriella could not stop staring at him. And she was alone. And her hand moved down to touch herself through the front of her dress.

He tried to lose himself in the methodical movements of his training, but he was acutely aware of Gavriella's presence.

Why on earth was she just standing there?

She was building up a dangerous pleasure within herself, cheeks growing hot and pink. But she didn't yield, and only stopped when her heart dropped and skin prickled icily at the sound of her father's voice.

"Gavriella, what are you doing?"

Dropping her hand away, she turned sharply towards her father.

"Father!"

He gave her a cruel look over before catching her wrist.

"Is that the dress Jaime Allister sent?"

Gavriella's eyes fluttered, and her stomach did a wide range of somersaults.

"Wh-what?" Oh.. he hadn't seen her... saw what she had done. It took her a moment to compose herself, but when she tried to take a step back, her father clung to her wrist tighter. Gasping, she gave a tug. "F-... Father that hurts."

"Why on earth did you accept that dress? And more importantly, why are you parading around the house in it?" The style was unsuitable for a girl of her age, especially one who hadn't even come out in court to be courted! "Do the Allister's expect you to be a harlot?" he went on, giving her a shake.

Gavriella's eyes went wide, and then she grew mean.

"What on earth are you going on about? It was a gift! Are we so barbaric we'd deny a gift?"

"Only if we accept it from those barbarians. You very well know my sentiments against the Allister's..."

Gavriella took a step back, chin up.

"Well I don't believe the same! The dress is beautiful, well made and of the fashion. And Jaime Allister-" but her words were knocked from her teeth, as her father slapped her hard across the cheek.

"Defy my words again and you'll regret the day you thought you were well enough to make such decisions. You're too young to realize what you are doing. The Allister's have plenty of reasons to try to win you over, especially with their son Jaime and I will not have my daughter consider such a match. I won't have it. I'd marry you to your Uncle Marrick before it ever comes down to it. Now, do I make myself clear?"

Gavriella's eye wavered with tears as she nursed her cheek. Her father's voice grew colder, harsher.

"Do I make myself clear?"

She nodded fervently, tears streaming down her cheeks before he moved to step beside her and look down from the stone overlook, down to where his son had once been practicing well with his sword.

Andreas heard the beginnings of the confrontation and his form faltered. Then he heard the undeniable crack of a slap and suddenly he was frozen, arms trembling.

Don't do it. Don't react, just stay calm...

He managed to wait until the voices died down, then glanced up at his father and sister.

"Gavriella," he called suddenly, letting his practice blade hang at his side in an effort to hide the way he was still shaking with anger. "Come down here- I was planning to go to the library, you can help me study."

He looked to their father and added, "I'll make her change first."

His father's expression showed no real emotion, to if he approved or not, of what Andreas proposed.

"You need to keep practicing. Your sister is needed elsewhere," and he turned sharply from his son and looked at Gavriella. "Come, I've got something to discuss with you." And he moved to take the lead, walking briskly with his daughter following at his heels, who spared just one, worrisome glance down at Andy before she moved well out of sight.

Keep practicing.

Right.

Well, it wasn't like he didn't have plenty of aggression to work out.

The day had dragged on, and soon Andreas was being called to dinner.

"Clean up and make yourself present within the hour," the servant said, before bowing out and leaving the young duke in training to just that.

With a panting sort of sigh, Andreas did as he was told, making his way back to his room to bathe and change into acceptable clothing.

And when he'd arrive for dinner, he might notice it was just his father waiting for him at the grande table that was lit from end to end with flickering candles.

Andreas hesitated a moment, then moved into the room. "Father." He nodded respectfully. "Where is everyone else?"

"If you mean your sister, she is meant to spend the night in her room. She was acting very foolishly, and fools go to bed with empty bellies." He gestured for him to sit.
"Come. The quail will get cold the longer you stand." And he moved to raise the service bell, giving it a brisk few rings.

"Yes...sir." Andreas slowly took a seat, keeping his eyes on his food and his mouth shut.

The food was brought out from opened, steaming dishes. It was beautifully displayed, and smelled heavenly. Then again, most meals brought to a duke's table had to be exquisite, less the cook lose his head.

His father wasted no time in eating his food in silence, though when his cup of wine was nearly empty, only then did his eyes go over to his son.

"You practiced for a long time today. Your teacher said you're improving," he went on, waiting for the serving maid to fill up his glass.

Andreas ate slower, only sipping at his drink, finding he wasn't hungry despite the long hours of practice.

"Oh." He looked up and nodded vaguely. "Yes, well. I suppose I've been putting a lot of effort into it lately..."

His father frowned.
"Well, it's good to see you're focusing on what's important now. Ansgar's knows we can't have an heir to a duchy who's no good with a sword."

"Of course, sir." He hesitated a moment, then murmured, "But surely diplomacy is more important? Particularly in such troubled times."

Another hesitation, then: "Perhaps... If Gavriella attended some of my lessons, had something to focus her energy on, she'd be less likely to rebel."

His father's frown deepened.
"Allow Gavriella to learn the sword? Impossible. I won't have it."

"She wouldn't have to learn to use a blade," Andreas persisted. "Just the forms, something to keep her busy. Perhaps a bow? Mother used to tell us how the Marcell ladies generations ago were practiced archers, it wouldn't be so unheard of..."

"A bow? No, no, we've moved away from such generational obligations. No, you're sister," he went on with a shake of his head. "Is only suitable for one kind of bow and that's the frilly kind women wear in their hair."

Andreas frowned at his plate. "Perhaps, if she was given the opportunity to grow, she would surprise you."

And at that, he gave a frustrated sigh.
"I think I've had enough surprises from that girl for a life time."

"She's young," he defended her automatically. "She's...figuring herself out."

"And it's no excuse for her to go against my word. She accepted a gift, and an invitation, by Jaime Allister himself. And we're expected to entertain him, along with his brothers, here personally in the castle." His frown was soured as he shook his head, and went back to picking at his food.

"I suppose she'll keep our hands full before the actual ball."

"I've talked to her," Andreas murmured. "I think it's...hard for her to understand the world, she's lived such an isolated life."

"You're her brother, it's natural you'd want to protect her. But... She is old enough to know better. Ansgar knows I've lectured her plenty."

"She doesn't need lectures. She needs someone to talk to. A girl her age, maybe.

He shot his brother a look.
"Just because your mother is dead does not mean your sister needs to be doted on. Now this is the end of this discussion." And he went back to cutting his quail. "Be sure to eat well. Tomorrow will be a tiring day."

Another sigh and a quiet, "Yes, sir," and he fell silent as he ate.

The dinner ended soon enough, but it seemed as if his father dragged it out longer than he had to- considering he requested a second portion, for only a few bites, and even had them bring out some bread and dessert. But something made him curious of his son's mood. So quietly, he watched to see what would happen and where he'd go after their meal.

Andreas was itching to get out of there, but he was perfectly polite and excused himself with grace when it was- finally- appropriate.

He started in the direction of his room. Then suddenly paused, frozen in the middle of the hall, before growling quietly and turning his feet to take him to his sister's chambers.

And Gavriella was inside her room, arguing with her servants about when she ought to dress, and how she ought to and when it was appropriate to her to have them draw up a bath.

"But it's late, my lady."

"And I don't care." She stomped her foot. "Remove that water at once!"

Andreas could hear the arguing from outside the door. He sighed, then knocked.

"There are no needs for a servant here!" she yelled at the door.

"It's me, Gavriella."

Gavriella looked angrily at the door.
"What do you want?"

He refrained from rolling his eyes with difficulty. "Would you let me in?"

He probably didn't hear her huff.
"It's not locked."

Andreas pushed the door open and looked at the servants. "Would you mind giving us a moment alone?"

As the servants filed out the door, she gave her brother a side long glance.
"Yes? Is there something you want, brother?"

"I came to check on you." He folded his arms. "But if you're going to be snippy, perhaps I should just leave."

Eyeing him warily, she took a step closer.
"Oh, do I need checked on?"

"You tell me." He looked her over. "Father was...a bit harsh."

She stiffened her chin.
"One missed meal is something I'd hardly consider harsh."
But after saying it,s he moved about uneasily from where she stood.
"Although he knows my favorite is quail..."

"That wasn't what I meant." He reached out, then quickly snatched his hand back. "How's your cheek?"

Her eyes went wide before her face drained of color as she turned away.
"It's fine." Though by him addressing it made her relive the feeling a second time.

"Ella." He glanced to the door. "You don't have to pretend. It's just me here. Let me see?"

It was true, the servants had long since left when her brother arrived. Even still, she couldn't get over her pride as she turned from him.
"What good will looking at it do? It's already bruising."

"What have I done wrong?"

He was so damn confused around her lately! "I feel like you've suddenly decided you hate me, Ella. Have I done something wrong?"

He couldn't take one more person in this house not telling him the truth, how they really felt. Especially not his baby sister.

The guilt she felt by his confession was immeasurable. And she found herself needing to turn away. She frowned.
"Don't be so dramatic... Why would I hate you?"

"Then why are you acting like this?" He couldn't stop himself from reaching for her this time. "Please, just talk to me? Why are you- last night, why did you..."

Gavriella blushed as he rambled. He was still thinking about the other night?
"W-what? What do you mean? We were just playing... I told you that, don't you remember?"

"It was a cruel joke and you know it." He frowned at her. "You're a lot of things, Ella, but you've never been cruel. Which is why I feel like I must've done something to make you so angry."

He sighed and closed his eyes, scrubbing a hand down his face. "Whatever it is, I'm sorry."

She couldn't take this anymore than he could. Her eyes welled up in tears as she turned her baxkt o him.

"Stop it, stop trying to be so perfect," she went on, trying to brush back her tears. "Can't you just let this go? Just think of it as a mistake, a mistake from a foolish girl,for foolish reasons."

"Perfect?" He blinked. "I'm not-" God, he was so far from it. If she only knew what he'd been thinking...

Hearing the tears in her voice tore at his heart and he winced. "Oh, Ella, don't cry, please don't cry."

Before he'd made the conscious decision to do so, he'd crossed to stand behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

And that's when she turned into him,and began to sob.

"See? This is what I mean!" she went on, shaking her head. "You're too nice, you always look out for me, you're tender and sweet."

Andreas was completely baffled. "And...that makes you angry?" he said cautiously, even as his arms wrapped tighter around her and he tucked her head against his chest.

"No!" she huffed, tears streaming down her face, which was buried well against him. "Just... it... It makes me confused!" Which was putting it lightly.

Confused.

Well, at least there they were matched- though if his sister knew what had gone through his head she'd hate him, he was sure.

"Confused how?" he asked softly, really trying to understand, to comfort her the best he could.

That's when she began to push away. Shaking her head, she said, "No... I.. I'd rather not talk about it, please."

Andreas almost reached after her to pull him back against his chest, but snatched his hand back at the last moment.

"...Very well. I'll- I'll see if I can sneak something up from the kitchens for you." He turned to go.

And he might have been surprised to see his father looming near the doorway.

"Andreas... I can't say I'm surprised to see you here. Please, allow me a moment with your sister." But he had no doubts Andreas was on his way out, anyway.

"Father!" Andreas swallowed, looking between them both.

No. Whatever you have to say to her I can be here for.

The words just wouldn't leave his mouth. He dropped his eyes and murmured, "Of course. Excuse me."

Gavriella couldn't help but be hurt that her brother so easily left by their father's command. Then again- how much had he heard? When he turned his attention to her, she found him gesturing, "Sit."
He closed the door.
"We have much to talk about, Gavriella."

Andreas hovered outside the door, glancing up and down the hall to make sure he wasn't being watched before he shuffled closer and pressed his ear to the wood.

"I had sent an invitation, assuming the Duke of Folkvar would be too busy to attend but..." he sighed and went on, gesturing for his daughter to have a seat on her bed. When she did so, he took one beside her and continued. "As it turns out he will be attending, and bringing along with him his... heir."

Gavriella shifted uncomfortably, and played with the side hem of her skirts.
"His heir? But isn't that a good thing?" His tone spoke other wise.

"Yes... and No. I've heard, rumors about him and am shocked he was even considered as a legitimate. But... Folkvar is Folkvar," he went on, Gavriella still very much at his attention. "I'm considering your future at this event as much as I am with your brother, and if I find it satisfactory, I might open a conversation to your potential engagement to him. And if so, do you know what this means for you?"

Gavriella blinked. "I'd.. have to marry him?"

Her father sighed, frown deepening. "Yes, but what that all entails." He began to wonder if his children were too dense for their own good. "You'd marry him and him being an heir, you'd become the Duchess when the time would come."

Andreas had heard enough. He forced himself to pull away from the door and hurried back to his own room, trying to ignore how irrationally angry he suddenly felt.

And that was that. Their conversation was brief enough- Gavriella was wise enough to simply comply. But when was she allowed to have a word in about her future anyway? But it was getting late, and as she lay there, her belly growling, she couldn't stop herself from chewing over all the events from the day- and even this week, her mind constantly going back to that time she straddled her brother.
Her cheeks flushed and she tried to cast the thoughts away but...
Soon she was pleasuring herself, and jamming her fingers good and deep within her body until she was singing of her guilty pleasure into her pillow with exhaustion. And as she lay there, body heated, heart pumping fast...

She had to wonder what her brother truly felt about all of this. Shamefully she buried her face into her pillow, and tried to go to sleep.

He had a hard time getting to sleep that night- but honestly that seemed pretty expected at that point. Andreas scowled at the ceiling for a good few hours before he eventually managed to drift off fitfully.

It was late when there was a knock at Andreas door, and one of the castle guards spoke through it to inform him, "Lord Marcell, your father has left with the city guard on urgent business. He instructed me to tell you to keep the guard here and have the castle well posted until his return."

Just when he managed to get to sleep the knocking came. Andreas's eyes snapped open and he glared at the door, but his expression quickly evened out as he heard the guard speak.

"Oh. Ah- right. Thank you." He scrambled to his feet and threw a coat on over his thin nightshirt, tugging on a pair of boots as he moved to the door and opened it. "What's the current situation?"

"There was some stirrings, magical protesters, close by." He gestured towards the western side of the castle.
"If you go to the west gate, you can see the glow of magic at night. Many men were sent along with your father, hoping for a quick resolve."

He scrubbed a hand down his face, closing his eyes for a moment. "Does El- Lady Gavriella know?"

"She should. Men have been sent to protect her, at least five by her door."

"Good. Good..." He glanced away, then back. "Did Father leave any specific instructions?"

"Just that you're in charge and we're to obey your orders." The man paused before asking, "Shall we go check to make sure Lady Marcell is alright?"

"Yes. Yes, I can take care of it, you can- ah, make your rounds and report to me, tell me what I'm working with, please."

He fidgeted with his shirt, fixing some buttons as he slipped out into the hall.

Andreas wasn't the only one growing anxious and unable to stay in his room. Gavriella had done the same,a nd had slipped out, unnoticed, and had been moving about, unseen and on her own. So if he went to check on her, he'd find she was not in her room.

When he knocked and got no answer he at first thought she was asleep, or ignoring him. Luckily, the lock was broken- he flushed a bit for that- and he could enter fairly easily.

Seeing she wasn't there, he immediately shifted toward panic. "You." He snapped his fingers at a guard. "I was told you lot were watching my sister, where is she?"

And unfortunately, not a single guard could answer him!
"She was just here!"
"Perhaps she is in privacy-"
"We should check the servant's route."
Of course, many had to wonder why the young lady would even wander there at a time like this!

"Alright." He rubbed at his temple. "Alright, I want three men searching, the rest of you report to your captain. I'll continue looking through the upper floors."

Nodding, the men split up and took off, scouring the area for any signs of the young lady. They asked each servant they came across, but none seemed to have noticed Gavriella had slipped into Andreas room. And without any sign of him there, she continued to look for him, careful and quiet.

It took nearly an hour before Andreas stumbled back toward his room. He needed to get some real clothes on, then he could look outside-

"Ella!" He froze when he saw her.

Startled, she whirled around and elbowed his tall standing mirror before she doubled over from the pain, grabbing her elbow and wincing as pain shot up her arm.

Without really knowing what he was doing, he shot across the room and wrapped her up in his arms, shaking her lightly. "Don't you scare me like that," he growled into her hair.

She stiffened at his embrace, if only because it momentarily cught her off guard before she found herself clinging to him.
"I was scared too!" she protested, face against his shoulder. "It's why I cam here.." she clung tighter to him, afraid to let go.

"Stupid, stupid girl," he muttered, moving to sit on the bed and pulling her into his lap. "If you had just stayed in your room I would've come for you. I wouldn't have left you alone."

She clung to him and nestled in closely on his lap. She felt so safe here, even if she was still feeling vulnerable. She was all shooken up.

"Did you see the lights?" she murmured. The magic ones. A remidner of what she saw sent a shiver down her spine as she leaned into him.

"No." He huffed. "I was too busy looking for you."

She hugged him again.
"I'm sorry I had you worried," she breathed against him, face buried against his chest. "Just hold me.." she went on, a hand smoothing up his chest. "I don't want to go back to my room just yet."
And there was a distant rumble of thunder. She tensed.
Was it thunder? Or had fighting begun?

"It's okay." His hands smoothed up and down her back gently. "You can stay here, I've got you."

She shivered at his touch and leaned into him.
"It feels nice," she went on, sighing contentedly. He was warm, he smelled good, and she felt safe.

"C'mere." Andreas laid down, pulling her with him. "Just...stay here a minute, alright? I have to tell the guards to stop looking for you."

As they moved, she held him tighter. "Please don't leave me." She looked up at him with a little pout.

"I'm gonna be right back," he assured, stroking her hair.

"No..." she told him softly. "Please stay." She went quiet. "Father isn't here."

"I know." He tried to pull away, starting to get up. "I know, but I'm not going to leave. Two minutes. I won't even go past the doorway, I'll just flag someone down. I'm not going to leave you, Ella."

Reluctantly, she let go, but a fear pooled inside her belly as she lowered her gaze and tried to remind herself- nothing was wrong, they were safe, they were at home, and Andy would always protect her. Always.

It took him maybe less than a minute to poke his head out into the hall and flag down a guard, telling him that his sister had been found and was currently waiting in his room with him for the situation to calm a bit.

He returned to the bed and flopped back against the pillows, throwing his arm over his eyes with a huff.

And as soon as he returned, she pouted a moment, feeling overwhelmed and worried.
"You don't think the mages will attack the castle, do you?" she asked, moving to rest against him, one hand draped across his form as she held him and rested her head against his side.

"No," he answered quickly, an automatic assurance. "No, of course they won't."

He slipped onto the bed beside her and wrapped his arms around her again, tucking her head under his chin. After a moment, he murmured, "Even if they did...I wouldn't let them hurt you. I'm never going to let anyone hurt you, Ella, got that?"

She nodded and clung to him, before releasing a breath.
"Okay."

Andreas's petted her hair absently and kissed the top of her head. "Get some sleep."

She nodded and shifted under the blankets.
"Okay." But she knew sleeping would be impossible that night as she closed her eyes tight.

Her brother was no better off, his whole body tense and every sense on high alert as he held her close and watched the door, not sure what he was waiting for but knowing he was waiting for something.

After what felt like hours, Gavriella stirred at his side.
"Andreas..." she peered up at him, her hair askew. "Are you.. are you awake?"

"Hm?" He'd been dozing, not entirely asleep but only barely awake. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm up. What's wrong?"

"I... can't sleep," she admitted softly.

"Alright." He hugged her a little tighter for a moment. "I'll stay up with you then."

"Oh! But..." she frowned, pouting as she pressed her face against his shoulder. "I don't want to keep you up. You're in charge now... until father returns. I bet you'll have a lot to do in the morning."

"That's okay. I probably can't sleep anyway," he assured her, stroking her hair gently.

She sighed and just held onto him.
"Do you think he'll be alright? Mage... attacks do happen often."

"I'm sure he'll be fine." Another automatic reassurance- he honestly had no idea.

She nodded her head, and snuggled in closer to him.
"Father is smart and strong... Yes, he'll be okay." But she wasn't sure how well she believed either of them.

 "That's right." He kissed her forehead. "Try to sleep, hm? You'll need it."

She sighed and blushed.
"I think you'll need it more than I. It's not like I have to run the castle," she went on with a pout.

He chuckled a bit. "I'll sleep too. But promise me you'll get some rest."

She sighed, her breath warm against his skin.
"I'm trying!" she went on with a pout, closing her eyes and partially burying her face against him.
"I'm exhausted but I'm equally anxious and it keeps my mind in a spin!"

"I..." He bit his lip. "Do you want me to...stay with you? Just for the night. Will that...help?"

She tensed before he'd feel her nod.

"Alright then." He held her a little tighter, then let her go. "Get under the covers, okay? I'll sleep on the chaise or something."

"The chaise?"

"Well..." He shrugged and cleared his theist. "You don't want me in the bed with you, do you? We're not children anymore, I'm not sure we'd fit," he tried to joke.

"Not sure we'd fit?" His sister gave him a look, then a light kick in his direction. "We're also not impossibly fat." She folded her arms across her chest before looking away with some indignance.

"Peace, sister." He smirked and kissed her brow lightly. "I was only teasing you."

Blushing, she grew awkwardly quiet.
"Err..."
She gave his arm a light pinch.
"I knew that!"

Andreas laughed and pulled her into a tight hug against his chest. This version of his sister he knew how to handle. "My sweet little sister," he teased, pinching her side playfully.

She gasped and swatted his hand away. He was hugging her a bit too close. she squirmed.
"And my ugly, mean and rude older brother!" she huffed back, getting her face right up into his. She'd show him! And she took a big patronizing pinch to both his cheeks!

"Oi!" He laughed and grabbed her wrists- not hard, but tight enough that she couldn't pull away easily. "Watch yourself, Ella,"  he growled playfully.

"Watch myself or what?!" she challenged, wriggling beneath his grip.

Andreas quirked an eyebrow at her, then suddenly she was on her back, wrists pinned above her head as he smirked down at her.

He was careful to keep most of his weight off her, not wanting to accidentally hurt her as his body covered hers.

"I am a knight, Ella," he pointed out smugly. "You watch me train most every day. You really think I couldn't incapacitate you if I felt like it?"

She went quiet, face white, then red. Her eyes were so large they actually began to hurt how long she kept them open. But then confident rage took over and suddenly he'd feel her legs wrapping around his waist and- hoping to catch him off guard, she gave a cry and threw her weight into him, hoping to roll him onto his back so that he was pinned down.

Knight.. ha! She'd show him! He might be strong, but she was resourceful!

All she really succeeded in doing was jolting him slightly and he laughed.

Then he blanched, realizing exactly how close they were pressed together. They weren't children anymore, and that was suddenly very clear.

Ears burning, he practically vaulted off the bed. "Ah- perhaps I should just...return to my room."

Gavriella blinked, hair tossed in a mess.
"Return to your room?!" Was he serious? She pouted. "But you said you'd stay with me!"
Let him try and he'd feel he wrath for sure!

"I just-" He sighed. "Alright. But you have to actually sleep. Scooch over."

She obeyed but cut him a look.
"Why? You afraid I'll keep you up all night?" she replied, giving him a light jab with her elbow when he returned to the bed.

He snorted and muttered, "Something like that," as he climbed into the bed on the other side, giving her plenty of room.

She pulled the covers around herself and turned to look at her brother. She glared.
"You'd better keep your word."
Even if she fell asleep, she'd be mad if he just up and left!

"Yes, yes." He rolled his eyes and pulled the blanket up to her neck, tucking her in on one side. "Hush, get some sleep."

She gave a kick to the blanket, loosening how it kept her confined.
"You too!" she reminded, grabbing a spare pillow and tossing it towards his head.

He chuckled a bit and caught the pillow easily. "Yes, yes, alright."

Andreas could be so... so... Andreas! With a little 'hmph!' his sister nestled into her side of the bed, but her eyes were only closed so much, slits open just so that he'd be able to tell she was glaring at him while doing an awful job of pretending to be sleeping.

"Ella." He tried not to sound too frustrated. "Just go to sleep, would you?"

She sighed and forced her eyes closed.
"Fine." She knew he had a lot on his plate, and her acting so childish to keep him awake and nearby....
She couldn't help it. She wanted him close. She felt much safer with him here. But even still, another sigh and her tossing and turning proved just falling asleep would be no easy task.

"Ella." Exasperated, he grabbed her around the middle and pulled her back against his chest, tucking his head to her shoulder. "Shhh," he muttered sleepily. "Go to sleep..."

She floundered a little, but went flush realizing how close their bodies were. Her mind was racing, panicking even before she wriggled again.
"Go to sleep!? What!? How do you expect me to do it like this?!"

Andreas was alreadydozing. "Just close your eyes," he mumbled. "It's easy. Watch..."

Gavriella chewed on her lip. Being so close to him...
she squirmed a bit more. Great. She felt a heat pool awkwardly between her legs and her breathing felt.. well, awkward.

"I.. I can't," came her lame reply. Maybe this was a bad idea.

He frowned, eyesclosed. "Why not? This too warm?" He yawned, curling a little more around her unconsciously.

At this, Gavriella squeaked.
"Y-yeah!"
Ugh, it was stifling and... and... She didn't want to keep thinking about the other thoughts he elicited, as well!

Andreas frowned a bit, but rolled away from her slightly. "Fine. If you insist."

She gave his arm a pinch. "I do!"

Some more tired grumbling and he rolled to put his back to her, eyes closed all the while. he was exhausted.

She too, kept on her back and found herself glaring through her eyelids. Sighing, she looked up at the ceiling with a deep set frown.

So much has happened since they were left alone..
and so much has happened since they had grown. It was strange what she was thinking, but maybe whatever this was would pass when she met her husband, a thought that had her chewing on the inside of her cheek and turning to lay, back to her brother, as she half buried herself beneath the top sheet.

Andreas was out in a matter of moments, his breathing not quite as calm as perhaps it should be in sleep. He frowned, tossing slightly.

It had been a long time since he'd had a peaceful night's sleep. Normally he slept alone, so it wasn't a problem.

Realizing her brother was asleep, it irked her, but instead of kicking him awake, she half buried herself int he blankets and simply studied his face.
When had he become so handsome? His jaw was so much more square than when he was young and awkward and gawky looking. But she had seen him training....

She chewed on her lower lip and found her hand wondering between her legs. She felt heat there, and it was wet. And the more she looked at him, the more she wanted to touch herself.

But it was dangerous. He could awaken, he could catch her. And it wasn't right for her to just.. just do that. To touch herself, but she couldn't help it, and only touched herself lightly, dipping fingers in just a tad, as she felt her breathing growing shallow and inwardly cursed herself as she knew she ought to stop but it was hard not to let her imagination go wild.

Soon she had to turn away from him as fingers needed to sink in deeper, and her breathing grew ragged as she tried to figure out just how to get herself to peak in silence, while not awaking her brother whom she was fantasizing over in the bed right beside her.

Andreas frowned again and turned onto his side, a soft sound that was rather like a deep whimper catching in his throat. He shivered, then murmured something unintelligible as he curled in on himself, making his body appear much smaller than it was.

Luckily, he remained asleep.

It was a good thing he did not stir. She was too consumed in her heat with fingers now crammed deep inside herself as she worked them like a piston. Her breaths grew shallow, shorter as she neared the height-
and she paused, clamping her sex around her fingers before pulsating them all around and sighing back int the sheets.


She wiped her sticky fingers off on her legs and curled up beneath the bedding. If only that had been her brother....

But even she knew it was an awful thing to want. Chewing on her lip, she lay there, still basking in the afterglow of her orgasm, but also, a bit anxious that her brother may have... heard her. But as she lay there, heart hammering, she did not hear him wake. Perhaps he truly was asleep. She closed her eyes tighter. Sleep. She needed to sleep.

Andreas was still restless, and it was really only luck that kept him from rolling into his sister in his sleep. His brow was still furrowed, murmured phrases and snatches of words gasped out every so often.

Once or twice, it may have been "Not her".

Not her?
His words brought her around as she peered over at him silently. Was he dreaming? She studie dhis face int he dark as she sat up, blankets falling away from her body to pillow around her. Yes.. his eyes were closed anyhow. Was he having a bad dream? Should she wake him?

"Andreas?" she spoke his name carefully, softly as she tucked back some of her tussled hair.

Another frown creased his brow and Andreas unconsciously tilted his head toward her voice, curving his body toward her.

Still mostly asleep, he reached for her, arms going around her waist as he gravitated toward her warmth.

Gavriella sucked in her breath and held it, until all she could hear was the heart beat in her ears and then evne that faded and finally, she was calm (or calm enough) to simply hear his breathing. She released a slow breath and studied him. But it was hard not to want to react on her hormones. She had just masterbated over him, came so deeply and by having him so close soon after....
With his hands around her waist, she had remained tense but.. let him pull her close enough to him that...
gently, softly, she just let their groins touch. She was afraid to move, but wanted desperately to feel if he was hard. She had heard about how men get sexually aroused and well...
Curious of it, she leaned in closer and...
did in fact, feel... something protruding and hard touch her where she was still wet.

And she went still and hot, and held back a moan. Because his eyes were still closed and even if he was.. well... had an erection, was it? He was still asleep and well....
It was hard not to whimper, not to move against it.

Please Gods.. please let him moveand embrace this. It wasthe only thing she could think of because her hormones were raging and putting her into heat clean to her ears.

Andreas groaned, though this time it seemed less from distress and more...something else. His arms tightened around her and he turned his face into the crook of her neck.

His eyelids fluttered, then opened blearily. He blinked, confused. "Ella...?

It suddenly became very clear that they were very close together, and... He jerked upright, practically shoving his sister back as his eyes went wide.

Oh Gods, she felt him, which only made her heat and desire flare. But when he pushed her away, she cringed and felt her eyes tear up. No doubt he could smell her sex after what she had done, and how close they had just been...
But she was embarrassed, her cheeks hot pink as he looked at her. He was horrified!

"What- what..." Andreas swallowed and scrambled for the edge of the bed. "I should... I should go- my room. I should..."

Her face fell. Then she turned away, unable to reply until she got the courage to quietly ask, "can... Can't you just stay?"

Perched on the she of the bed, he couldn't even look at her. "...Why?"

"Andy I..." what could she say that wasn't an excuse already? She just wanted him to? She was scared? But that was a lie. The only fear she had was in the not knowing. Perhaps her sudden sex drive made her bolder as her hand reached out and touched his.

"Andy... I have a confession." she felt a lump harden in her throat. It was hard to swallow away.

"I'm attracted to you." Her heart was hammering. "I keep thinking about you every night."

He swallowed thickly, eyes clenched shut.

"Ella-" His voice was low and rasping and he cleared his throat. "Don't- don't say that. Please. We can't- I-I have to go."

He tried to pull away again, but there wasn't a lot of strength behind it.

She tightened her grip, eyes on the bed.
"Why shouldn't I say that?" She asked quietly.

"Because it's not right." Andreas bit down on a quiet groan and just stared at their hands.

"Just let go, Ella. I- I have to leave."

It's not right. Her grip slackened the moment that sunk in. She was a fool. She never shoild have confessed. It was a ridiculous mistake.

"Then go." She hoped her voice didn't sound as strange as she thought, since tears threatened in her eyes and her throat felt swollen. She refused to look at him, she couldn't.

Oh no. "Ella please- please don't cry." He wanted to reach for her, but didn't trust himself.

She jerked away from him and glared.
"Why would I cry?" She hoped the dark room hid the glossiness of her eyes, because her voice still sounded strange.

He sighed. "Because I know you, and I know what you sound like when you're about to cry."

He closed his eyes. "I love you, Ella. More than anything. But you have to understand...why we can't."

Her heart skipped a beat,a nd the sensation tickled through her veins. But she grit her teeth. No, he couldn't have meant love like that. But she simply shook her head.

"Just forget I said anything! You're going to be a Duke anyway, and I.. I'll be married off to some place away from here, who knows, maybe all the way in Ardal." The duchy was all the way across the country to the west. "So it won't matter. It won't matter what I say or what I do because you're already programmed to do father's will. To become the Duke and obey everybody else!"
Everybody else but who? Her... himself? She didn't know but she could feel the hot tears rising. She looked away.

"Just go.."

What did she want him to say? That it had nothing to do with him being the heir- it was just wrong? She had to know that already, she was just lashing out.

He pulled back with a sigh. "Goodnight, Ella."

"Goodnight." she said stiffly, not bothering to look his way.

Andreas returned to his room. What else could he do?

With a sigh, he collapsed onto his bed, covering his face with his arms.

Little chance of actually getting any sleep tonight.

The same went for Gavriella. She cried, she threw a tantrum, she lay stewing in her thoughts- becoming so riled up over her own stupidity that she realized there was no way she'd be able to sleep that night and left her bedroom, pacing the halls in nothing but her night gown and a loose robes around her shoulders.

When she was seen by the few servants on duty, she refused any help, and continued to just simply walk. She had no where to go, no location or destination set, but she knew she just needed to move, lest all of the thoughts plaguing her strangle her within her room.

Andreas refused to move from his bed. He felt...sick. Heart sick? No, that wasn't quite right, he just felt...off. And he knew it wasn't likely to fade anytime soon.

Gavriella eventually found herself outside in the gardens. A worker simply looked at her once but tried not to stare at the young girl in her robe as she moved around, almost like a ghost- a young woman in white.

Knowing he wasn't going to fall asleep anytime soon, Andreas grumbled to himself and moved to his desk. He may as well try to get done some of the things his father had been riding him about.

Responding to letters from bannermen seemed like a place to start.

And while her brother 'worked' Gavriella didn't come back in. Even when the sun had come up.

Left to his own devices, Andreas was unlikely to step out of his room unless it was deemed absolutely necessary. He just needed the time to himself, time to think.

And just like that, there was a knock at the door.
"Milord, it is servant Margery. I have some news about your sister."

What?

"Oh- come in." He frowned, pushing back from the desk.

The servant came in, a bit flustered and pale.
"Er... So sorry to disturb you. But I did not want to upset your father-" the servant began.