Victoria

VICTORIA

If she was going to do this, then she was going to do this right. At least, that’s what she kept telling herself, that everything was somehow part of a big elaborate game she was too stupid to see. So, she kept lying to herself that she understood, and that it was her time to play her part the way she was supposed to. To be that piece in the game that executes their job perfectly—always reliable. And to finally put an end to that thorn on her side that made her lose her rightful place next to Bryce on the Throne. She had been so close that she could almost feel the weight of the gold on her head before she missed her bleeding.

But despite the drama of last night with her once soon-to-be soulmate, Victoria had no nefarious plots running through her mind, just fashion. It had been no secret that Victoria adored the latest styles of Itheria—the Crownlands especially, and she done well to learn about the trends in the other duchies so that she can find inspiration in them. She had found the warmth of Spring in the greens, yellows and blues that were often worn by the nobles of Goldfields. Felt the strength of faith and loyalty from the Crimson hues of Vismarck that rippled down from the Medden family’s coat-of-arms as signs of loyalty to the duke and king. Discovered solace from the furs and dark colors of the Frostpeaks that radiated the weight of honor and the sacrifice it demanded. The simplicity in Hightree’s earthy browns and greens. The aroma of Opheal’s silky teals and lavenders. Not Phebis though. Never Phebis.

Phebis was just a subservient and petty kingdom that quickly learned it’s place in the Itherian fatherland. Made up of peoples that wandered west across the Itherian Gates, or the mountains to the east. Foreigners at the best, but better described as an invasive peoples or worst, pests. At least, that’s how Victoria thought of them now. Before, it wasn’t that the fashion of Phebis was particularly ugly, and being at the forefront of trade in the region, it was usually the first to adopt new trends from the lands east and south. It did however, matter a lot depending on whether you were talking about Upper or Lower Phebis, as the regions differed greatly in fashion, politics, and values. Southern Phebis was the socialite, the trend setter, and the trade hub. Northern Phebis was the recluse, the conservative, and the workhorse. Given those differences, this war was likely to play out a thousand times over if not for Itherian Occupation. Sorry…A mutually beneficial trade agreement. In any case, the current trend in the south was revealing skin, probably because that's all Phebisian could offer. Back and shoulders mostly. And Victoria definitely had beautiful skin to show, judging by the woman she saw in the mirror and a past involving a certain king lusting after her. In a stark contrast from last night, Victoria wore a lavish gown that could be mistaken for a strapless bustier at its peak before molding into a fabulous dress by the time it reached her ankles. Why would anyone look lower than her impressive bust and shoulders though? The answer was a gash on one side of her dresses that did little more than tease with all the fabric and the stocking underneath high enough not to expose any further skin, unless a man got a lucky angle and moment. It was far more impressive an outfit than what the youngest of a Crownlands Count should be able to afford, but it helps when daddy is the one that manages the Kingdom’s finances. And so the dress followed local trends to have Victoria personify the local definition of beauty, and her necklace was a style of the Itherian capital to remind her of her goal. Plus, the dress was dark in color, to help her play the part. Yes, that would be of great benefit.

An outsider looking into the same mirror as Victoria would notice that she was the only thing of beauty that could be seen though, since everything else in the room was destroyed. All that could be shattered, was shattered; all that could be ripped and torn, was torn; and everything that could be broken, was. Including Victoria to some degree, with mantra’s or the like repeating constantly in her head as a perverse version of the truth was becoming the reality in her own head. Despite the early hour, it was time for her to leave. So she left.

Victoria was now in the outer boundaries of a courtyard between the keep and the palace. It was the same courtyard that Duke Magus, Duke Gregan, and a Sir Zachary had chosen for an early bout of sword practice as the light from the sun pierced the horizon and the celestial body itself hadn’t. Waking up at this hour for swordplay was something that Victoria would never dream of Bryce doing, it just wasn’t him. Gregan and Magus on the hand, were half naked, with Magus’ body appearing to have been sculpted from stone by the hand of a careful artist. To Victoria, his toned muscles carried as much bulk as the god of war and the young duke displayed about as much strength as the god too, making Gregan lose every spar. Eventually, Sir Zachary and Magus had a go too. Victoria wasn’t the only spectator this early in the morning and several had gathered around. The small audience was a mixture of nobles, Frost Kinghts and others that had a keen eye for the martial arts. Victoria of course did not, but something else did catch her eye, a redhead in mage garb. She recognized her as one of Magus’ retinue during their march east. Victoria thought it best to make friendly with her and approached.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” Victoria’s question and presence caught the redhead by surprise, and the young mage turned to her revealing cheeks as red as her hair.

“Y-Yes, he-it is.”

That was a clear slip of the tongue, Victoria must have caught her very off guard, “Has he been neglecting you lately?”

“I’m afraid I don’t know-”

“Don’t be embarrassed,” Said Victoria, “You can tell me. Sir Zachary. He’s the one you’re eyeing.” Victoria leaned in to whisper, “If his cock is as impressive as the girth of his arms I can see why him neglecting you is leaving you frustrated.”

There was only a brief silence as the redhead blushed even more furiously and cleared her throat, “…A=am I that obvious?”

“I have an eye for these things is all, but you know, while they play with each others longswords we can find time to play with each other too.” Victoria grabbed the redhead’s hand and held it in her own, “You know…in private.”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Oh,” Victoria leaned in close enough to kiss the redhead. Allowing the heat of their bodies to radiate into each other, “I think you do.”

“I need to excuse myself.”

The redhead ripped her body and hand from Victoria’s and cantered back to the palace. That was fine with Victoria, she wanted that seed to grow more.

It was finally Victoria’s cue when a final clash of steel echoed and Sir Zachary had disarmed Magus. There was no doubt that Zachary had experience on his side being older, but with how much of a fight that Magus put up, it would only be a few years before Magus passes the older Frost Knight. Rumor was that Magus had spent time with the coven too, and there was no evidence that magic had been used during that fight, meaning the young duke’s potential was endless. The three men were congratulating each other and their handshakes exhibited another flex of their muscular bodies. Just as they finished celebrating their practice, Victoria was there to hand Magus back his sword. He sheathed it, and Victoria presented him with a small towel for the sweat. He gratefully accepted it.

“Lady Victoria, my thanks to you,” Victoria could feel Magus’ baritone in her bosom, “I have not told anyone of our engagement. I will be sure to do so during court today.”

Sir Zachary only seemed mildly surprised, but the biggest shock came from Duke Gregan, and Victoria noticed. It was clear the dukes were forming some sort of bond, and after losing every match against Magus, Gregan was afraid the powerful Frost Knight might learn of the accommodations he prepared for the future duchess. He looked at Magus with fear, and at Victoria with a mixture of fear and lust. Her attire was helping to grab his interest.

“I would be most grateful if you did, your highness. I can wait no more.” Victoria curtsied, and she curtsied low. Her ample breasts ready to slip out of her dress and she could practically hear the three cocks in front of her grow. Some of the spectator’s standing around probably got a free show too.

“Then it will be so. I’ll see in court, Lady Victoria. Sir Zachary, come.” Magus and Zachary left together to probably freshen up before the session, but Victoria and Gregan were left behind.

After he was sure that Magus was out of hearing range he cleared his throat, “Ahem, Lady Victoria. About your lodgings?”

Gregan was scared to ****. He had finally gotten his chance to spar with a Frost Knight, and now he was going to die. Unless he could somehow convince Victoria to not say anything about her room last night. Gregan was sure that she was just a sleazy suitor for Bryce, not Magus. Victoria however, was going to use this. If she couldn't be queen right now, then she would squeeze every bit of power Magus’ prestige will give her. She had to play the part.

“They were drafty just as we discussed yesterday,” Said Victoria, but they never discussed anything. She was just tossed there, and Gregan was picking up the hints that this would remain their secret. He swallowed, “Perhaps somewhere warmer would be better.” She placed her hand on his sculpted abs and winked, “I do get awfully cold at night.”

There was no fear in Gregan’s eyes anymore, just lust. That gleam was unmistakable to Victoria. She was sure now that not only would her bedroom receive a massive upgrade, probably on par with the Duchess of Phebis herself, but that he might come visit it too. His next words only confirmed it.

“Of course, my lady. I’ll have my servants move all of your things right away, and I will personally see that your rooms are adequate for a future duchess of the Frostpeaks.”

Victoria’s hand slid down his abs and across his groin before dropping, “I would like that...” her words suggesting a lot more than the touchy flirtation, then departed the courtyard to the throne room itself. Honestly, the thought of Gregan potentially visiting her bed disgusted her, but she had to play the part…for now.