Prince Mortimer

While Liandra was certainly more interested in providing a better life to her subjects, she couldn't just ignore the visiting prince; and true to her words there was no shortage of those who wanted to find her favor and organize beautiful events for her and Mortimer.

She quickly realized how much poetry and recitals bored him. Liandra found herself the butt of many a fool's joke, and while she found their witticism amusing, Mortimer almost drew his sword on Meyar, the court jester. After that she though it better to ask the would be courtiers to focus on more... physical entertainment.

So they organized hunts and tourneys, and Mortimer heartily took part in the competitions. He was fairly apt, but not enough to beat some of the better knights that lived in Luxius. Liandra would be there at the beginning of such events, she could bestow her favor on either him, or another if she felt he was taking her for granted, and then she would be left to her own devises.

Sometimes the events did interest her. A young knight would be in a fairly good day, and could triumph against age and experience. More often than not Liandra found herself arguing her lofty ideals with counselors and friends.

"You are barely paying any attention to him, Liandra." Her mother chided, during one of the rare moments they were alone "But it is hardly my fault, mother. He is the one that is always engaged with something or another. We aren't even married, and already he takes me for granted."

"Well, just keep an open mind, Liandra. Maybe you are right, and maybe you are being unfair to him." Her mother had always been hard to read, but Liandra couldn't shake the feeling that the queen was planning something. So she just smiled and went along, Liandra was open minded enough to admit she could be wrong.

The next day was another hunt, but this time Mortimer didn't join the others. Instead he remained behind, with the princess, he complained about some injury the previous night.

"And I have been thinking about suggesting to my father lifting several bans currently in place. Those that forbid a certain behavior, or creed... or trade in this item or another. You have traveled wide, right? what is your opinion?"

"That sounds too general, Princess. Some places I have visited do give their citizens more freedom than Luxius, others don't. But they all pale in comparison, for only here your beautiful smile shines." It was corny, but Liandra found herself smiling. "But I don't mean to dodge the question. I learned a lot during my travels, and I like to think it made me a better man."

"I think I like the man you became" Liandra added sheeply, and when he leaned closer she closed her eyes to kiss him. It was silly, chaste, their lips pressed together. Liandra felt his hand wrap around the nape of her neck, and she noticed just how much her body longed for a sensual touch. She was just as hungry on their next kiss, the wetness of his tongue not quite like Ophelia's, she was curious to explore the differences. He wasn't a gentle man, he took what he wanted, and he wanted her. 'Gods' she though 'we are going to do it right here, right now'

"I am sorry, princess" Liandra was still dazed after he broke their kiss. "I shouldn't have... you are still a virgin, and I am taking advantage of you."

"It is fine..." she started, but he shook his head " now you are just trying to excuse my slight. You are too kind" he stood, bid his farewells, and left her there, hot and wanting.