roryaugust

...head for the stables.

by roryaugust

Chapter 10 in A Royal Affair

It is not long before the quiet of the fete becomes a whisper, an echo, nothing. Your castle’s walls are thick, the press of cold night air stultifying to all the noise and fervor you and Lyra have left behind. She seems at ease away from the party, less proper and more jubilant,...

“I’m sorry, your Highness,” you say, “but not just yet. There are still more guests for me to attend to.”

by roryaugust

Chapter 12 in A Royal Affair

“I agree,” you say. “And I’d like that.” (NOTE: This locks-in Vaughn as your suitor of choice. You will not be able to interact with any other suitor after this point.)

by roryaugust

Chapter 12 in A Royal Affair

Return to Vaughn.

by roryaugust

Chapter 11 in A Royal Affair

You head back toward the dwindling fire and the high-backed chair you know Vaughn to be sitting in still. His honorguard eye you through the thin slits in their helmets as you approach, but let you pass without intrusion. Vaughn waits to speak until you are seated back in the em...

“I’m sorry, your Highness,” you say, “but not just yet. There are still more guests for me to attend to.”

by roryaugust

Chapter 9 in A Royal Affair

He stares at you a moment, bringing pinched thumb and forefinger to his lips as he considers you like he might a subject in his own throne room. For a few moments you think he might not say anything at all, but then… “Very well,” he says. He inhales sharply and leans back in his...

Return to the head of the ballroom.

by roryaugust

Chapter 10 in A Royal Affair

“I agree,” you say. “And I’d like that.” (NOTE: This locks-in Vaughn as your suitor of choice. You will not be able to interact with any other suitor after this point.)

by roryaugust

Chapter 9 in A Royal Affair

“Good,” he says, and stands to offer you a courteous hand up. You take it, and the two of you walk -- unhurried and unbothered by the eyes upon you -- out of the ballroom and toward the tower suites. - - - - - - _(To be continued!)_ _Thank you so much for reading this little...

“Not just yet,” you say. “I’m sorry. There are other guests I need to attend to.”

by roryaugust

Chapter 12 in A Royal Affair

You eye him up, nodding slowly. “Alright, Ravi,” you say. “Let’s see this venture of yours.” (NOTE: This locks-in Ravi as your suitor of choice. You will not be able to interact with any other suitor after this point.)

by roryaugust

Chapter 12 in A Royal Affair

Return to Ravi.

by roryaugust

Chapter 11 in A Royal Affair

You head back out to the courtyard and up those spiraling steps. You think you’re quiet, but when you arrive to the balcony Ravi is looking straight at you, lifting his refilled wine glass in salutations. “Welcome back, Lord {last\_name}. Tired of the schmoozing yet? Feeling like...

Return to the head of the ballroom.

by roryaugust

Chapter 10 in A Royal Affair

“Not just yet,” you say. “I’m sorry. There are other guests I need to attend to.”

by roryaugust

Chapter 9 in A Royal Affair

Still grinning, he taps his nose twice, the signal of a spy or bard in the know. “Of course. Who am I to think I deserve all of the good Lord’s attention?” He rests his elbows on the balcony overlook. “I’ll be here when you’re done playing gracious host, should you like to recons...

You eye him up, nodding slowly. “Alright, Ravi,” you say. “Let’s see this venture of yours.” (NOTE: This locks-in Ravi as your suitor of choice. You will not be able to interact with any other suitor after this point.)

by roryaugust

Chapter 9 in A Royal Affair

“My, and the adventurous sort to boot!” He grins madly and ropes his arm through yours, dragging you down the stairs. He pulls hard but there’s no malice in his grip -- no threat -- just excitable energy punctuated by that wry look in those sparkling green eyes. After a slight d...

“I’m sorry,” you say, “I can’t just yet. There are other guests I need to attend to.”

by roryaugust

Chapter 12 in A Royal Affair

“Alright,” you say. “Let’s get out of here.” (NOTE: This locks-in Madeline as your suitor of choice. You will not be able to interact with any other suitor after this point.)

by roryaugust

Chapter 12 in A Royal Affair

Return to Madeline.

by roryaugust

Chapter 11 in A Royal Affair

You maneuver through the crowd back toward the table where you last left Madeline. Her daydreamer’s gaze breaks and slips to you once you’re close. You sit, and she smiles, full lips slightly parting. “Knew you’d be back. So how about it then, Lord {last\_name}? Gonna let me test...

Return to the head of the ballroom.

by roryaugust

Chapter 10 in A Royal Affair

“I’m sorry,” you say, “I can’t just yet. There are other guests I need to attend to.”

by roryaugust

Chapter 9 in A Royal Affair

Her mouth twists into a disappointed grimace, but then relaxes into something easy and sly. She leans back coolly in her chair. “Playing hard to get are ye?” She winks, kicks her feet up on the table. “That’s fine, Lord {last\_name}. I’m willing to wait all night if I have to."

“Alright,” you say. “Let’s get out of here.” (NOTE: This locks-in Madeline as your suitor of choice. You will not be able to interact with any other suitor after this point.)

by roryaugust

Chapter 9 in A Royal Affair

“Excellent,” she says, beaming. She slips out of her chair in a hurry, and you out of yours. You clasp each other’s hands -- warm, tight -- and head toward the ballroom’s main exit, the both of you smiling all the way. ----- _(To be continued!)_ _Thank you so much for reading...

“I’m sorry,” you say, “not just yet. There are other guests I need to attend to.”

by roryaugust

Chapter 12 in A Royal Affair