"Perhaps not . . ." Rhys smirked, running his thumb across his lower lip without thinking before seeing her face change, her glamor struggling. Her words were pain and anger laced together in a way that made his heart break. "Because you're real now, and not just some name on a paper, and we get along!" He sighed. She had so many reasons to hate him and he was not capable of discussing things as civilly as he thought he was. "You know... most people would be thrilled if the person they were betrothed to was someone that they got along with..." He smirked, words wry as he felt his emotions playing with him. "I am sorry that you have lost so much, feared so much. I am so sorry that you were thrust into this without so much as a thought." Not that he had a choice either... But he was not the one that had been raging against it. "One fear at a time, Cael. Slow your focus and choose one at a time. We can work through them. If you want to. I will always be here, even if we call it off. I want to be your friend." Lie... He wanted her hand. He wanted her by his side for the future. He wanted her in his bed. But there was no way in hell that he was going to say that to her. Not with how she was feeling at that point. He filed away the almost glitch like moments in her glamour to ask about later, not wanting to bring up something she was not comfortable discussing with him.

"Why would they force it on us, when we're both so hard headed we'd fight it anyways?" Rhys laughed, his laugh back to dark velvet as she cleared the air and made her feelings known. A laugh more like his one from earlier. "Because old advisors care what we want or feel. Perhaps watching us fight against it like caged lions was a perk, entertainment. Imagine what they would do if we came to them together as a happy little couple. For a while at least. We can change the world later. Dispose of the old bastards and make our peoples' heads spin." Not that he was holding hope for that to be their ending. Or at least he was trying not to.

"I was supposed to hate you, not want to be friends!" Ok... time to break the pain cycle. "I mean... if you dont want to be friends... I guess we can just head back to my place and skip that step." He winked, dropping his chin and looking her in the eyes with a smirk.

"You're not fair!" That fast, his heart broke again. It took everything he had to not drop to his knees and beg for her forgiveness. "I am sorry. I am sorry that I am not who you want. Not what you want. I have tried so many times to be anything but what I am with no success. Please, what can I do to make you not hate me?" His words were pleading as he felt tears welling in his eyes. He would not cry. Would not give in to the weakness. An internal snarl ripped through him at his father's words. At the training to be marble inside. He hated that he was trained to not scream or cry against the pain that ripped through him. Rhysand could not remember the last time that he allowed himself to cry. This meeting, the emotional pain, the total roller coaster of this afternoon... they almost broke him.

"I'm sorry." Rhys couldn't help the hands that hesitantly slid around her, the joy that she had turned to him to comfort her when the world felt like it was falling apart. He held her tightly for a moment before taking a chance. Using his toned strength, he lifted her so that she was tall enough for him to reach without having to bend. That was something that would be odd to get used to. Sitting her on a nearby bolder that kept her roughly that same height, he wiped away the tears and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Breathe, Cael. I am sorry. You are sorry. It blew up a bit out of proportion. If we decide to stick with the engagement or not, that is totally up to you. If you want to back out, then I will fight for your choice. If we decide to try and see, I am totally up for that as well. I cant lie and say that I wanted this from the first moment. But I promised that I would try. I vowed that I would be the opposite of my father and you would have your own say in the matter. I do not own you and would never want to have our relationship like that. I want to be friends, to be each other's rock. I want to know that you are happy because I have done everything in my power to make it so. Should I have told you as soon as we met, probably... But do I regret the chance to know you without titles in the way? Never." He pressed his lips to her forehead and set her back down, holding her close for as long as she wanted, but ready to release his hold the instant that she pulled away.

"Can . . . can I just be Cael, and you can just be Rhys . . . please . . . ?" Rhys wanted to pull her back, to bury her in his arms and make the world disappear. Heck, that was the basest desire that was coursing through his body. "If you are asking me to lie to you... then no. I cannot ignore the pain that you are feeling. The turmoil that is written across your beautiful face. However, I am more than willing to push away the court bullshit unless we have to be there. To be just Rhys to you. You will always and forever be Cael, mi cielito, my treasure. Even if I only get you for a little while before we walk away. I will cherish the time I get. Even as friends, I will cherish you for who you are, not your title or what you are to the world. Lets just start at square one and see where we go. We will not acknowledge the engagement until we are both ready. If we are both ready. Give me a chance to be me rather than the dark prince that the world has seen me groomed to become."

"I was . . . wrong to assume otherwise." That was his girl. Stick it to those bastards in whatever way she could. "At least your schedule seems more fun than mine. This is my solace. The one place where I can be me and not worry about the world around me. The one place that the inhabitants dont care that I am a prince and are more than willing to take a bite out of me on a primitive level." His eyes glanced at Nje as she cackled. He still had the scar on his ribs from her testing. "In a town where everyone seems to know you, I can see why you would assume. I am sorry that I didnt understand that sooner." He was being honest with her, wanting her to trust him to be truthful in all things.

"I control the skies after all." Rhys chuckled, eying her wings and trying to decide what to say. "Nje controls the savannah, Cael controls the skies... Perhaps I control the satin sheets." He winked, seeing if he could make her blush. Not that he was a big fan of satin sheets... too slippery for any control or even to stay in bed very well.

"It was only the strongest glue I could find." Rhys fell over in the grass, laughing so hard that Kali came to check on him. "I would have paid to see that." He huffed, trying to catch his breath. "Side note... how have we not managed to meet before now?" He asked, seriously wondering why it took so long to meet Cael and feel what he was feeling.

"You're nothing like what I expected . . ." Rhys took her hand and tugged lightly, inviting her to his lap. "I know it is soon, but I think so, mi cielito." He murmured, his voice just loud enough for her to hear. "I can honestly say... You are nothing like I expected. I figured that you would be stubborn, but not as playful and beautiful." His words were honey smooth and filled with hope. Hope that things were not going to fall apart as badly as he feared.

"You partied with my cousin?" Rhys raised an eyebrow. "Sassy tiny thing? maybe 5'2, scrawny, short black hair, green eyes?" He described the fae female that he was thinking of, wondering if she was the same cousin that encouraged Cael's sass. He could see it, after spending a weekend partying with the little imp

"Me too . . . it's . . . a relief. I've missed feeling this . . . comfortable." Rhys smiled a soft, sultry smile. "I would love to make you feel this comfortable every day. Even if it is in my bed surrounded by fluffy pillows." He winked at the seductive way that he said the last sentence, feeling the tension draining off of him as he was grounded in the grasses.

"I'd like you to be beside me . . ." Oh the desire to be at her side. Permanently. That was the only thing he could think of that he wanted. "I shall be at your side until you decide otherwise. Until you make the call to send me away. Just means I will have to fight with Az to be that male at this rate." He glared at the hyena before smiling gently at the fae queen before him. "The moment I know that those pups are on the way, I will call you. I promise." He vowed, pulling up a camera on his phone so she could see the mother to be. She was pacing and looking uncomfortable. "Huh... I might not have to wait too long to call. Judging by her, I would say she is going to be having those pups in the next 12 hours." He mused, watching her with critical eyes.

"You know the director better." Rhys snarled softly at the idea of her in the same room as the director. "I am guessing that 'Do it now and I will make sure the bastard pays.' doesnt work as an answer? I am so damn tempted to use political power to make him go far away... permanently. My only fear there is that things would go south and I would lose these guys." He sighed softly, eyes alighting on each of the hyenas as he spoke. Rhys couldnt bear to lose his time with the predators in this exhibit. He was determined to grow the pack and make them a strong unit. Not to say that he hadnt played with the idea of purchasing the trio and moving them to a private reserve so they were out of the hands of said director. The stories that he had heard about the shadier dealings that the bastard was involved in made him nauseous. "As hard as it is to admit, I would honestly say that Az and Nje would be amazing back-up against him. Nje knows exactly how afraid of hyenas that bastard is. And she has a tendency to go for the balls before the kill." Nje was a savage queen, ready to inflict pain if it made it easier to get her way. When it came to this subject, he totally approved of her thoughts.

@caelumknoxx
"Rhys Sass"
Words: 1900+
Notes: Omg Rhys... head out of the bedroom dude!

[nospaces][googlefont="Carter One"]

[attr="class","bhs"] [attr="class","bhsquot1"]Blue Canary in the [attr="class","bhsquot2"]Outlet by the Lightswitch , [attr="class","bhstext"]There seemed to be a variety of emotions that were running through Caelum's mind, so many worries and fears, so many horrors and hard truths to face. It was not an easy situation, it was not a case of just seeing, and accepting. It was so much more difficult. Her gaze did turn towards him at his next words though, wincing at them . . . knowing he was right. Anyone else would be delighted to be betrothed to someone to get along with, so why can't I let go of the past to be that happy now? Why must I be plagued by it all, to have to struggle with every thought and every feeling? Why can't I just embrace the idea that this could work, that we have enough in common to not end up in a desolate marriage cycling hate and anger? Why can't I just be . . . happy about it? Why did she have to think so much? His apology had her eyes snapping back to him again, this time with a firm shake of his head, "No, you shouldn't have to be sorry. I'm not the only one forced into this. I doubt they discussed it with you to Rhys . . ." She paused, suddenly ashamed of her anger, her screaming at him, "I' should be apologizing for taking my frustrations out on you . . ." She said quietly, her head lowering shamefully. She hadn't properly thought about him in any of this, had she? Then again, he hadn't been real until now. He hadn't been a promised existence, a figure beyond a name on some paper. Now, in front of her, the elven prince was so, so much more than she could have imagined could have thought of. He was real . . . but he wasn't what she'd expected in her wildest dreams or her most fearsome nightmares. No, he'd exceeded all expectations. The good, and the bad. His laugh came as a relief, a sound she desperately wanted to hold onto, more like what it was supposed to be like it had been. The picture he painted however seemed rich, beautiful, unimaginably perfect. She could picture them in that environment, fighting together to break the cycles, making their worlds, their people better. Building things up . . . being happy, "We'd . . . certain trip things up, I imagine." She mused softly. Was it so wrong to like what he said, would it be so bad to really move on like this? The weight of the stone against her throat represented all the fear, not that she could imagine removing Tiana from her skin, her last connection to her Tremaine. The soul that helped reassure her in her worst moments, would Tiana understand her desires to move on after so long since Trey disappeared. Would she feel like Caelum was betraying her brother? Or would Tiana want the best for her too? Could Rhys even be the best for her - or was she still being merely wishful. His words distracted her from her thoughts, her head snapping towards him, eyes wide before she dissolved into giggles at his words, covering her mouth with her fingers in an attempt to stifle the laughter, "Oh, Rhys darling, if I followed you to your place, I fear I'd be unable to keep my hands off you - what a scandal that would be, before our marriage no less!" She shook her head, even as that playful return had eased some of the fears clouding her eyes, had soothed some of that ruffle fur that upset her soul. Was it so wrong to realize how good they could be together, how pure? How raw. Why did he have to be so perfect? She hated that he kept apologizing to her like it was his fault, but this time, his words cut her to the core, and her hands grasped him, squeezing tightly, "Please, oh please, Rhys. Stop apologizing to me. It breaks my heart every time you do. I don't even know who I want anymore. But don't you doubt for one moment that I don't like you. Who could not? You're so pure and bright. Your laughter fills a room, and your smile could melt ice. I couldn't properly hate you if I tried." She promised, brushing her fingers at his cheeks, his eyes, stroking his tears away before they could well up to much, her light gaze meeting his darker one, "It's not you Rhys, that I'm so averse to, please understand. It's just so much, so soon. and I'm just scared of what it will all bring. But we'll get through this. As you said, we'll figure it all out together. Right?" She asked softly. However when his arms slid around her, the majority of those fears seemed to dissolve, her world setting right again for those brief moments as she was held tightly before she blinked in startled surprise when she was suddenly lifted through the air, her hands braced on his shoulders as she looked up at him as she was perched onto a boulder, suddenly more at equal height to him. When he wiped away her tears, she unconsciously leaned into his touch, her glamour flickering beneath his touch, before the soft kiss had her surprised, even if it didn't last near long enough. What on? His words struck a cord, as he asked her to breathe, and she forced herself to relax her mind, to do as he begged of her. At the suggestion of them backing out of the proposal her hands seemed to tighten against him, as if to keep him close, keep him with her before he could do so, not realizing until that moment how much she didn't want that to happen. She wanted them to try, she wanted them to really give it a proper try, to get to know each other, to be friends, to be stronger together, and happy and unafraid, "Stay." Her words came out almost begging as she looked up at him, letting him pull her back into his embrace, melting into it and locking her arms tightly around him, pressed tightly to him, "Please. I don't . . . I don't want to just give up yet. There's . . . there's something here, between us. And, I . . . I don't want to just walk away, to back out. Can we . . . can we give it a try? Give this situation a real try. No parents, no council deciding for us. No preconceived notions of each other. No secrets. Just us." She paused at that thought, though. No secrets. Wasn't half of her always going to be a secret, the glamour hiding half of her DNA, half of who she was? Why nothing between them would be true inter-species relationship, because there was another who'd done so beforehand? If her own mother could love a fae, make that relationship work, couldn't any other? If the elves had known of her mother and father's joining, of the Elf who ruled the Fae kingdom behind glamour and curtain, would this engagement had been suggested? She couldn't but wonder. She couldn't help but be relieved they didn't know. No, for now, there'd be one secret . . . because suddenly she didn't know how to say it, how to show it, how to drop a glamor she's worn since she was old enough to hold it safely. Things were returning to normal though, even if they suddenly felt closer than before the near fight. The relief that they could deal with the court crap at a later time did settle her words, that he could be Rhys, she'd be Caelum. Whether it was for a little while, or forever. They could have each other. But even as he tried to give her every chance, every out, her arms remained snaked around him, cuddled back into his chest, trying not to notice how right it all felt, "Take it one day at a time? See where it all goes and just let it be natural?" She offered back with a slight smile, her eyes closing briefly as she sheltered there. It was clear they could be so much more together . . . and with enough time, she knew they could make it work too. She smiled as she looked around the enclosure, finally pulling herself out of his embrace, allowing him some space, and giving herself the needed distance to think properly again as well. "I can understand your desire to have a place like that. My gardens serve as my shelter, where I can surround myself with the earth and forget who I am, what I am, and just be part of the gardens." She admitted quietly, even as she smiled softly at Nje's cackle. When he acknowledged her discretion at assuming it was known who she was, she offered him a warm smile, squeezing his hand briefly in acceptance, but allowing the subject to be dropped. They were back to a good level, building up the trust with the truth . . . the flickering glamor reminding her she was still hiding. Still obscuring part of herself. How do you reveal that though? Howw to do you show it? She'd figure it out a little later, she was soon distracted by the flirting elf, her cheeks flaring red again, her gaze downcast even as she giggled, "Rhys!" She squeaked, even as her lips twitched, threatening a smile, "Hush!" A strong attempt to appear stern failing greatly with her smile, but it was nothing compared to the vibrant smile when he fell into the grass, laughing hysterically at what she'd done, "It was one of my proudest moments. I blame Syn entirely. She fed me sugar shortly before I did so. I'm always far more impish when I have sugar. Father forbid the kitchen staff from even bringing it into the castle after I turned seven and flooded the ballroom to make an indoor swimming pool because it was too cold outside, and I didn't want to walk the four flights of stairs to get to our official indoor pool." He was right though, Caelum had to wonder why they never met before now, "I rarely ventured out with Syn growing up. I tended to stay close to the Castle at the time, and when I wasn't in the castle, Arson and I were exploring the woods and nature of the fae kingdom. After Arson's murder, It was barely six months later before I was shipped off to Cry Wolf High." Between Syn's bad influence, and the way Arson's death had destroyed her so epically, Cry Wolf High had seemed like the safest place to put her. Unless you count the murders, the kidnappings, being held captive, Trey . . . there had been a lot to go wrong with Cry Wolf High . . . a lot. At the gentle tug to her hand, the fae smiled slightly, settling down as directed, turning to lean against his chest, looking up at him when he murmured softly, a slight touch of a smile, "What does that mean? Mi ci . . cielito?" She asked, carefully attempting to repeat the title he'd started to use. She liked that she hadn't been what he'd expected, her smile warm, and she giggled as she looked up at his face, meeting his gaze, her eyes dancing playfully, "Oh trust me, Rhys, I still have many surprises up my sleeves too. You haven't even begun to see me yet." This time the flicker of her glamor was purposeful, the faintest hint of the glimmer, the flash of ivory to her hair, the subtle hint of features he wouldn't be able to place but would recognize regardless. A promise of a secret to share. She'd tell him, but a part of her almost wanted him to ask, to take the decision out of her hands on how to tell him. To be able to just respond. So she wouldn't have to deal with the awkward part. The fae grinned at his description of Syn, scrawny seemed fairly accurate, and she nodded with delight, "Mhmm, that'd be Syn. Terrible flirt too. Reggie goes into a panic every time she comes onto him, kidding or not." She admitted with a giggle. "My poor brother has had to deal with her playful advances since the moment they both hit puberty. It's all in play, but I eagerly await the day he introduces her to one of his friends just to get her off his back." Her sibling and her cousin, the two were chaos together, add her into the mix, and they were like a darker hue of the three musketeers, causing chaos instead of righting wrongs. She loved them both deeply. Of course, this male's continued flirtation was never failing either. She shook her head in amusement, even as she placed her hands against his chest, and pushed, pinning him to the grasses beneath him, and leaning over him, her hair curtaining their faces as she met his gaze with a sly smirk, "You should stop trying to tempt me, dear Rhys. You might start something you have no control over." She teased, brushing her lips against his cheek, "I'd hate for you to get burned by fire." Her words breathed softly against his skin, as her lips brushed against his jaw softly, "Bite off more than you can chew." She pulled back, eyes sparkling, before briefly pressing her lips to his, "Some day, maybe." She shouldn't have done that. She pulled back fully this time, before she'd give into the sudden desire to kiss him again, to tangle her fingers into his dark hair, to see if it was as soft and silky as she imagined. She grabbed those emotions and shoved them deep down, least she act upon them too soon. This was dangerous, being so close together, alone like this. So comfortable with him. No, she certainly couldn't be against their upcoming union. She wasn't lying, she wanted him at her side. She smiled at his promise to be there until she decided otherwise, that it would be her call to make - even if he had to fight with Az. She was distracted by the pacing female hyena, staring at the screen, excited at the idea of little hyenas to play with, "You sound excited." She teased, leaning against her elf again, relaxing in his company, as she watched the female pace around, "I bet it will be quite the handful, having the little ones around." She mused, as her fingers brushed through Az's fur, before the subject returned to the director, her gaze catching Rhys's snarl. Instantly her fingers brushed against his cheek, her smile reassuring, "Relax, silly elf, I promise I'll be cautious any time I have to be with in 10 yards of the man. You don't need to worry." Even as she shook her head at his playful answer, though his concerns of losing the hyenas if he played the political clout had her frowning at the pack, her words suddenly determined, "We'd just steal them. Hide them in the fae or elven realms where they couldn't be reached and forced to be returned." She assured, looking up at the elf with a steel glint to her gaze, "But let's not tempt fate, I'd hate to be forced to kidnap hyenas for you this early in our relationship." She teased in attempt to bring that smile back to his face, just as it was to reassure him. The promise of Az and Nje as back up did reassure her, and she nodded at the acknowledgement, "When I have to confront him, I'll just let them tag along - in the name of exercise of course." She decided firmly as she pet the hyenas, leaning into Rhys's chest, and feeling far more comfortable than she had in a year and a half. "Maybe I'll casually get everything ordered and started and just let him sign the bill and hope he doesn't notice." She added with a thoughtful, amused smile. [attr="class","bhsnotess"] [attr="class","bhsimg"] [attr="class","bhsnotes"]Tag @rhysandadamdrake [break]Words 2830 w/coding [break]Notes -cackles softly- [break]Outfit Clickie!

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

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"I' should be apologizing for taking my frustrations out on you . . ." He could see the emotions that were running across her face, making his heart bleed. Rhys hated the discord that their true identities had caused between the pair. Lifting her head with gentle fingers, he smiled softly. "Ok. Enough sorry... We both were in the wrong in some aspect." He murmured, kissing her nose in a playful motion. Heavens... How could he not imagine a life where they were married and partners in more than just law. He saw her and wanted nothing more that to steal her away and elope right that moment. But there was no way that either of them were truly ready. And he vowed to himself to wait until she was.

"We'd . . . certain trip things up, I imagine." Her words were soft, her face still showing the myriad of thoughts that were racing through her mind. Oh, how he wished he was privy to those thoughts. How he wished he could work through all of her fears and thoughts with her. Perhaps eventually. Rhys still needed to gain her trust fully. "Imagine the people we could bring into the court as new advisors... Rid ourselves of the awful old men that seem to think they have the right to rule our lives and how we rule our kingdoms... our kingdom." There he said it. He wanted to get their people comfortable enough that they could be one people rather than two. A united group that would take the world by storm. A group that could show what the supernatural realm could be.

"what a scandal that would be, before our marriage no less!" Rhys felt himself smirking as she spoke, wondering how hard it would be to get her to his home. To let her have a place where she could do and be whoever she wanted to be. A place where the mask of royalty could come off and let her be the imp that seemed to linger underneath. He watched the fear disappear a bit further from her eyes and felt his heart soar. "Mi cielito, the only ones that would know would be us... Unless you wish to sing it to the world of course." He crooned, his eyes glittering as he challenged her to see what she would do with that knowledge. He would never tell of anything that he and his betrothed did. That was private. Not even the advisors would ever know and he would make sure of that.

"Right?" Rhys let loose a soft, self depreciating laugh. Her fingers brushing away the welling tears nearly undid his control and he had to fight through a few breaths before he was ready to speak. "You know... I have never been described like that. But then again, I am not the type to let someone in and let them see it either. I truly hope that I never do anything to cause you to hate me. That would be a fate worse than death. I have watched my mother loathe my father for my entire life and could not imagine making my other half feel like that." He had always heard how one spouse would refer to the other as their other half, their better half... but he had never understood it until now. It felt like she was half of him in a strange way. Rhys felt himself determined to do anything he could to make her happy. "Together, my heart. I can promise you nothing less than my entire heart." His eyes settled upon her light depths and made him feel centered and whole again. "You are in charge of how fast or slow we move, Cael. You, not me or the advisors or our parents. You." He murmured, his words a whisper.

"Just us." He felt the tightening of her hands and breathed a soft sigh of relief. It was not going to fall apart as fast as it seemed. When she pressed herself back into his embrace, it was all he could to to not whoop for joy. His heart was swelling with happiness as she turned to him for the comfort that he could give her. "No secrets... Then I should probably tell you that I cannot sing to save my life. I can manipulate shadows and darkness, heck they were my friends as a child. I can also communicate with animals, primarily predators for some reason... but you probably have already mastered that knowledge." He winked as he took a moment to glance at the hyenas that were settled around them. "I can heal moderate injuries, but cant touch anything life threatening... I am pathetic around most blood and get queasy when healing. I can communicate with the earth... but to a much lesser ability than most elves or fae. And... I was trained to be a warrior and can fight with a sword in my dominant hand and a dagger in the other." He paused and thought for a moment... "I have not flirted or touched another woman in over a year before we were betrothed, and I vowed that I would touch no one other than you for the rest of our lives. You have no idea how thankful I am that you are my betrothed and I didnt break my no flirting vow." He laughed softly, kissing her forehead again. "I think that is all of my secrets... or at least everything that you need to know about me. I promise no secrets from you." He said softly. "Your turn..." He winked.

"See where it all goes and just let it be natural?" Her smile melted his heart a bit further and it was everything he could do to not kiss her yet again. Yep, he had it bad. He paused, realizing that he was thankful that his expectations had been blown out of the water. He had fantasized what they would be like together, who she was. She met every single idea and then made those look like the lowest standard he could place. She was so above and beyond anything that he could have imagined. "If you want natural, you will be dealing with a lot of flirting and presents. I want you to know just how lucky and thankful I am to have you in my life." He blurted before he realized what had escaped. Laughing softly at himself, he rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand before placing it back around her snugly. Rhys loved the feeling of her pressed against him.

"just be part of the gardens." Rhys nodded. "I hope you know that this place can be yours as well. I am more than willing to share with someone that can bond with these terrors as strongly as you are already." He wanted nothing more than to pull her back to his embrace, but he wasnt sure that she wanted it just yet.

"Rhys! Hush!" The dark elf chuckled, flashing his bedroom eyes at her as she tried not to laugh or smile. "Are you trying to tell me that I need to prove myself? I am pretty sure I can convince these guys to make sure we are kept alone for a while..." Rhys murmured suggestively, fingers playing with the buttons on his polo.

"It was one of my proudest moments." Rhys snorted, still laying back in the grasses as he angled his head to gaze up at her. It was interesting being the shorter one for once. "It was totally reasonable... Cant have such a precious flower exerting herself to walk so far to the pool." He winked, making mental note to only supply sugar when he wanted all chaos to break free.

"I rarely ventured out with Syn growing up." Rhys nodded, wondering if he was reading her emotions right as she spoke. Arson seemed to be a big part of her past and clearly Syn was a troublemaker. "Understandable. I was off hunting more than at court when I was younger, then I had a period of... rebellion... where I was doing everything that a prince should not be doing. Needless to say, my father is not so trusting that I am behaving myself and likes to send someone to check on me randomly." He snorted, remembering the servant that had appeared that very morning to touch base with him. She had been terrified of his reputation, though had nothing bad to report back the the iron handed ruler.

"What does that mean?" Rhys kissed the top of her head, running through the words and how to say it. "Mi cielito is... my little heaven. My heaven on earth... My little treasure..." He paused here and there, trying to make sure he was saying it properly. His arm rested around her as she leaned against him and he sighed happily at the peace of the moment. When she flashed her glamour, he raised a dark eyebrow and grinned. "I think that flicker of your glamour was more than an emotional flash. If you are going to tease me with a secret, I may have to figure a way to get it out of you... Perhaps tickling..." He smirked, agile fingers starting to seek out any spots that might coerce her to reveal the hidden truths.

"Mhmm, that'd be Syn." Rhys laughed, nodding. "I would probably enjoy watching that. She was definitely something else. I can see where you honed your impish personality if this is the beloved cousin. She is a bit of a terror herself." He chuckled, eyes glinting. He could see the expression of love on her face as she discussed her brother and cousin, knowing that they were extremely close. "There we go... We will add Syn to our roster of advisors. Should encourage the old bastards to flee and leave us to our plans." Rhys chuckled darkly, truly enjoying the idea of that imp being in their court.

"Some day, maybe." Rhys let her push him over, not putting up any struggle. As she leaned against him, he snaked one hand around her thigh and pulled her over him completely. "Oh Cael... I would be more than wiling to play with your fire..." He murmured with a smirk, letting her play. When she pulled back, he sat forward and pressed his lips against hers. Unable to stop himself, his hand went to her neck and cradled her head. Pulling back with some difficulty, he rested his forehead against hers and took a few breaths. "You have no idea how tempting you are, do you? I would gladly play in fire and let the world burn around us. I have never been this attracted to anyone in my life. Never wanted this badly." His murmured words were soft and barely audible, words just for the fae that he found his life tethered to.

"You sound excited." Rhys was thankful for the change of topic. It gave him a chance to compose himself and deal with the... side effects of their closeness. "New life should always be celebrated. Yes, they will be a handful... but there is nothing in the world better than new life. New love..." He murmured, his eyes leaving the phone to rest on her face. As groaned softly as she caressed his pelt, enjoying the gentle touches. Rhys was silently whining himself, wanting her completely focused on him and not the damn hyena. When her fingers brushed his cheek, he felt himself instantly calm. No, he did not like her attention divided, but he could damn well deal with it without making her feel bad. He internally kicked himself, making sure that he was not making her uneasy or upset.

"You don't need to worry." Rhys rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Caelum... Just because I refuse to treat you like I own you, that does not mean that I have relinquished the right to worry about your safety. It is my pleasure to worry about you, to do what I can to make sure you are happy and safe. To make certain that I am doing everything in my power to make you the happiest woman in the world. That is my goal. I want to know if and when I miss the mark. I want to know if there is something I can do that will make you happier. I want to be able to be exactly who and what you want in life." His words were a vow, equal parts love and awe in the fact that she was beside him. "I dont expect you to change. Dont want it. I know that we are different people. I do not expect us to change for each other. I want us to find a balance where we can make each other better and stronger." He murmured, eyes searching hers for any sign of how she was taking his words.

"We'd just steal them." Rhys laughed, his heart soaring. "Good to know that you would face criminal acts head on to keep these pains in our world. I am not worried about it yet... But at least I know that I wont be alone in trying to keep them safe and away from the asshole." He chuckled, ruffling Az's fur. The male hyena huffed and stretched, ears pricking as the female on Rhys's phone let loose an uncomfortable cackle. "Hmmm..." Rhys murmured, eyes sucked back to the female and how she was moving. "I give it 3 hours before those pups are here. Though she is more uncomfortable than I would expect for this stage of labor." He was worried that she would have troubles and sent a text to the staff vet to have him check on her. Shaking his head, he set down the phone and took a breath. "I feel like the expectant father." He laughed as he received an affirmative answer from the vet. Her position against his chest was calming, allowing him to deal with what was going on without panicking.

"just let him sign the bill and hope he doesn't notice." Rhys nodded, glancing at Nje. She had lifted her head and cackled a question to him, making the elf snort. "Nje wants to know if she can kill him if he touches you." He relayed, laughing softly. "I would get started and then go to him... Might make him a little less pushy if the work is underway and he cant back out of it." Or he would do something stupid and Rhys would tear him apart with his bare hands. If the director touched a hair on Cael's head, he would pay with his life and Rhys would accept the consequences of that action. Not that Caelum and the hyenas couldnt handle everything on their own. He just hated the idea of that scumbag touching her. As if he was reading Rhys's thoughts, Az lifted his head and snarled. Nje and Kali followed suit and he nodded to them. After a moment, the trio quieted and settled back down. He avoided saying what had caused it, though he would tell her if Caelum asked for information.

@caelumknoxx
"Rhys Sass"
Words: 2500+
Notes: Good god Rhys... O.O

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[attr="class","bhs"] [attr="class","bhsquot1"]Blue Canary in the [attr="class","bhsquot2"]Outlet by the Lightswitch , [attr="class","bhstext"]Caelum allowed the gentle guide of her features, meeting his gaze and managing a soft, honest smile at his declaration of no more sorries, nodding in agreement. They'd both been equally responsible. The playful kiss to her nose had her giggling and swatting his chest gently however, relaxing just that little bit more at the return of the playful Rhys she'd been interacting with before. Maybe this really hadn't been ruined beyond all things imaginable. It wasn't until his next words that she knew, knew that they'd make this work, Our kingdom. I like the idea of that. A united front. The fae and elves have been at war for too long. We are a people that could achieve so much together - I'm an example of how powerful that union could be. Caelum tilted her head curiously however, eyes sparkling, "Oh, just imagine what all we could accomplish with a new set of advisors. A council far more open-minded and perhaps even well-traveled. Our . . . kingdom, our people; we're two halves of the same coin. The elves and the fae aren't too much different. Both harnessing aspects of the natural world." She mused softly, before reaching towards him, threading their fingers together, "Nothing could stop us if we unite the elves and the fae beyond just our union. To truly unite our people . . . it would be amazing." The blonde gushed excitedly, her eyes vibrant. A bright giggle left the fae's lips as she shook her head and playfully shoved his shoulder, "I can't imagine any reason to sing anything to the world, but regardless, you can't get me into your bed that easily. Nice try, silly elf." She teased playfully. It was true though, when that next step did happen, it wasn't something to sing out, it would be private. It would be theirs. His self-deprecating laugh however had her lips twisting into a frown, expression gentle. It wasn't a sound she liked, it wasn't a sound she ever wanted to hear from again. His words did pull her towards him, hugging him tightly, locking her arms behind his back and laying her head against his chest in a show of comfort, "I promise, if you do anything to upset me, I will never hate you but will strive to make sure you're aware of where you went wrong. Then you can spend the following weeks waiting on me hand and foot to get back into my good graces." Her smile was playful, pale blue eyes glittering in mirth, "I accept chocolates, art supplies, and plants as mercy gifts. Though everyone would caution you about giving me chocolate. No cut flowers though. But potted flowers are fine." She added as an afterthought, "Not that imagine you'd need to gift your way out of trouble too often." She added, before her expression turned a little more seriously, meeting his gaze with a more straight forward firmness, "I'm glad though . . . that you're letting me in . . . It'll only work out in our favor better, I'm sure." She added honestly. She pulled back after a moment, looking over him to make sure that he wasn't going to need any more reassurance, but she stayed close, her hands holding his, smiling slightly at his promise, before nodding softly, "Oddly enough, Rhys, I think we're going to be just fine . . . minor hiccups past." She stated quietly, though if she was being honest, now that she'd hugged him ones, she didn't seem to want to really let go. When he suddenly began to share his 'secrets' though most of them were moments to get to know one another, she listened intently. "My turn?" She questioned before smiling, "Well then, I have a magic touch, with plants and wounds. I can seemingly bring anything back to life, heal some of the most terrifying injuries. Can't heal myself though. Doesn't work that way. I have taken art classes all through school and into college as well. I can't stay out of them, honestly. The earth and I can practically communicate without words, to the point where it will alert me if things don't seem right, or if I'm in danger. Its how I knew there were two other hyenas in your pack earlier. The enclosure's plants told me. I have no fighting abilities what so ever, or at least that's the story the kingdom knows, but I'm a markswoman with a bow and arrow when no one is looking. My last boyfriend was a demon, but despite being together for a year, our relationship never escalated beyond kisses and hugs. My late-fiance, however, Arson and I were extremely close." Her smile was soft, but no longer as sad as it once was, "Though I should warn you, my people still mourn Arson as well. He'd been not just well met by the fae community, but by the council as well." She paused before adding almost slyly, her lips twisting into a playful grin, "And my mother's not a fae." It was all she said, her eyes glittering in amusement at the admission, curious how he'd take that. Would he think she was half-angel? Half phoenix? The elf blood was too rare of a chance, she couldn't imagine he'd guess that one correctly - why would he. No, she had plans to reveal that when he'd least expect it. At the promise of flirtation and presents, she blinked in surprise, a blush actually stealing across her features, "Presents? Oh, don't go wasting your money, I don't need presents!" She squeaked in surprise, the concept obviously foreign to her. Arson had rarely given her items, he had a tendency to shower her in his attention, surprising her with outings and surprise adventures. Trey had been relatively poor and had done much of the similar. Presents were a new avenue for the princess, but she smiled as he slid his hand back in hers, "I'm perfectly happy just being able to spend time with you, I promise." She wasn't expecting for him to offer the enclosure as a safe place, however, even as she smiled in surprised delight, her eyes dancing brightly, "Really? You'd share it?" She asked, before being unable to help herself and flung herself back into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck and hugging him tightly, "Well, if you ever need a place where that horrid director of yours can't find you - or the hyenas, come to the Gardens! I'll be happy to shelter you as well." She declared earnestly, smiling brightly before pulling back just enough to allow some space between them, her hand sliding down his arm to rest in his own palm, even as she smiled at the hyenas she was beginning to grow extremely fond of. "Although, I might have to create a small hidden grove in the gardens for them. Hate for them to be spouted hiding away from the Director. Less chance to avoid him if he knows where they are." She added after a moment's thought. His suggestive words, his expression heating her to the chore, and the way his fingers played along his shirt's buttons, she shoved his hands away, her features bright red, visible even beneath the glamour, as she squeaked, "Rhysand Drake, you most definitely will not tell them anything like that. We are out in public!!" Her voice raised a bit in pitch, far more embarrassed this time than by any of the earlier suggestive comments, as she shook her head quickly, turning her attention to the hyenas, "If he ever makes such a suggestion again, feel free to nip him, yeah?" She added before he could follow through with such a suggestion, even as she finally dissolved into giggles, shaking her head, "I can tell already - you're going to be quite the challenge." She mused, before smiling slightly, "And I'm sure you'll get the chance to prove yourself one day, but today is not that lucky day." Not that the expression, the way his fingers played with his buttons didn't have curious about what he might have hidden underneath the garment, No! Bad Caelum! Bad. As he lay back in the grass, she smiled gently down at him, giggling at being called a precious flower, "Extremely reasonable, thank you very much. Rather disappointed when the castle no longer had any sugar around though. I thought father might ban it from the kingdom in entirety a few times." She admitted with a giggle, as she let her fingers play through his hair, finally touching it the way she'd been wanting to for the majority of their conversation. "Father likes to believe I behave myself, Mother is usually the know who checks in with me. Half the time I don't know if she's relieved I'm not causing trouble, or disappointed in me for behaving!" She admitted with a giggle. "Regal was always the one who felt the need to get into things. Used to take part in sky racing too. Drove father nuts. But Reggie wasn't ever supposed to be in line to the thrown, so it didn't seem too terrible if he let his wild streak run. He's only my half brother but he's open about being of mix-race. It caused quite the stir when I pulled him back in line for the thrown." It caused more than a stir, she thought the council was going to deem her unstable to rule over that. It'd be hilarious! Okay of all the things Mi cielito meant, she didn't imagine it would be that. She blushed brightly, even as she smiled at him, leaning against him, "I like it." She stated quietly after a moment, before giggling at his reaction to the glamour. The giggle disappeared with a squeal as he moved towards her to tickle her. The little fae was quick though, laughing as she pushed him back at the same time she jumped into the air, wings catching her and lifting her with ease out of his reach, her eyes playful, teasing, "Mhmm, curious are you?" Her wings fluttered as she hovered, turning upside down in the air, her hair hanging towards the ground as she looked up down at him, legs crossed delicately. Her smile was impish, her eyes flashing with mirth, "And what's that knowledge worth to you, dear Rhys? What will I get out of it hmmm?" She asked, turning again, so she was right side up, flying a little closer to him, sliding her fingers along his cheeks, "It's a state secret after all . . . ." Her lips hovered centimeters above his, "And we're not wed yet." she whispered playfully, before jumping higher into the air again, just out of reach, playful and waiting to see what he'd offer, knowing she'd tell him regardless, he had a right to know anyways. He was her other half, after all. She had to admit that Syn was definitely a force to be reckoned with, though the idea of adding her as an advisor was a brilliant one, her eyes going wide, "Oh, that'd be amazing! She has to be an advisor! She'd be the perfect one to help with considerations being needed for the Night Court too! And Regal has inside connections to the Unseelie Court as well, that'd be all three fairy courts represented properly right there." She stated with unbridled excitement. "We'd just need to find representation for all of the elves . . ." She paused suddenly, tilting her head, "Are you all separated by Courts, Clans? Some other terminology? I know there are three different 'classes' if you will. But . . . I don't know much beyond that." Mother never liked to go into that much detail during lessons. Cael's smile was playful as she pushed him over, the elf putting up no struggle. As his hand closed around her thigh, she squeaked as she was pulled over him fully, before smiling down at him with a playful grin, "Mhmm, I bet you would be, wouldn't you." She responded, her eyes going almost molten silver as she looked down at him, threading her fingers through his hair once more, "You've suggested it quite a few times now." The motion of him following her forward had her smiling against his lips, pulling him closer as she returned the kiss with no hesitation, fingers tangling in his dark hair. Only when he pulled back did her eyes slide open - having not realized she'd closed them before. His forehead pressed against hers and she shivered softly at his words, "As long as it's only you I'm tempting." Her response was soft, her fingers dropping from his hair to his shoulders, before she wound her arms around his neck, smiling slightly, "Only you." Because she felt it too, thrilling and wild, and addicting like she hadn't felt in so long. The eighteen-year-old queen pulled back softly, enough to meet his gaze as she remained to straddle his lap, "Although I don't know if letting the world burn around us is too good of an idea." She added with a playful smile, "Fire is uncontrollable, and wrecks havoc . . . leaves a wake of destruction behind it when it flames out." Her smile softened, warmed as she looked up at him, "We're better than that . . . " They could be a raging river of power together, reshaping the earth, tearing down obstacles in their path, united towards their goals. They weren't fire that destroyed, they'd be water that nurtured and healed. Together. There was something raw now that had opened up between them as they embraced this new relationship, no longer hiding from the knowledge, and instead meeting it head-on. She caught the expression as her attention turned towards the hyena, and her smile was playful, when her fingers touched his cheek, drawing his attention to her, "Jealousy isn't a good look on you, silly elf." She whispered quietly her expression playful, "I promise I'm not going to run off with As and leave you at the alter on our wedding day. I'm growing fond of his handler after all." She teased, her eyes flashing that molten silver again, briefly, even as she leaned forward, instigating the chaste kiss this time, tentative but sure of her actions. "So you'll just have to deal with me hugging the hyenas." She added playfully, laying back against As one more, but pulling Rhys down beside her, settling in so her back was against the hyena, but her side was pressed against the elf's, her fingers tangling with his own and refusing to let go. She blinked at his speech however, her smile warming her features as he promised to worry about her, to keep her happy and safe. Be exactly who and what she wanted in life, though? "I don't think it'll be to hard for you to live up to those expectations." Her words were honest, but spoken softly, her eyes watching him from beneath her eyelashes, "I think I'd be disappointed if anything about you ever changed for me . . . I like this Rhys. This one right here, when you're guard is down and you're yourself." She turned towards him, staring up at him with small smile, "You're already everything I could have ever hoped for. You've surpassed the bar, actually. Neither of us need to change. We're already proving to be a match well made, and the strength in the match will only grow stronger as we learn more about each other." She paused then, before looking up at him, her expression suddenly reassured, trusting, and finally the glamour fell around her, like a wave falling off her. Her skin paled drastically, creaming out to a near white that was unusual - too pale - for the Summer Court fae. The color to her hair seemed to bleach away until strands as white as snow fell around her face, off set by the died sections that now seemed to contrast wildly against the ivory strands. Her ears grew pointed, her eyes brightening to the high-elf blue, "No secrets." She reminded both herself and him, "You said inter-species relationships could be something to behold . . . ." She added with a playful smile, before letting him in on the final state secret of the royal fae family, "My mother . . . you might recognize her if you've studied a lot into the elites of the elves. Her name's Arwin, and she's been Queen of the Fae for the last twenty years, before I took over this summer." Her expression suddenly seemed to grow nervous, as she looked up at him, hopeful he wouldn't be upset. Wouldn't find her lacking now, that she'd still be pretty despite her less than fae appearance, despite her mixed-race heritage. She tucked her hair behind her ear as she watched him for his reaction, suddenly far more shy than she'd been at any point before now, "Unfortunately, I'm afraid this means our relations won't be as inter-species related as you previously might have though . . ." She hesitated, before braving it to push on, "Honestly, our children will end up being far more elf than fae too." And didn't those words 'our children' send her heart a patter. "I . . . Rhys . . . please say this is okay." It would be the only hint she'd give about just how fragile she felt revealing this secret to him, before adding after a moment, "Oh, and I guess I can add to my list earlier. I can control and manipulate like . . . mother made sure I could control the gifts from both sides of my heritage." They would be better and stronger together, and with the last big secret keeping her from being honest with him fell away, she hoped he was right. The subject change to keeping the hyenas was grasped at quickly, even as her glamour was reapplied instinctively, having been taught at a young age to keep it up at all times, the ywlow returning to her hair, her features gaining more color again until she looked more like a paler version of a proper Summer Court, a Seelie Court fairy, than the high-elf fae mix she was. "Of course I'd face criminal acts for them. They're important to you, and I'm fond of them as well. You won't be alone with trying to keep them safe. You've got me now, and my place is at your side, remember." His comment about the increasing time of the new pups had her growing excited again, her eyes brightening, "That soon?" She asked excitedly, clapping her hands, "Is there anything I need to plan for the enclosure to take pups into consideration?" She asked with a sudden shift back into business mode, pulling her sketch back out to make a note of pups to consider. At Nje's question, Cael giggled softly, smiling at the matriarch, "If he lays a hand on me, you get first bite." She promised before nodding at Rhy's suggestion, grinning and pulling out her own phone, shooting out a handful of text messages to her contact before holding up one finger and excusing herself a short distance before contacting a contractor who could handle the pool and river, speaking rapidly in Italian to the gargoyle who ran the company. Five minutes later she sat down with a smile, "Okay, they'll be over later today to start laying things down, but I can do this for now to get us started." Her eyes drifted shut, and this time when her glamour dropped so she could push all of her energy into the earth, she was glowing slightly. The trees started to receed into the soil, the grasses disappearing until they were in an empty, dirt enclosure. Taking a deep breath, when Cael let it out slowly, rocks jutted from the ground, breaking and reforming, hardening as they grow into ledges, and cliffs, climbing higher and higher along the back and sides of the enclosure until they were surrounded on three sides by cliffs perfect for hyenas to climb, notably smaller ones dotting the first foot of the cliffs that would be perfect for teaching little pups the best way to find their footing with out risking injury from to high a fall. The next fluttering sigh had the earth's firmness shifting, the soil growing soft and lose where the water would be carved away before the rest of the land shifted firmness depending on what was destined for that area in her working sketch. The grasses came in next growing around them high enough in the enclosure that they could hide a hyena while hunting, but notably shorter near the front of the enclosure where zoo patrons could see them, and disappearing completely around the pond and river sites. Lastly the new safari trees grew in, stretching out and offering shade, the final one growing up right next to them, protecting the three hyenas, one elf, and the Fae queen from the sun before she opened her eyes, and leaned back heavily against her fiance, relaxing against him, "Should have done that in two sittings, I think, but at least now its a proper safari. Just the final pieces, and the river and pond needed left, and those have to be done by professionals." Her eyes closed as she snuggled up against Rhys, before grinning up at him, "See, now things are started and he'll just have to pay what I ask." She stated firmly, before glancing up at the hyenas when they all seemed to growl, and she raised an eyebrow at Rhys's nod back at the hyenas, and she sighed heavily, "No, you guys can not kill the director! If he tries anything serious, I'll just have to be so offended and horrified that I declare it an act of war, and should the fire the Director before I bring the full force of our nation down on him, well all the better, right?" She offered innocently, twirling a strand of ivory hair around her finger, before peering at the color in confusion, "Oops, I dropped my glamour again! before pausing and glancing around for how close to viewing platforms were, and realizing they were in a fairly obscure area, shrugged and kept it down, "I hate wearing it anyways." She admitted after a moment. [attr="class","bhsnotess"] [attr="class","bhsimg"] [attr="class","bhsnotes"]Tag @rhysandadamdrake [break]Words 3870 w/coding [break]Notes sorry, not sorry [break]Outfit Clickie!

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

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Her smile made him feel hopeful and he returned it. Maybe they would work out better than he had expected before this meeting. Heck, he had figured that she would be working her way out of it and that the beautiful queen was not likely to actually be his bride. But here they were, playing and talking and not hating the idea of their future. It was a rather surreal moment if he was honest with himself.

"To truly unite our people . . . it would be amazing." Her touch made him smile again as he gladly held her hand. Such a simple gesture while she spoke, but it meant the world to him. "Perhaps we should consider adding other species to that panel... Vampires, Demons, Werewolves. They could all have valid thoughts and having a council of various supernaturals could be an interesting way into the future. Maybe not as our advisors... but as a council that helps out supernaturals as a general rule..." The idea had been on in his mind for some time, though he had never spoken it aloud. Not before Cael. Her excited response to the idea of new advisors had encouraged him to share his ideas and hopes. She would be the one person that he could share it all with and expect an honest response.

"Nice try, silly elf." Rhys snorted as he allowed her to shove his shoulder with her headbutt. "Cant fault a guy for trying." He retorted, fingers reaching for her side with delicate tickling motions. Before he could touch her, she hugged him tightly and he found himself clinging to her without conscious thought. It was instinctive. Her head resting on his chest was the purest moment of peace that he had probably ever felt. As she listed off her accepted mercy gifts, he mentally logged it away. "Good to know. I shall remember what it takes to make you smile." Rhys winked with a roguish smirk, kissing her cheek gently. "You are the only one that I have ever been able to speak this honestly with... Usually it is the prince mask, or hiding myself completely in terms of who I am. I have never met anyone that was willing to accept me for the person that I am as a whole. It is kind of refreshing, to say the least." The prince murmured, letting her into the knowledge that his own family didnt accept him the way he was. He had never had anyone that accepted him for him. That knew him enough to make that decision. Rhys found that he didnt trust easily and it was easier to keep the mask up.

"My turn?" Rhys listened to her assurances and smiled. He was thrilled that she was thinking that way and that they would have a chance at a future. He listened to her honest explanation with a smile, loving that he was getting so much information without having to pry. "I guess I will have to stick close enough to heal you when you need it." He commented with a wink, smiling a soft, happy smile. "And I am more than willing to help you learn more combat skills should you need them. Either myself personally or we can hire anyone you desire to teach you." He added as she commented on being a markswoman. Her comment about her mother not being fae pulled him up short and he raised a manicured eyebrow. "So my fae queen is not entirely fae... As sweet as you are, I would be tempted to say Angel... but that seems too obvious..." He mused aloud, his eyes trained on her face to try to detect any signal from her. "I dont have any predatory feeling from you, so I doubt werewolf or vampire... Not that Oberon would sully himself with either of those..." He was stumped. He had not heard of any elves that had been accepted into the courts and none of the other supernaturals were popping up while looking at her.

"I dont need presents!" Rhys laughed and shook his head. "Mi cielito... it isnt about what you need... I am partial to using gifts to make sure that you know how much you mean to me. To show you how much I treasure you. They are my way of making sure that even when we are apart, you know that you are on my thoughts and in my heart." He murmured, kissing her knuckles as he listened to her shock at him sharing this exhibit with her. Her hug made him laugh and he kissed her neck. "Of course. I can think of no one else that I want here with us. Heck.. I cant even think of anyone else that they would accept with me here." He laughed, motioning to the hyenas with his chin. Az cackled in response. At her offer of her gardens, his heart melted. Things were going to be amazing... "We may have to take you up on that offer... Or at least the hyenas if I have to deal with things and dont want to risk them." He responded, frowning at the idea of the director touching his pack.

"We are out in public!!" Rhys laughed, taking in her violently red blush. "The zoo is officially closed to the public... we are alone in the exhibit..." He nodded to the hyenas and they got to their feet and bolted off to make sure that the director wasnt prowling around like he was prone to doing. Their cackling calls echoed through the exhibit and he laughed. One call drifted on the air with a different sound and he stiffened. "Shit." He murmured glancing at Cael. "Trust me. There will be questions asked if we are found like this by the asshole director. He knows that I can summon darkness since I have done it here for peace before." Rhys explained as he started to manipulate the shadows around them into an orb of swirling darkness. At the very top, he left enough of a hole to allow light, making the bubble the hues of twilight as the shadows swirled in lazy circles.

"Challenges are fun... and I will likely surprise you as time passes. All things considered, I could to day as the luckiest day in my life." He murmured with a wink, cool hand caressing her cheek. His skin always cooled when working magic, particularly when playing with the shadows. It had been his mentor's way of judging how exhausted Rhys was. A nearby cackle wormed through the bubble, letting him know that the director had left. Releasing the magic, he closed his eyes as the sunlight streamed back around them.

He listened to her giggle about sugar being taken from the castle and chuckled. Part of him was dying to feed her sugar just to see what the fuss was all about. Her fingers playing in his hair was something that had never happened to him and he found himself closing his eyes as he listened to her speak. At her comments about her brother, Rhys chuckled. "I can imagine. Unfortunately... I am the last one in the running for the throne. No siblings or cousins. If I dont take it, my family loses our status. Needless to say, my parents were adamant that I be ready to rule when my time comes and if I dont... I better be dead." He laughed, eyes still closed as he spoke. After a moment, he opened his eyes and gazed at her. Damn he was lucky...

Her approval at the nickname made him beam, but her squeal and aerial antics made him dissolve into laughter. As she came closer, he felt himself tense. Her words seemed to soften, though they kept the playful edge that they had started with. "If you want to wed today, all you have to do is say the word... I will give you everything you ask for, no string attached. What would you like?" He teased, though his words held the honestly that he felt. At this point, he would seek out anything and everything that she asked for.

When she asked about the elves and if they had courts, Rhys frowned. "Not officially... It is more like the cliques that you find in high school. The high elves tend to be like the jocks and cheerleaders, thinking they are the best and very inclusive. They pretty much all live in the capitol, though there are a few more nomadic ones. Woodland elves prefer to stay in the woods, in tune with nature and preferring to live outside of the capitol. The darks... well... they are rather scattered. They have a tendency to be as egotistical as the high, though at the same time they disdain the highs for their way of thinking. They are all one heck of a mess of people, but all one people in general. We are elf first, then sub class from there. Of course, there are always some that break the expectations. My mother was from one of the higher class dark families, but she loves the glitter and glamor that the high elves surround themselves in. My father found her beautiful and unusual and claimed her the first time he saw her. Once upon a time, we had a mating bond that would snap into place between mates, often before they were mated. Now, that is rare to the point that it has almost completely disappeared. My father tries to claim it, but my mother denies it with every fiber of her being." He explained, frowning at the mention of his parents and their drama.

Rhys shuddered as she straddled him, kissing him. She was slowly killing him, but he found that he didnt mind. At least he was not succumbing to the desire that was welling up in him to do things with a more animal efficiency. "I certainly hope it is only me... I might have to kill another male if he put his hands on you like this." He growled, a hint of possessive nature trying to assert itself. Taking a deep breath, he forced down the traits that his father had embraced. "Fire is destructive, but what remains grows stronger... Perhaps fire is too strong. Together we will make our world a better place." He vowed softly, his voice losing the primal edge.

Rhys grinned at the remark about jealousy. "Who are you trying to fool... Everything looks good on me... or off of me." He winked, vivid blue eyes going molten as he flirted. "You wont leave me at the alter... does that mean you want Az to walk you down the aisle?" He asked, wondering how Oberon would react to his daughter walking down the aisle surrounded by hyenas. The image in his head sang of power and would be interesting to see. Az snuggled tightly to the little fae, eyes laughing as he taunted Rhys. The elf raised and eyebrow and smiled at the tangle of fingers that he found himself sharing with Cael.

Rhys smiled as she admitted that she liked this version of him. "This is the version that is all yours. No one else has ever seen this side of me. I may have to put on a mask at times, but I will always come home to you as this." He vowed, pressing a kiss to her lips in a move of pure impulse. When she dropped her glamour, he raised an eyebrow, recognizing the traits that he had grown up around. "That is not what I would have guessed... Our books list Lady Arwin as deceased... Disappeared roughly 21 years prior without any sign of her since." He murmured as his eyes traveled over the real image before him. She was absolutely breathtaking. He saw the shift in her eyes and smiled.

"If you are expecting me to run for the hills for this, you will be waiting for the rest of your life. If anything, you are even more stunning than your glamour." He murmured as he ran his fingers through the pale silken strands of hair. "Your control is remarkable and our children will be amazing creatures no matter who they look like. You are perfect as you are, just like this." He said softly, hand resting against her neck as he took in her appearance and filed it away to remember when they were apart. "I never did get the ability to control illusions. Tried and tried, but I cannot cast a glamour to save my life." He smirked, trying to make her laugh again.

Rhys found himself disappointed when she reapplied the glamour. Perhaps she still wasnt completely trusting him. But then, they had only met that day. It was a bit early for her to be that comfortable around him. When she asked about the pups and needs, Rhys frowned. "Not really. They will be kept in the den for a while before being allowed out, but once they are old enough they will be suited to this exhibit and the changes you plan to make." He responded, checking his phone and growling at the message that was waiting for him. 'Not good... She is struggling badly and not progressing. Will keep you updated on everything.' He passed Cael the phone for her to read the message and swore.

Nje nodded sharply, lifting her head regally and staring off into the distance as she listened for the director to pass again. After Cael excused herself to speak in very fluent Italian, Rhys laughed softly. "Any languages you cant speak? Clearly hyena and Italian are in your wheelhouse." He winked, nodding to Az and Nje. Kali was quiet, but had clearly fallen for the fae as well. "Your people work fast, I will give you that."

When Cael began her work, Rhys could taste the magic in the soil. It was a strange feeling, since he had never been able to commune with the earth to the extent of many of the elves. He had traded the earth for dark and shadow magic, never realizing what he was missing thanks to what he had been gifted at birth. When she leaned back after the amazing amount of work, he wrapped his arms around her. "You are much more powerful than I realized... My father would have a fit if he knew exactly how powerful. He has always held that he is the most powerful with earth magic. I think you easily beat him." He laughed, kissing the top of her head as he held her. The loss of her glamour made him smile and he laughed when she pointed it out.

"If the director tries anything, he will pay dearly. That much I will promise. I cannot say how dearly at this point since I am a bit out of sorts with the emotional state that I am in." He laughed, winking at her so that she would know it was not accusing. If anything he was more frustrated that he couldnt take care of certain desires at this point. "You are free to keep it down when you are with me. Our home will be our safe place where we can both be ourselves." He promised, pressing his lips to hers once again. He seemed to be addicted to being able to touch or kiss her.

@caelumknoxx
"Rhys Sass"
Words: 2700+
Notes: starting to feel bad for the poor boy XD

[nospaces][googlefont="Carter One"]

[attr="class","bhs"] [attr="class","bhsquot1"]Blue Canary in the [attr="class","bhsquot2"]Outlet by the Lightswitch , [attr="class","bhstext"]There was an odd sort of comfort that Caelum was beginning to sink into, an odd sort of relaxation, of welcoming, and safety and security that was just starting to come to life. Being groomed in this fragile relationship that seemed little more than two new bud acquaintances getting to know each other - and yet was destined, was fated to become so much more. Less star-crossed lovers, and more of soulmates that just happened to have been born in the right time, manipulated by the hands of fate to cross paths and be nurtured by one another, groomed into better versions of themselves, by strengthening one another. Supporting one another's faults and strengthening each other's talents. Separate they were formidable . . . together, they could change worlds. But now, now they were still carefully edging around what could be, getting to know each other, and in turn, growing more enraptured. When she'd first heard of this engagement, she'd raged, she'd cried, she'd screamed her frustration and anger. She'd allowed herself to believe it was the end of the world, of her freedom, of her ability to be herself. To just be Cael, to just be her. But now . . . now as she sat beside the elf who was her intended, her heart seemed to ease, her fears disappearing under his careful attention, her hopes rekindling for what her future might bring. Yes, there was true potential here. And suddenly the idea of having the elf prince as a fiance no longer seemed so terrifying. In fact, in honesty, it seemed . . . almost welcoming now. He had a quick wit, or so he was showing, to keep up with her, and a desire not to curb her own spirit, and in this rare moment . . she could admit to being welcome to the idea of being his bride. Her opinion was reinforced by his vocalization of uniting their people. Not a desire to swallow the fae nation with in his own, or the reverse, but to be a united front. No longer two sides of a coin fighting one another, and instead uniting those of the Earth and letting the world tremble at the display of their might. Together the elves and fae could shake the foundations of society, could reroute rivers, and redeposit forests. They could yield the earth or let it grow up and claim back cities for nature's beasts. Together they could be a mighty force. And yet, as he continued to speak - he proved it wasn't that force he was after, and her heart swelled all the more for it. A council of supernatural, working together for a future that would be brighter, to help all of those. Her expression was bright, delighted the more he shared, and in that instant she couldn't help herself as she clasped her hands in front of her, nodding eagerly, her eyes sparkling with an inner light that came from her High Elf heritage (not that he was aware of that yet), "Oh, Rhys, yes! That would be . . . that would be perfect! Too long so many of the races have been at war - not just the Elves and the Fae. It could be a chance to unite all the races, to help make way for such a better, brighter future. No more strife if we can help it. Could you imagine, a world where we all can help one another! We'd need all the major races and elements covered - our kingdom for the earth, the mermaids and sirens of the sea, the phoenix of fire, and dragons of the air, plus the shifters, were and vampires - just to start." There was a pause, a tilt of her head as uncertainty flared in her pale eyes, catching her lip between her teeth, "But what of the humans that are . . . intertwining their way into our world." Her wings twitched, a reflex leftover from those horrible memories, of dirty hands, clawing at her skin, trying to pin her down, to rip the delicate membranes of her wings to take the prize that was worth their size in gold. The humans that had murdered Arson even as he tried valiantly to fight them off long enough to give her a chance to escape, sacrificing himself so she might live another day. "No . . . no humans, please Rhys?" Her voice was softened, trying to keep the tremor from acting up, acting out. She wasn't afraid anymore. She was stronger than that. More powerful now. She wouldn't be afraid. Besides . . . she . . . she had Rhys now, and . . . she believed if things really did go south, he'd do everything in his own power to help her. Already her mind was being distracted by his antics,, his fingers brushing against her sides, making her squirm out of reach least she is tickled, before flying into his arms where that sense of safety and shelter intensified. Her head fell against her chest, and in that moment she felt the tension leave her like a breath dusting the air in exhale. Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment of relaxation in such a calm state, before her eyes reopened to continue their talk, their conversation, this chance to learn more about each other - even if they couldn't seem to not be in physical contact. It was like a growing need between them, one the fae-elf mix had no desire to fight. His roguish smirk had her giggling, even if the press of his lips to her cheek had her features flaring with heat, Just you being here seems to be enough to make me smile, elf. the thought quietly, but chose not to respond verbally - least she say something too soon. The intensity heating between them was unnerving at least, and too fast at most. Unexplainable, certainly. Yet she couldn't seem to muster the desire to fight it. There was another thrill that lit through her, causing her heart to flutter just a tiny bit faster at his next words, pleasantly surprised, and more than a little pleased to be the only one he was like this with, to see him for who he was, not who he had to pretend to be. They both were practiced at wearing the royal masks as demanded by their social ranking, but in this rare moment in time, as Cael met Rhys, it was both informal, and so much more rewarding for that fact, "I'm sure the princely side of you is quite a breathtaking site . . . but I think I'll find I prefer Rhys, no matter what." She said quietly, earnestly. She wouldn't just accept him for who he was, she would embrace him for it if she needed to. Anything to let him know she was at his side. Why did I ever consider canceling this betrothal . . . As time was proving - they both were in desperate need of this shared feeling of whole acceptance, beyond just the facade they wore out in public. Now, here, away from the prying eyes of their people and those who would want to watch and find fault in their ways - they could be themselves, and together they were growing to accept who they were together. Not just one another, but themselves as well. No longer did this princeling need to hide who he was, and in turn no longer did the young fae queen need to pretend to be someone she's not. "I'm grateful too . . . for being able to not have to hide or obscure who I really am. Not to have to walk around in a facade, my personality tightly boxed up because it's unfit for a quee to be so rash, so forceful and stubborn . . . so . . . me." She snuggled deeper into his embrace, prolonging this feeling of safety she was beginning to associate with him, "I don't think I ever realized how much of myself I've been hiding away until I can just be myself here with you . . . It's . . . refreshing." And it really was. Just as his family didn't accept him, half of her existence was meant to be kept secret and locked away. Half of her appearance, half of her heritage, half of the many aspects of her personality that seemed to stem from the nomadic elven side that dominated her appearance. So much she wasn't allowed to show, to share, to express. With him - could it truly be different? And so she felt it was only fair to offer a touch of warning to some of the secrets she had, both those that could lead to her undoing - such as her own inability to heal herself, to promise of more secrets to come - such as what her mother really was. And yet his smile never waivered, his attention on her, soaking up every bit of information about herself she freely gave, just as she'd done with him earlier. His comment however had her smiling slightly, her hand delicately sliding into his, "Hmm, you can try but I'm rather careful, not sure you'd need to heal me, elf. I'm pretty adept at getting myself out of sticky situations without anyone being any the wiser that I was there, to begin with." It was his offer to teach her more combat skills that had her eyes lighting up and instantly she was sitting up, intentive, eyes wide, "Throwing knives, I want to learn to properly throw knives - can you teach me that?" She asked eagerly. She was more then adept with a bow and quiver of arrows - how hard would it be to lend that skill in with throwing knives, "And perhaps some close-combat with a dagger too. Can't always expect someone to be far enough away to be able to hit them with an arrow." She added as an afterthought. And who said the fae were fun lovers who didn't want to fight - the hippies of the earth. Then again, Caelum was her mother's daughter - as evidence in her skillful mastery of the traditional elven instrument. Most fae would fight with staffs and the likes if need be. Caelum's choice had always been the bow. Her slip of her mother not being a fae had him startled - just as she'd hoped, even as a silent thrill shot through her soul at the possessive 'my' he addressed her with. Her head tilted to the side, blonde hair falling slightly over her face as she giggled, "No, not entirely fae. Not angel either. They're far too goody-goody for my temperament anyways. Not werewolf or vampire either, father would have a heart attack if mother had been one of those." She agreed, her eyes sparkling in amusement, "I'll let you ponder on that one, silly elf. Let me know if you want to have another guess at my mixed-heritage, hmm? I promise it'll be one of the last potential pairings you expect." She teased with a playful smile, enjoying the fact she'd been able to get one over him. A small victory in her favor, she expected them to be too evenly matched to have many of these moments. She was NOT expecting to be promised presents, however, and his words did little to reassure her as she frowned softly at him, "Either way, I won't deny you what you prefer . . . but I really don't need gifts." Her words softened the rebuttle, her tone further lightening it into an explanation, "Actions mean more than gifts to me. If you intend to show me you treasure me, then do it through your actions, not through the spending of money." She offered, before tilting her head slightly at the next explanation from him. "Okay, now wait. Random gifts are not the same thing as gifts obtained during a time of distance, that's almost like souvenirs." She teased him. She really wouldn't deny him the ability to spoil her if he so chooses, even if it might be awkward for her - perhaps she would be able to grow used to his brand of attention, not like I'm too averse to it currently, she thought with a smile as his lips brushed her knuckles. Once again their inability to go too long with touching was proven when she embraced him again, this time his lips brushing against her neck and she startled faintly, glancing up at him with surprise at the romantic gesture before smiling and curling back up against his chest, wrapped securely in his arms, content once more within her slowly-becoming favorite place. "I'm glad they accept me, I don't know what I'd do without Az to keep me company!" She declared with a coo at the male hyena, scratching his chin even as she kept her back pressed against to Rhys's chest, already trying to ensure physical contact least he shows jealousy towards the hyena again, her silly elf. Of course when he offered her the enclosure, she couldn't not return the offer, her expression delighted at the idea that the offer wouldn't be politely ignored, and instead he seemed interested, though his frown alerted her to some of the reason behind the acceptance. Her fingers trailed along his cheek, before directing his head down, so his eyes would meet his, "Hey . . . nothing is going to happen to them - any of them. No matter what, we'll take care of them, right?" She reassured on instinct, her words betraying how tightly she'd already bonded with Az, and was already developing an understanding at least with Nje. No . . . if the Director wanted to push the issue that badly . . . well, Caelum was always interested in furthering her investments, and a zoo would be a fun addition to the portfolio she was building. She wasn't able to take that thought further before Rhys had brought something else up, forcing her to blush and causing him to laugh. His words were less than reassuring when he reminded her that the zoo was closed - they were already alone. As the hyenas took off at his command, her eyes widened as she spun to look at him, eyebrow-raising slightly. Her playful retort died however before a different kind of call filled the ear, and instantly Caelum shifted to alert, not knowing what it meant but knowing it was different than all the calls before. It was further proven to be an issue when Rhys stiffened, cussed, and glanced towards her. At his request for trust, Caelum nodded and moved to his side, before jumping as the shadows suddenly closed in around them taking the light with them, changing daylight into an almost twilight setting. Her eyes watched the shadows swirl lazily as the elf explained the situation, and Caelum quietly reached out to touch her fingertips to the darkness, a subtle flash of light leaving her fingertips when she came in contact with the magic that was in opposition to that of the High Elf blood coursing her veins. Her attention turned back to Rhys, smiling slightly, "It's breathtaking . . . the way the magic is flowing and moving . . . I never realized . . . shadows could be so pretty." She admitted. His hand caressed her cheek, and almost without thinking about it, she leaned her face into his touch her eyes closing briefly as she smiled slightly, "I imagine we'll both be keeping each other on our toes," Her eyes slid back open, her smile soft as she looked up at him, stepping a little closer to him as she trapped his cooler hand in both of hers, "I'm kinda looking forward to it." She didn't say what it was, the obvious answer settling in the air between them with sincerity. For their future together. A silent admission that no matter what they would be going to the alter one day, together. Because there was something magical between them that Caelum only ever wanted to explore with him. When the magic suddenly released, Caelum blinked in surprise as sunlight suddenly swarmed around them, the shadows breaking apart, and in that instant she missed that tiny world he'd cocooned them up in, even as the topic changed to lighter ones, of sugar and Syn and the trouble she'd gotten into - not to mention her decision to place Regal as her heir to the thrown should she pass before conceiving an heir. The thought of him being the last in line for his thrown surprised her, and she tilted her head curiously, "You'll take it." She assured with certainty, meeting his gaze, "We'll make it all work out, and when we're finally settled into the life of ruling monarchs . . . not even our parents will be prepared for the efficiency we'll rule with." When had they become such a strong, and steadfast we? Why did it not bother her like it should? Naturally the topic needed a proper lightening, and Caelum was comfortable enough with him now to have no hesitation to play a little, her lips stretching into a smile at his laughter, his words had her fighting back a sudden shiver of delight. He'd wed her today if she asked? Did that mean he felt this connection between them too? "What would I like?" She asked curiously, tossing back her hair and floating a little closer to him, a little curious to see what he'd like exactly. She smiled softly, "I think wedding today would be pushing it too soon," She admitted thoughtfully, "We both need to graduate first." She paused however, her gaze turning towards him and this time her smile was earnest, bright, sincere, "But I think . . . I think we can make this engagement official." She stated after another moment, before her smile turned softer, sweeter, "I am yours, and you are mine?" She finally voiced the offer, offering her hand to him, "And we can take the next step when we both have graduated and we're ready to official sit on the thrown - and when we do, we'll do it together. As man and wife?" Her words were soft as she painted the picture, her smile sweet, promising. He wanted to know what she'd like . . . that is what she was starting to finally see for the future she wanted for them. Where today forward they were together, growing closer, and when they graduated, they would take their vows and sit on the thrown, King and Queen of two nations united. It was a dream worth reaching for. When he started to tell her about the elves, she was eager to hear about it from someone not baised against them, even if the way he described the High Elves left something to be desired. Not that she was surprised, her mother had been spitting venom about them for years, she knew they were fairly self-center, self-serving lot. At the moment, she was a touch more curious about his other half however. Mother's talks never included much information on the darks. The disdain he mentioned them having of highs alarmed her faintly before having to remind herself he was of mixed heritage between the two - less likely to judge her, hate her when the truth of her birth came out. She was pleasantly surprised when he mentioned elves were elven first, sub-class second, the opposite being true for the fae. But it was the mating bond that had her looking up in surprised confusion. Mating Bond? What was that?" Mating Bond? What is that, exactly?" She asked curiously. He shuddered at her touch, her kiss, and for a second a shot of delight wormed its way through her body as he growled his agreeance to him being the only male for her, she shivered at the possessive tone, feel protected rather than controlled, to know that he liked her enough to be like this. She twined her fingers through his, pressing closer to him as she did so, her lips searing against his jaw, "I promise, should any other be foolish to put his hands on me, it'll be clear that I gave no permission on the matter. After all, I have my own dark elf to keep me busy with for the rest of time. Who else could compare to that." Playing with fire, Caelum.. Playing with fire. Some how she was enjoying the flames. Fire was destructive, but they could go stronger from him, "One way or another we will be stronger, together, leaning on each other. Not alone, but united." She offered in a vow. The flirting was something she'd never grow old of, and the way his eyes went molten as he stared her down had her shifting in her seat, her eye locked on him, her smile playful, "Somehow I expect everything would look better off you." She agreed, unashamed as her gaze ran over him briefly. It really was a dangerous game they were playing, one Caelum was enjoying too. His question of being left at the after had her giggling slightly, "I'm fairly certain my father would have a coniption if a hyena took his spot in a wedding march." She mused, even as she squeezed his hand, "Tempting idea though, do you think I could make Hyenas part of my bridal party?" She asked cheerfully before her expression turned a touch more serious, a touch more certain, "And now . . . I would never leave you . . . at the alter." He hugged her to himself and Caelum sank into the embrace, relaxing at his touch, his presence - why had she become so dependent on it, so relaxed by it. She knew it wasn't his fault, but it didn't help the lack of information from where these emotions were stemming form. A version of Rhys of all her own, the promise that this would be the him who would come home to her . . . no, it wasn't the version of himself he was offering that had her heart racing, it was those four words, Come home to you, he said come home to you . . . Her smile proved his words idn't bother her, infact, they warmed her thoroughly, the promise of this being a long time thing between them. That it wasn't just an arrangement on paper, this was real. And so, as he caught her up in a kiss, she knew it was as good of a time as easy to drop the glamour - and the surprise was both rewarding and terrifying. say something. His gaze roamed over her face, taking in features he'd have seen a hundred times a day back home. Many of the same features he had as well. His words had startled a giggle from her before she tilted her head at the thought of them assuming her mother was dead, "Momma would be pleased. She ran to escape it all, I imagine she'd welcome the knowledge she was dead to . . . the elves." Why did saying your people sound so wrong. His gaze seemed to be focused on her again and she shifted slightly as she waited for a response, any response. His words were a breath of fresh air to her lungs, reassuring her more than he could ever imagine. He thought she was stunning - now as a half breed that her own mother had told her more times than she could count to keep hidden. His fingers danced through the now ivory strands of hair, let the locks slide through his fingers, as she blushed at his words of their children being amazing. He was right of course, they were powerful individually, a child from them would enherit that power. But the promise of her being perfect had her smiling before giggling slightly, "Glamours are fae magic, but my control of illusions help me hold the glamour easier, longer. Don't fret you're unable to do so . . . it's merely a party trick." She reassured, "You have amazing talents of your own." She added gently, a soft giggle pulled from her, even as the glamour resettled over her like a heavy, hot blanket, as the subject was changed to the pups. [li] His reassurances that she already had the enclosure plan perfect had her smiling, but that smile fell when he showed her the message gaze turning to him as she grabbed his hand in reassurance, "Do you need to go to her?" She asked him, tilting her head, following it with the more pressing question, "Will she be okay, Rhys? 'Not good... She is struggling badly and not progressing. Will keep you updated on everything.' He passed Cael the phone for her to read the message and swore before she moved to begin working on getting things in order for the enclosure remodel. Rhys's question had her glancing at him, her smile playful, "Maybe, maybe not." She answered coyly with a giggle, "Guess you'll have to hang about and find out, hmm?" She added, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, before smiling in delight at his following words, "I only hire the best, and the pack needs the best of those." She agreed with a smile, before she began her own work, her magic reaching out eagerly into the earth. She might have a lot of elven attributes in personality and appearance, but her magic was all fae - only strengthened by the elf blood, as her fairy dust swirled around her, glittering through the air with the same iridescent sheen as her wings, setting the enclosure right before finally settling down in exhaustion. Instantly he had wrapped her in his arms, and she allowed herself to be drawn up against him, resting peacefully as threaded her fingers through her ivory hair as he spoke of his father, "Mhmm, fae are deeply connected to the earth, but I've always been more strongly tuned than most. Mother thinks its the elf blood aiding the fae magic. I might look a lot more elf than fae, but my magic is heavily influenced by the fae side." She shared, as his lips pressed to her forehead. It was only then that she realized the glamour had dropped again, the two looking a little less out of the ordinary should they be caught together - appearing as two elves in an embrace (with her wings hidden against his chest and her back) rather than a fae and elf. She didn't bother to re-apply the banner, however, instead of allowing the conversation to flow around them again as he promised her to handle the director if he tried anything with her. This time she didn't argue with him, picking up that possessive need to ensure her safety, and trusting he'd follow through in any situation. His continued use of words such as our and we would be the beginning to her undoing, the kiss helping it along as she melted into him, "I like the way that sounds . . . . our home." She leaned forward, admitting to him softly before returning the kiss, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and pressing in close to him. Welcoming the contact between them, the shelter he offered, the safety his arms promised her, the home she was making for herself in his heart. She pulled away slightly again, smiling up at him as she pushed back the white curtain of hair, "Yes, I think our home will be a shelter, a place of peace for us. No hiding ourselves behind masks and glamour. A place for you and me to just be ourselves, get to know each other better." A home together . . . she could really grow used to that idea, "But perhaps we don't need such a place yet," She added with a wicked teasing grin, returning his mouth to his in another stolen kiss, whispering her words softly to them, "I'd be worried we'd never keep our hands off of each other. We seem to have forgotten the majority of our self-control around each other." She added, forcing herself to sit back, putting her hands in her lap to keep herself from reaching out to him again, "I forget myself . . . when I'm with you," She admitted, looking at him with wide eyes, "With you . . . I feel safe, secure and comfortable enough to laugh and joke, to flirt and yearn." Her words were thoughtful as she turned her attention to him, "It's most unlike me . . ." Her smile was teasing, playful, her eyes sparkling, "You haven't cast some sort of spell on me have you, my dark elf?" She asked with a playful giggle, her expression betraying her jest and knowing he hadn't even if she teased him about it, "You're not living up to those dark expectations are you, my fiance?" She asked, shifting to sit on her hands, lease she touch him again with her own hands, least she reignites that kiss, that passion that was continuing to grow between them. Instead, she focused on the relationship, of how she felt with him as she curled up in his arms, what it felt like now, wrapped up in them and resting her back against his chest, her head falling back against his shoulder so she could look up at him, "Rhys?" Her voice was soft, wrapping his name up in a question, "when you go check on that poor hyena and her pups . . . you'll take me with you, right?" And maybe she wasn't ready yet to let go of this feeling, of him. It was new, it was intense, but for the first time in a long time, it was a place were she felt like she belonged. [attr="class","bhsnotess"] [attr="class","bhsimg"] [attr="class","bhsnotes"]Tag @rhysandadamdrake [break]Words 5059 w/coding [break]Notes her muse - exploded! [break]Outfit Clickie!

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

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Rhys found himself taking great pleasure in the fact that she was warming up to him more and more. She seemed to be relaxing as time went on, a fact that made him happy in so many ways. He could see so many ways that the pair could become stronger and better together rather than apart. And the idea of them proving the advisors of the respective courts wrong made him nearly laugh aloud.

He had not been thrilled about the arranged engagement. Not happy in the slightest. But that was more to do with the fact that he was expected to do as he was told rather than who he was to be married to. Now that he had been given the chance to meet her, to find himself drawn to her like a moth to the flames, he was beyond thrilled with the outcome. She was everything he could have ever wanted, and yet so much more. Cael was smart and powerful, spirited beyond belief and playful.

Her excitement at his ideas about a council made him beam. His hands reached for her own as she spoke and he nodded. "Exactly. I have been imagining it for years with no one to actually speak to about the ideas. No one that cared about my ideas of what the future could have held. Granted, this was not the way that I had expected to be able to chance bringing it to light, but I have always been a dreamer." Her remarks about humans made him frown. There was more there than she was saying aloud, something brutal connected to humans. It took everything he had to not pull her close and hold her tightly. "I think that humans may have a place... but not initially. At this point, I think that the supernatural world needs to become solidly connected and bonded in a way that they have never before. Only then can we discuss humans being a part of it all. For now, for quite a while at least, no humans." He murmured softly, one of his hands lifting to caress her cheek. "Unless you say yes, unless everyone is in complete agreement... I will not bring in humans to our world without it being unanimously yes." He promised with a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Her reactions to his teasing and affection made him smile. It was a heady feeling that he found himself struggling to control. Yet as they were spending time together and getting to know each other, he felt like it was a magnet keeping them from pulling apart. Her smiled and laughs, her amusing comments and playful teasing. It all made the idea of leaving her side seem like torture. When she spoke about his princely side, Rhys laughed. "I dont know about breathtaking... But I definitely prefer this side of myself personally. I can imagine the force that you put forward as Queen, not that you can become any more attractive to me at this point. You are beautiful and strong and intelligent. The fae are so lucky that you are their queen." He murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. No matter what, he would be her rock.

As Cael snuggled closer, Rhys smiled softly and pressed his cheek to the top of her head. "I am so thankful that you can be you." Words that might be considered too abrupt, too strong, nearly escaped his lips. It was too soon for those feelings to be what he really said aloud. Yet there was a part of him that was determined that his feelings were correct. "I hope you know that I accept you as you are. That I want nothing more than exactly who you are. That I..." He stopped with a sigh. 'Too soon. Do not say it yet!' He murmured to himself.

Rhys chuckled at her remark about being careful. "Being hard to catch does not always mean the same as careful, mi cielito." He laughed, ruffling her hair without thought. "I cannot say that I am proficient with throwing knives, but I am sure I can find someone who is. Close combat with a dagger, I can probably help with." He winked with a grin. He had trained for years to be able to defend himself with a blade and was competent with most blades that he laid his hands on. But not throwing. Nor was he at all practiced with a bow. "However, you will have to help me with a bow. My father always said that a bow was for those that were not able to wield a blade in battle, but I can see the appeal with being able to stop a confrontation from afar rather than waiting for the bloody blows of battle." Rhys remarked with a laugh.

Rhys found himself laughing with a full hearty amusement as she described the angels. "Goody-goody is not wrong." He snorted, having dealt with a few angels in court. Her aversion to human made him unwilling to even guess it. "Dragon? Or perhaps Godling?" He guessed, simply taking a stab and the most powerful and beautiful races that he had been in contact with. He refused to guess Elf, since that was highly unlikely with the way the courts were at the moment.

Rhys smirked as she protested against presents. "Perhaps... I will have to show you that I treasure you in every way that I can think of. And yes, that does include gifts. Let me spoil you in every way. Let me make you the happiest being in the world. Let me do this, my love." He murmured as he felt his fingers running over her own. There, he had admitted his feelings, though he wasnt sure that she would catch the words with the mix of pleas in his speech.

Rhys shook his head at the little fae in his arms. She was determined that Az was her favorite male in the area, though he was beginning to wonder with the fact that she kept in constant touch with him. The hyena lifted his head and yipped a low cackle that had Rhys chuckling. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just dont forget it, mister." He responded to the teasing tone of the hyena's call. His arms tightened slightly around her and he kissed the top of her head before she moved to touch his cheek. "I am not used to having someone that cares about the pack and is willing to help me take care of them. It is a bit of a strange thing to realize. I am so thankful for you, Caelum." He murmured fervently, hand caressing the back of her neck while playing with the pale strands of hair.

Rhys laughed softly as she reacted to the hyenas leaving, at least in the moment before he wrapped her in his shadows. Her awe at the shadows made him smile. "Most people dont. They strive for the light, ignoring that shadows can make things appear so many different ways. Without the darkness, you cannot see the stars." He whispered, using his magic to darken the shadows slightly and allow pinpoints of light from the sun to act as stars around them.

Rhys watched her with molten eyes, loving that she was leaning into his touch instead of fleeing it. "I look forward to seeing your antics, mi cielito. We will have more fun than those in the court are prepared for. But we will do it all together. That alone has me looking forward to the future in a way that I havent in years." He murmured.

After the shadows had dissolved, he found himself yearning for the feeling that they were the only two in the world. Her words regarding the throne made him smile. "I might be taking the throne, but only with you beside me. I had serious doubts before today. I wasnt sure that I wanted a life ruling ungrateful subjects with a cold queen beside me. Instead, I find myself the luckiest male in the world. I have you for my Queen." He answered, beaming at her.

Rhys found himself biting his lip as he listened to her discuss the idea of their future. "Caelum, I am not going to argue. I am happy with whatever you decide. What we decide. Gradutation would be the smart thing to do... even if smart is not as much fun." He winked. But she floored him with her decision regarding their engagement. Smiling, he reached behind his neck. Hidden under the polo shirt was a silver chain holding a dagger pendant. The handle was onyx, the blade itself clear quartz. Disconnecting the clasp, he pulled it out and placed it around her neck. "I know... not a ring. Not yet anyway. My father refuses to allow me to purchase it until we have officially met. Since he didnt expect me to meet you before the arranged meeting with the courts." He laughed, feeling a bit self conscious as he gazed at the stone blade around her neck. Part of him was terrified that she would hate it and laugh at him for it. "Plus, a necklace is much more innocent that showing up at said meeting with a ring on your finger when you are not supposed to have even met your arranged betrothed." He winked, stepping closer as he waited patiently for her to respond. Rhys took her offered hand and nodded. "I want to take the throne no other way. Not until you are by my side in every possible way." He said softly, imagining their future together.

Her question regarding the mating bond made him pause. "Technically a secret. It is thought to have started in our blood when we were a much more feral race, a way to tell who would make the most favorable offspring for the future. A Mating Bond is a special, and very rare bond between two people, that is considered sacred, higher than the bond between two regular married people. Individuals of the elf species are able to sense their mates, only if the other side is elf. If their mate is another species, then this sense will be dulled. It is extremely rare to happen outside of the race... I want to say only a handful of times through history. More often the male is the first to sense the mating bond snap into place. A mating bond can be rejected by the female, and the male cannot force her to take it. It has become an absolute law that is enforceable to the highest degree in our courts. Unfortunately, my mother doesnt have the mating bond to allow her to fight against my father's brand of possession." He tried to explain it the best he could.

Rhys laughed darkly, his voice heavy with desire and emotions. "And I intend to do my best to make sure that you are definitely happy. Should any other male try to butt in, it might not be pretty..." He warned, his face shifting back to his roguish smirk as he kissed her again. He sent up a silent prayer for strength, knowing that she was pushing the limits of his self control to the very breaking point. "Stronger, united... forever. We will be a force of nature in so many ways as we become stronger and closer." He responded, his voice fervent with a myriad of emotions.

Another husky chuckle escaped him as she raked her gaze over him. "I am pretty sure I could say the same about you... I highly doubt there is anything you cannot pull off in terms of looking good... And the idea of nothing is going to drive me mad until we wed." He murmured as he returned the searing gaze.

The idea of Az taking her father's place made him laugh and allowed him a small amount of control over his own raging emotions and desires. She was the definition of temptation. "You are more than welcome to include them anywhere you desire. Have them join us in the throne room to intimidate unworthy subjects." He laughed softly, gaze stealing over his pack and their relaxed air as they sprawled in the grass around them. "I am at your side forever, mi cielito. I will never leave you, my love." He promised, his arms tight as he held her to him.

Rhys nodded softly as she explained her mother. "I wish I could say that I blame her, but I dont. My people are a mess, thanks in no small part to my father and the steel hand he holds over them. His father was the same way, possibly even worse. Even as a child, I swore that I would be different. That I would be a better king than the tyrants that came before me." He explained, eyes closed as he felt the conviction surge through him. He would be a better king, with an even stronger queen at his side. Each of his ancestors had pushed their queen to the side, used her as a showpiece while they did as they wanted with what ever female they decided they desired that week. He would never treat Cael like that. Rhys swore silently that he would never stray from her. Her beauty and her amazing personality would keep him in love with her for the rest of their lives.

"A party trick it may be, but it could also come in handy. Make it easier to hide in plain sight when necessary. To be able to be among the people that you rule without them realizing and having their words colored by the fact that you are the next ruler and most likely going to be a tyrant." He laughed, though it had all been dealings with his people through the years. "My mother encouraged me to practice, to train my skills so that I could rely on them if need came. She wanted me to be able to protect myself no matter what form the attack could come from." He explained as he absentmindedly played with her fingers.

Rhys sighed softly. "I dont know. The zoo has been struggling in terms of new life for a while now. I thought it was poor keepers... Now I am beginning to wonder. So many hyenas have been lost in the last six months. I have been so hopeful for this female and her pups to break the almost curse on the place." And yet it was beginning to look like things would go terribly wrong. The idea made him frown and he clutched at her hand like a lifeline.

"I cannot wait to see what other surprises you have up your sleeves, your highness." He winked, glad that she was there. Watching her work her magic was intoxicating. He had never spent time around the fae when they worked any, so he found himself watching with rapt attention.

"She may be correct. You definitely have a lot of the elven looks, but that magic was beyond anything I have ever seen." He remarked before snuggling her even closer. When she commented on their home, he felt his heart soar. "You have no idea how excited I am to dream about our future. About the home that we will make our own. If you want to create a home away from the court, or an entirely new court. All of the possible ideas that we may have for the future. We have time to discuss and plan. And I cannot wait to start." He murmured, his eyes closed as he pictured the possibilities. He returned her kisses and then laughed softly. "You say that like keeping apart would be a bad thing, my love." Rhys teased, taking her hands. "That is exactly how I want you to feel with me." He promised, hand reaching to her cheek without direction.

"Unfortunately, my dark spells tend to be saved for the bedroom... and you are determined that you dont want to join me there yet." He winked, teasing her. "Trust me... I can live up to those dark expectations if you would like. I can easily find darker tendencies to thrill you if that is what you desire..." He vowed, dipping his head slightly and biting his lip as he gazed at her.

"You have my word. She may need your brand of help at this rate." He answered her soft questions, eyes filled with worry as he checked on the feed on his phone.

@caelumknoxx
"Rhys Sass"
Words: 2800+
Notes: Well then...

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[attr="class","bhs"] [attr="class","bhsquot1"]Blue Canary in the [attr="class","bhsquot2"]Outlet by the Lightswitch , [attr="class","bhstext"]There was a gradually increasing comfort level between the pair, although tempered back with the natural hesitation of only being newly met. But when faced with having to make nice with a stranger, and making nice with your surprise fiance, well life was certainly a shock, to say the least. But now, now was a perfect time to try to get to know the male that her parents (her father and his council) had chosen for her to be with for the rest of her life. There was a part of her that wondered if he'd been chosen for the dark connotation he, and his family, held in the eyes of the fae. As if they had hoped that such a dangerous individual would be able to perhaps wrangle in the wayward Queen who saw nothing wrong with bringing a Demon home to meet her parents. Or perhaps they assumed that since her last significant other had been of such a dark persuasion she'd be less likely to argue this one. But enough time had been spent in Rhys's company that she was beginning to see beyond that mask to the playful, if not a touch secretive male behind the Dark Elf persona he wore like a cape. And in truth, the more time she was spending with him, the more comfortable, the more relaxed she was becoming . . . yes, there was the start of chemistry here, true chemistry that came like a slap to the face, racing hearts, and shy touches. The promise of more to come like a whirlwind romance, but burning brighter than a lustful flame. There was the promise of companionship and understanding. Of partnership that would have them bring out the best and worst in each other . . . and for the Queen who hid her mischievous side so well, she was curious to see just what that might bring in time to come. The had both been upset when the engagement had been announced, but now . . . now, as they have met and began to understand who the other was . . . neither was finding it in their hearts to fight it anymore. In this elf was everything Caelum had yearned for. He had the bravery of Arson, the tenderness of Tremaine, and the strength of self to meet her toe to toe. He would be a challenge, a thrill, an individual that wouldn't just let her walk over him, and yet give her the freedom to make her own decisions as well. He was someone she could stand shoulder to shoulder too (or perhaps a shoulder to torso to given their individual heights), and take on the world hand in hand, supporting one another. Yes, the longer she was spending to get to know Rhys, and not the persona of Prince Rhysand, the more excited she was about the potential the union could bring. Not just for their combined country and people, but for her . . . and for him. His hands wrapped around hers, startling her out of her excitement, though she didn't dare remove them from his grasp, instead she intertwined their fingers, locking their hands together. Her smile was vibrant at his words, bot for the knowledge that they held similar ideas for the future of their kind(s), and the future for supernatural beings in total. The idea that she was someone he wanted to share ideas of the future with had her squeezing his fingers just a little tighter before she froze at his words of the humans having a place. Her heart started to speed up, her breath coming a touch faster at the start of a panic attack at the idea, even as she forced her eyes to lock onto his, grasping his hands for a grounding point to keep her from falling into the memories, the terror. Her wings flinched, tucking up tight against her back, phantom pain racing down one of her shoulder blades as phantom hands tore at the membrane within her mindscape. No. She was with Rhys. In the arena. Her breath slowed, her heart started to calm, her vision focusing on his face, his features, the safety it promised her. She wasn't in danger. She wasn't being hunted, It was just a memory, a horrible memory. "We'll focus on uniting the supernatural world . . . anything further we can decide at our own rate." His hand lifted to her face, and her eyes fluttered close at the gentle caress to her cheek, covering his fingers with her own and nuzzling her face into his palm, before opening her eyes again to meet his gaze. The action alone helped banish the last of the panic, and her smile was soft as she pressed a gentle kiss to the inside of his wrist in thanks to his words, "We'll discuss bringing . . . them in . . . at another time. Old wounds run deep, even after they heal." One day, perhaps, she'd be able to comfortably remain in the company of a human without feeling the gut-wrenching fear. Without feeling the need to keep her wings locked tight against her back, or to spring into the air to give distance. One day, maybe with Rhys's help, they really will unite the supernatural, and the human worlds together. For now, she was willing to let the elf distract her . . . and he really was a fun distraction. There was knowledge in the back of her mind that her time would have to be coming to a close in the enclosure soon, and already she was trying to think of ways to prolong it, to come back to see him, to keep their time apart shorter. There was something about him, about this . . . this feeling that she didn't want to lose. Was this the honeymoon stage? She grinned at his comment of the force she would put forward as Queen, before blinking in surprise when he called her attractive, unable to become more so to him. Her lips twisted into an amused smile as his fingers brushed through her hair, and her eyes sparkled as she leaned towards him, placing her hands flat against his chest and looking up at him through the tousled strands of her blonde hair, her pale eyes gleaming, "Oh, am I that attractive? Beautiful. Strong. Intelligent? You do have quite the silver tongue, don't you? Mhmm, the fae may be lucky I'm their queen, but I think I've hit the jackpot with my future king." She retorted with a wink, leaning forward to press a chaste, playful kiss to his cheek. She really should try to keep her hands to herself, every time she seemed to touch him, she fell into his side, having to close the distance - not that he seemed to mind too terribly much, however. She didn't remember the last time she felt as safe as she did trapped in his embrace, cuddled into him. It was a feeling she didn't think she'd ever get tired of. "I promise, I'll never be false with you." She assured gently, trailing her fingertips along the side of his face in reassurance, smiling up at him wholeheartedly. "I don't think I could if I tried." She added. His hand ruffled her hair, and she grinned up at him as she allowed it to be mused into a state of disarray, "Mhmm, that is true." She conceded, before tilting her head when he promised to find her someone to teach her to throw knives, but stating he'd be able to handle close combat with a blade. The price being to return the favor in showing him the tricks of the bow. "I suppose I can assist you with that. I always thought bows were the perfect weapon to start a battle. So long as you have trust in your shot, you can literally be anywhere within a decent range of your target - taking them out without their awareness being raised. Although, I thought most elves studied the ways of the bow . . . I'm surprised your father forced blades upon you." She mused, knowing her own ability and a quick study of the weapon was thanked too her elven heritage. He really should have seen the connection he didn't want to guess with her weapon of choice, even as he guessed a dragon and godling for her mother's race, "Mhmm, no to both, though it would be fun to be a Godling. I'd smite Huehuecoyotl in an instant." She declared with a giggle, hiding her lips behind her fingers in an attempt to stifle the laughter. Not that the God's on-again, off-again lady love (not that either would ever admit to being anything more than acquaintances) would be pleased if she did smite the boy. The Incan Mother Earth would likely have her head. Hmm, maybe she should see if she had a talent for matchmaking? Of course, that would have to be a thought for another situation as she fought to find another way to convince Rhys he didn't need to give her presents, only for him to decide that meant he needed to spoil her in other ways. She was about to argue before six little worlds became her undoing, his fingers caressing hers. She sighed softly, looking up at him as her heart seemed to beat a little faster. My love, hmmm?, "I don't think there's any way to convince you otherwise . . ." She finally allowed, a faint flush of color stealing across her features as she looked up at him, "If it makes you happy, truly, I won't deny you the chance to spoil me." She agreed, her features softening to a slight smile, "You made it very hard to argue when you make a plea that passionately." The fun of teasing her elf with the hyena was a delight though - even as Az clearly seemed willing to play along, especially when he had to throw in his two sense, earning a retort form the elf who hugged her just a little tighter. The action had a smile touch her features, the expression growing when he pressed the kiss to her hair. She glanced up at him in surprise at his following words however, before she tilted her head softly, "You don't need to be thankful . . . they're important to you . . . . so they're important to me." Hmm, she might need to reflect on that later . . . reflect on just what this bubbly mess of feelings in her heart, her chest was. But goodness, his talking to her like that, how was she not tackling him for a kiss? Good job Cael, keep your head, no need to act like some wanton floozy just because he's gorgeous, and such a smoother talker. Now to just keep it up! Not that she was sure how to keep her wits when he started to play with her hair like that. Her wings fluttered slightly, the movement soft and relaxed, making a faint buzz of contentment at the way his fingers moved through the strands, allowing her to melt comfortably into his embrace, before startling by the suddenness of being wrapped in the shadows after the hyenas left and gave a warning. Shadow work - how had she never noticed how neat it was? She glance his way when he spoke, tilting her head when he explained the dark in another way. His magic seemed to darken the shadows, allowing pin points of light to dance around. She grinned, winking playfully at him, before touching her fingers to the shadowed wall, and suddenly strands of light, only visible to them on their side of the sphere zipped around the little pinpricks of light, properly decorating the darkness with the stars that he'd promised, shooting the lights across the expanse in familiar clusters and constellations, "I suppose we're quite the match in that way. You bring the darkness, and I'll soften it with the light." She stated quietly as she watched the twinkling stars she'd created amidst his darkness, watching the two magics swirl together, the light reacting in some places with the shadows to swirl into galaxies of blues and purples, surrounding them in a starscape of their own making. His touch brought her attention back to him, causing her to lean into it, her eyes meeting his. His gaze seemed to shift, growing more molten, and she felt her heart speed up again, as he promised that future together, of fun and mischief and everything the court wasn't expecting. She had to agree, suddenly her future was something she was eager to see approach, as long as that future continued to have her elf at her side. "We'll turn the world on its' head." She agreed, her voice just as soft as his own murmur, as if afraid to break the moment. The disbanding of the shadows allowed her to gain control of her thoughts again. "Mhmm, just make sure you stay on my good side, silly elf. I'd hate to have to give you the cold shoulder because you've chosen to misbehave," She teased softly, even as her heart started to thunder again at his words. He was going to be her undoing with comments like that! She couldn't help but smile back though, "No more doubts, then. For either of us. No more fears for who will be at our side, after all . . . we have each other now. And I'm starting to grow rather fond of you." Her smile was playful before it softened into something more sincere and tender, "I'm just as lucky as you, my elf. I didn't think I'd ever find someone to rule at my side . . . and somehow the gods' blessed me with you." It was perhaps as close as she could come now to expressing how dear to her heart he was becoming. The idea that the future was at her decision had her smiling in surprise before she saw his surprise at her request of the engagement being official. The sudden movement to pulling a necklace from his neck and securing it around hers had her smiling in surprise, wondering what it was about her that had men giving her necklaces. Low against her chest, the red stone holding Tiana's soul seemed to grow hotter at having to share the space now, even as Caelum's fingers moved first to the pendant, "I will be wanting that wring, just so you're aware, but I'll be happy to settle with something else of yours." She teased, before the stone at her chest grew hotter, this time the red stone flashing light, and Caelum sighed slightly, "Relax, Tiana, I'm not going to remove you, I can wear more than one necklace!" That seemed to soothe the soul that was tasked with being a protector to the fae, as the little hybrid rolled her eyes, before looking back up towards the male and seeing his self-conscious expression and instantly her smile softened, and she shifted closer at his own step forward, pulling him to her gently and kissing his cheek softly, "No, you're right, it's more innocent until we can officially obtain a ring." She smiled softly, "Besides, I think this is a more fitting representation of you, and anyone who knows me knows it wouldn't be an item of my own. So in a roundabout way, it's still staking a claim." She teased. Now, why did that get her heart beating faster again? When he spoke about the mating bond, she was surprised at him sharing a secret, that it started when the elves were more feral, coming from elf blood. A moment thought had her wondering if she had enough elf blood in her to be able to form such a bond before he explained it further as something special, sacred. A bond greater than regular marriage. When one elf could find their other half. A very, very rare thing. She was startled by the sudden wistful thought of what it might be like to share such a bond with him, barely able to control the blush that threatened to give her thoughts away, focusing instead on the information on the additional information. "Why would the female reject such a thing? It sounds like the universe's way of point you to your perfect match. Isn't that what we all want in life? To find someone that fits to all of our cracks and molds?" She questioned, before frowning slightly at the mention of the situation of his parents. "Your comments about your parents has me fairly concerned for your mother." She added quietly, with a slight shake of her head, "She must be quite the strong woman to be able to handle that relationship with any degree of success." It made him all the stronger to rise above the only relationship example he'd seen growing up. The darkness to the laugh had Caelum fighting back a shiver - and not one derived of fear. There was something hypnotic when his darker side played like this when it reared and reminded her he was part Dark Elf. His rogue-ish smirk and the following kiss had her leaning into him, tangling her fingers into the fabric of his shirt, "Should any male dare butt in, I'll not hold you back." She agreed, before his next words played at her heartstrings, "Forever." She agreed, her eyes sparkling for him alone, clutching at him a little tighter, "We'll be unstoppable together. No one will be able to match us." She agreed, meeting his gaze without hesitation, "Because in those battles, we'll be fighting as one, together and stronger for it. No matter the battle, my elf, I'll always be at your side." She vowed, knowing it would be true. When the time called, when the wars waged, she'd be beside him, matching his stride step by step, supporting him and unifying with him against the enemies who dare try to block their paths. Because, when it came down to it, she couldn't imagine a future without him now. He was what she'd always imagined, always hoped for, but never believed would be all encompassed in one individual. How on earth was he real? Real, and handsome, and intelligent, and hers. His searing gaze heated her skin, and this time she couldn't withhold the shiver, or the flash of desire in her gaze, "I promise to make that night one you'll never forget," She promised, her voice dropping low with promise, making a silent vow to be in constant check of herself, and perhaps do a quick degree check for both of them to see how soon the graduation dates could come. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she nuzzled her cheek against the side of his neck, "But until that day, you'll still have me at your side. And you were the one who said it yourself, when we're ready for that step, the council doesn't need to know our business." She added with a wink, before pulling out of his embrace, and his reach again with a playful little smile, "You'll just have to learn to keep that control about you, hmm?" How long would they be able to keep playing with fire before they'd give in to the burn, however? I should have better self-control than this, why can't I keep my hands off him! Despite the playful thoughts of letting the hyenas walk her down the aisle towards him, there was a sudden desire to start thinking and planning the very wedding they would one day be the stars of, and the idea of being able to discuss and plan it out with him was just as exciting as any other promises of the future he'd given her. "Then it's official. They'll be flower girls and ring bearer for us." She decided, a grin on her face as she already started trying to mentally count how many family members she'd get to pass out in fright, "Unless you're looking to Az to be best man." She teased, petting the hyena in question as she looked up towards her fiance, I could really get used to that title. Speaking of titles, there was that one again, as his arms tightened around her once more, a promise to stay by her side, "And I, you." She assured, her grin lightening the seriousness, "You're stuck with me now, my elf. You won't be able to get rid of me." Not that she could imagine a scenario where he'd try. The idea of telling another about her mother, about who she really was . . . it was alarming, and yet, Caelum was delighted to share this part of herself with him. "We'll make it better." She promised, hugging him tightly, "We'll liberate them from the past, we'll make it better!" She paused, before brushing her fingers against his cheekbone in a soft caress, "We'll fix this . . . we'll make . . . our people strong again. Together." It was a silent promise, a silent reminder he wasn't alone anymore in this. And a reminder to herself as well. They weren't just his people, they were hers too. At his words of what a glamour could mean, she giggled softly, before brushing her fingers across the top of his head, magic sparkling down and over him as the magic worked. The change to anyone who might be watching would be startling, dark hair softening, brightening to a honey brown, eyes shifted to vibrant green as skin darkened. Facial features changing, losing any sort of distinction to what sort of elf he might be, before she pulled a mirror from her pocket, and flipping it open to show him with a laugh, "Any time you want to go hiding among our people, I'll have no problem holding glamours over the both of us." She promised, before wrinkling her nose, and lifting the effect, "But I prefer you like this." She stated softly, smiling up at him, and ruffling his dark hair, "When you're yourself." There was some concerns about what the situation for the hyenas would be in the coming hours for the new mother and her pups. Her frown twisted, shaking her head, "Whatever happens, I'll do what I can to help." She promised him suddenly, squeezing his hand in reassurance before she allowed herself to get to work on the enclosure - perhaps showing off a touch as she did so. Her magic was strong, her connection to earth deepened by her royal state of being, reinforced further by the ritual she'd undergone when she'd been crowned Queen. One with earth, and earth as one. She'd met Mother Earth that day as well, Cally coming to greet her and introduce herself as the reincarnation of the Earth, and instructing Caelum on were not to delve into the earth magic, on where her presence would be accepted, and what would only be Cally's domain. "I'm proud of my abilities, but they've grown stronger after my crowning . . . though I'm still figuring out their new limitations. I think I overdid it this time, that was a lot of manipulation in one go." She mused. She glanced up at him when he spoke of the dreams of their future, his words bring a soft smile to her face, "Can we have both - a place away from our combined kingdom, a getaway if you will; and then another within the new courts." She suggested quietly, "Although, as long as we're together, it'll be perfect, I'm sure of it." Perhaps this would be the kind of moments she would look forward the most, when he held her, and kissed her, and spoke with such softness, teasing and reassuring. "Keeping apart would be most disastrous." She vowed with faux solemness, "However would I manage even a week without seeing you." Her gaze turned playful, as she pretended to accuse him, "Ah, but that must be it. You've magicked me into such a state, haven't you, my silly elf? To not want to be apart." She laughed softly as wrapped her arms around him tightly and snuggled against him in a show of complete trust and comfort. "Not that you'd need to, of course. I fear I've grown much too fond of you for my own good." She admitted, before glancing up at him when he promised of dark spells for the bedroom. Her cheeks flushed brightly at his teasing, playfully shoving him to keep him from noticing the effect he seemed to have on her when he got like this, "Oh hush you! I don't need you trying to tempt me to the dark side, silly elf!" Did her voice squeak? Caelum sure felt like it did, as she shook her head up at him, biting her lip at the expression on his face, "Oh, don't you dare look at me like that! You're too good looking for your, or my own, good!" She huffed, even as she let herself fall back into his embrace, playfully swooning into his arms, "You'll be my undoing, I just know it, those eyes of yours must be a dark spell all of their own!" Not that it could stop her from looking upon him, from touching him, and falling deeper into the embrace of his heart. "Oh my silly elf, whatever am I going to do with you?" She asked playfully, before smiling up at him, "Hmm, I suppose I'll just have to keep you, love." The word slipped out, just as it had for him, and settled in her chest with a sense of comfort, of finality, the messed up tangle of emotions seeming to smooth out with the admission, and she realized that it was true. Her was a man she could love forever, and he was already hers. But, they could look back to that later, new trouble was on the horizon, and instantly she was standing, pulling him up with her, "Lets' go then! Lets' check on her now. If I can be of help, then let me see if I can't help her before she gets worse." She offered, seeing the worry in his expression, "Besides, it might do you good to go see her too, my elf. So come one." She suggested with a reassuring smile, fingers tangling around his to offer as much support as she could. She'd do whatever she could for the hyena in question - anything to keep that worry from getting worse. Her heart would break for him if it did. [attr="class","bhsnotess"] [attr="class","bhsimg"] [attr="class","bhsnotes"]Tag @rhysandadamdrake [break]Words 4572 w/coding [break]Notes her muse - exploded! [break]Outfit Clickie!

BRY of W&&R and CAUTION

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At the sight of sheer panic on her face, Rhys paused. The pain that flickered through his own eyes are her fear was easy to miss and he sighed softly. Her words were soft and diplomatic, though he could tell that it was a struggle to say them. "Another time. I will not push you, mi cielito. If you are not willing as time passes, then that is what the answer will be from me as well. We are united." He promised as he allowed his thumb to ghost over her cheekbone in a soft caress.

Rhys found that he loved watching the emotions crossing her face, the sparkle in her bright eyes as she smiled. "Perhaps I have a silver tongue, but I speak only the truth. At least with you, that is. You will never get a falsehood from my lips, Caelum." He vowed, his lips brushing her cheek as she kissed his. Before she could pull too far, he pulled her back for a less innocent kiss.

His lips were pulled into a smile as she promised similar things to his most recent vow. "My father is a warrior at heart. He thinks there is more honor to be won on the field with blood staining your blade than being smart enough to stop the battle before it stops with a bow. Unfortunately for me, my mother refuses to stand up to him on anything and could not advocate for any changes in my upbringing. I am always thankful that I never had a sister for him to ruin." He said softly, his words softening to a near whisper as he finished. The idea of his father pushing a sister to marry for power and solidify the standing of the family made him physically ill.

He had not had the pleasure, or was it displeasure, to meet the being that she spoke of. "I am taking it that he is a rather obnoxious being?" He remarked. She finally acquiesced to gifts and it made him smile. Little did she know, some of the gifts he wanted to give her would cost him nothing... and would likely get his advisors turned inside out with fury. Rather than speaking, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, continuing to the tip of her nose, then her lips.

Rhys laughed softly as he rested his chin on top of her head. "I may not need to be thankful, but I am. I spent my youth fearing that my father would make a match for me like my mother was for him. Silent and terrified to speak her mind. A woman there only to bear children and look pretty. The idea of you being like her is laughable and I would never wish that. I want you and I to rule together as equals, and our relationship to be the same way." He murmured, watching Az nestle his head into the fae queen's lap with a happy sigh.

The prince's eyes followed the points of light, appearing as stars. It made his heart soar that she accepted this darker side of his true nature. Made him feel that she would not flee in terror before his mask that he was required to wear in the courts. Heaven knew how much he loathed playing the dark, bored, sadistic prince that the world seemed to expect. "I have a feeling that you will light up more of my life than either of us expect." He murmured, watching the magics play around them.

"I look forward to it, my love. To watching the old guys cringe and making the world better for all of the supernatural community." He laughed as his eyes gleamed.

Rhys laughed as she spoke, a smirk on his lips. "I am pretty sure that I can warm you back up should you decide to go cold on me. I have my tricks, and I have a feeling that you couldnt go too long without touching me." He winked, wondering how she would respond to that comment. "I think that we can both claim being blessed at our futures, or future I should say. We have the world before us to change and claim as our own, as well as staying at each other's side and facing it all together." He laughed, fighting the urge to kiss her silly at the idea of their combined future.

Rhys grinned at her demands for a ring, nodding. "Trust me, it is yours the moment I can give it." He nodded, eyebrow raised as he heard her admonish someone. It was not his place to pry, particularly since the name was definitely female. That alone made him less likely to go feral male and have to really stake his claim. "Mi cielito... there is nothing innocent about the way I feel... the desires that are raging in my heart." He murmured, wanting nothing more than to bring her to his home where they were really alone.

Rhys laughed softly. "Sometimes fate doesnt have the same thoughts as those intertwined by it. There have been times where that bond was very wrong. Times where the female was already in love with another. It has been a thing that started wars in the past." His voice was amused, though he could totally agree with the females and their right to not accept the bond. "I think my mother has an inner strength that I am not even fully aware of. She doesnt speak ill of my father, no matter the tyrant he is being. She accepts his rule graciously and without fight. I think she truly loves him under her silence. I cannot speak personally, but I have been told that they had quite the passionate romance when they were younger. I just hope that we do not get that way. I want you to have your voice, even if it means calling me out and slapping me upside the head when I get obnoxious." He laughed.

"Together forever, my love. I will love you forever." He murmured, his words a mixture of awe and vow as he spoke.

Rhys laughed darkly, his voice husky with emotions that were warring against the control that he had been struggling to hold to. Her nuzzling against his neck nearly broke that control and he growled softly. "We shall see how long I can control when you are making it increasingly harder on me to keep said control. " He murmured, eyes alight with passion as he gazed at her.

The dark prince found himself excited for the actual wedding, laughing as he saw Az's eyes light up. "I honestly have no idea who I would have on my side of the aisle... Never really thought about it." He laughed as the female hyenas got to their feet and came closer to the pair before settling back down. "Kali would love to be the flower girl... and Nje could be in charge of our rings. Az will likely be at my side since he is the only friend I have outside of you." He remarked, reading the hyena's responses as he thought aloud. "The idea of my world without you in it is bleak and colorless... I couldn't imagine you not being here with how much I already love you." He murmured before kissing her cheek gently.

"Together..." Rhys agreed, unconsciously leaning against her touch as he smiled. "And I will not reveal your mother's existence to my father. Heaven knows that he would lose it over that knowledge." He laughed softly, shaking his head. There was a part of him that wondered if the change of leadership would be civil or one over blood.

The magic that cascaded over him made him shudder. It was a foreign feeling, one that he had never felt before. It made him feel strangely vulnerable that she was able to do so, something that would likely cause him to lash out at anyone else that might try it. "That is... unsettling... I think I prefer myself as myself as well." He laughed as he shook his head. Rhys listened to her offer to help with the hyena and nodded, his eyes glancing at his phone for any new updates. The lack of any made him more anxious if anything.

Rhys listened to her explain her magic and nodded. "We can definitely have both. Even if I have to make it a royal order to get things started." He laughed softly, eyes alight as he gazed at his future bride. "Mi cielito, if I wanted to magic you... we would be married already." The dark prince laughed as he winked at her.

Her squeak as she spoke made him chuckle darkly, a chuckle best left behind private doors where the promises within could be more available. "Imagine if we played up the dark side angle that the advisors seem to believe about me. We could have a world of fun..." He laughed as the thought crossed his mind. He imagined her in a sultry black dress that made him nearly growl with possessiveness once again. "You are pretty damn good looking yourself, Cael." He responded, thankfully pulled from his thoughts by her playful swooning. Not missing the chance, he nuzzled her revealed throat and pressed kisses along her jawline. "I must say that I would be disappointed if you didnt keep me, my heart." He murmured, pressing a more gentle kiss to her temple.

At her insistence, Rhys climbed to his feet and followed her, steering her slightly as she led the way. As they walked, his phone buzzed. He felt a pang of fear as he stopped and pulled it from his pocket. 'She is gone. Pups are alive, but they will definitely need lots of care. You should get over here.' It took a moment for him to pull himself together, the pain of losing yet another hyena nearly sending him to his knees. He silently handed the phone to Caelum, eyes closed as he battled against the pain and tears that were threatening to fall. A few tears leaked from his tightly closed lids and he took a few breaths before he could look at her. "I have a feeling that those pups are going to need a lot of love. Come with me? Help me with them?" His plea nearly cracked his control over her sorrow and he had to take a few deep breaths while he waited for her to respond.

@caelumknoxx
"Rhys Sass"
Words: 1700+
Notes: muse sucks today >.<