The Truth Beneath The Rose

[Varyan Starfallen]

The young Archon of Theselon longed for any duty that would keep him on his home world these days. He understood the bride hunting season he found himself in to ensure that the bloodline would carry on. He was also aware that Theselon was not necessarily among the most desirable planets for marriage prospects across the Consortium, since his world was among the few exceptions that had more egalitarian views regarding gender relations, which posed problems when marrying off-world. Hapen women especially hated the idea of a man who would not be their submissive for years to come. Varyan had no interest in becoming a trophy husband, although he possessed all qualities and extensive training to please a proper Hapan wife. It was just that he believed in gender equality and loved the idea of being able to participate fully to a wife's life. The fact he was the rightful heir to a rich planet made him a good party on paper, not necessarily in person.

He had had a couple of Dukana and even a Ducha willing to coax him, but he had eventually declined offers. The ladies had been exquisite but so full of themselves to the point of almost wanting to try their diamond-ornate leash around his neck before any betrothal that he had flown before being locked up in a golden cage. Or rather, he had carefully and maybe slightly pridefully retreated from the mating grounds.

This time his family had insisted he visited Vergill, especially with the goal if interacting with the Countess's young ladies. Varyan had interacted with one a few months ago at Lady Bouyelle's gathering. He did recall the Sarpin heiress quite well but not necessarily fondly. Yet he was willing to abide by his family's recommendation.

Also, he still had answers to get from there, for the wallflower who had shown little interest in the proceedings and thrown him into the arms of madellé Sarpin, had never told him her name. His interest was piqued and he was more than a little intrigued by who she was.

When his ship landed, his closer guard - as many men as women - escorted him to the pad. A couple of servants brought out the box containing the gifts he brought for his hostess, as it was custom. It was not because he was no handsome doormat that he lacked appropriate manners.

In the windy late morning, the young Archon (https://akns-images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2014227/rs_634x1024-140327142612-rs_634x1024-131122100516-634.rhys-meyers.ls.112213.jpg?fit=inside|900:auto&output-quality=90) awaited the welcoming party that may show up, for his visit had been arranged for a couple of weeks.

[Madeline Thane]

Escorting the very eligible Madellé Sarpin to Baldavia to attend the eventful festivities for Ducha Bouyelle's birthday, Madeline had rather stepped in it. Instead of fulfilling her purpose as the lesser relation, that was to say assisting Madellé Sarpin the heiress of Vergill in securing a male of sufficient breeding and position to appease the countess, she had done quite the opposite. Despite her lack of effort, Madeline seemed to have drawn the attention of one of the lady's suitors. Quite possibly one of the most impressive ones at that. Archon Starfallen of Theselon. Other than an annoying habit of looking at the wrong lady - he would suit her relation very well. She would be happy. The Countess would be... not happy, but perhaps placated? And Madeline would finally get what she wanted.. time alone to read.

He was arriving even then actually. Madeline was of course expected to be there, chaperoning Madellé Sarpin from a discreet distance. She might even just look the other way if it would get things settled quicker! For now, the lady was still preparing to receive Archon Starfallen in the garden. Which was where she would take him straight away with no more of his sulky gazes either. Unless he insisted he wanted to refresh himself first of course, he was an Archon after all. A male he may be, but a very titled one..

Unmasked now that the ball was over, she might even get away with not being remembered. Even better. "Archon Starfallen. Welcome to Vergill.. Madellé Sarpin looks forward to the pleasure of your company. If you would follow me?"

[Varyan Starfallen]

He recognize her eyes and then her voice. For whatever reason, he almost expected to see her carrying a book, as she had been so engrossed in her reading at the ball. She was even more ravissante in plain light and with her features unmasked. Varyan hadn't planned to be intrigued by this woman, but he definitely was. He was aware that his visit meant he had to formally converse and maybe even decide on a political alliance with Madellé Sarpin, he was way more interested in learning to know this woman, whose name was still a mystery to him. His family would probably be highly annoyed that he was "wasting time chasing unworthy skirts" as they would so crudely say, but it would take a lot for him to agree to a marriage. And outside of any matrimony plans, he genuinely was curious about the woman.

He greeted her with courtesy, and only the hint of a smile, and his brief stare, testified to his recognition of her. "Thank you for your welcome, Madellé." He would not be a bother and inquire for her name right here and there. He had manners after all, as his family had ensured he was educated in all requirements to be a good Hapan husband, and overall gentleman.

"Please, lead the way," he said with a polite nod.

[Madeline Thane]

The poignant stare that Archon Starfallen gave her told Madeline what she needed to know. He did indeed know exactly who she was. She was not sure if she should be flattered, or disturbed by the knowledge. She was sure that he could just go on calling her Madellé. Giving him her name at this point would only be construed as encouragement for him to call her by it, and that was a bad idea.

Better to keep to their respected parts. He was the suitor for someone else, and she the chaperoning lesser relation. Nothing else. There was almost a hint of a rueful smile about her. It was too bad that she could not be the one he was here to see, but that was the nature of Hapan life.

"This way." Madeline indicated the pathway before them, one direction branching toward the residence, and another around to the side toward the gardens, which they followed without escort. She was the escort.

"She likes gems...", Madeline commented casually, as they walked, speaking of Madellé Sarpin. "If you are intent on winning her interest, that would be an expedient way to go about it."

[Varyan Starfallen]

Varyan followed the nameless lady into the building, walking a couple of steps behind her, to the side, so he could look where he was walking, and stealing glances in between, especially as she talked. She had an exquisite voice, and such beautiful and intelligent eyes. He felt quite ridiculous to be so enthralled by this woman, especially as she seemed set on not telling him his name and on keeping the distance she felt needed, given that he was visiting the heiress. He thought he had almost seen the hint of a smile pass on her lips earlier, but he wasn't certain.

As only the two of them walked along the long hallway, he listened to what she said about the heiress, almost too casually. He made a mental note for not gifting any gem to the heiress. "Is there anything else she particularly favors, if I may ask?" He would be more interested in hearing about the nameless chaperon, but piecing things together didn't hurt either. He might be losing his mind over this woman, more than he was willing to admit, but he still had enough wits to be cunning about his approach as to balance out the bloody bridal hunt, and his personal inclination.

[Madeline Thane]

As they approached the door leading out into the gardens, they were opened by liveried footmen in the colors of House Sarpin. Once they would have been trimmed in the colors of House Thane, but that had been years ago. Madeline did not smile, though she did nod politely to the lovely young boys, seeing them as something a bit more substantial than a part of the doors mechanism, even if they were not meant to be seen as such.

"She is an heiress." Madeline shrugged. "She is all that the word implies. Beautiful. Intelligent. Manipulative if she wants something, and ruthless when she does not get her way. I'm sure you've met her like before, Archon Starfallen."

They had arrived. She was meant to sit somewhere unobtrusive and make sure that the formalities were respected. It was not a date so much as a ritual before a business deal, so far as Madeline could tell. Even if the setting was rather romantic, it was not an affair of the heart. It was a match between noble Houses.

"And she does not appreciate my presence..", Madeline admitted quietly. "So, here I shall leave you. I will not be far. Impress her, she is quite a match.", she advised, wandering off to become part of the garden scenery, like she was meant to.

[Varyan Starfallen]

Varyan had met the heiress kind before, more than once at that. Every time he had walked away, sometimes having a hard time not to run away from these entitled brats. He understood that women prevailed in the Cluster. He wasn't stupid, even when his home world saw things slightly differently. He had no interest in being leashed to the whims of a barely palatable salope, even with the greatest riches and looks. As Archon, he didn't need more riches, unless he chose to. And he liked a good mystery, someone who would challenge him, body and mind.

And he had found her.

Other Hapan males would never even consider what he was scheming in his slightly mad brain. The young Archon cared not for what others would say or do.

As they reached the gardens, he looked at the gracious suivante and bookworm he had come to be fascinated with. This was a decisive moment; and he wouldn't back down. His impetuousness had been frowned upon since his childhood; and he knew when to tame it. He also knew when to trust his instincts and throw caution to the winds. While he might have manners and see that heiress, he wanted certain answers from someone else first.

The moment the young woman attempted to walk away from him, he caught up with her, stepping before her. In a smooth but certain move, his fingers reached for her chin, as he had her meet his gaze. "I still want to know your name, mademoiselle."

Without further ado, he tossed her quite unceremoniously over his shoulders. His strong grip around her body left no doubt about his desire to get his answer.

[Madeline Thane]

If she was shocked that he had dared to touch her face without permission, the surprise was amplified a thousand times over when he took hold of the rest of her and hefted her over his shoulder. She had heard that Theselon was pushing for equality among the sexes, but this was really too much. Archon Starfallen might fancy himself cut from the same rock as the Raiders of old, but he would find out quickly that all signs to the contrary, Madeline Thane was no damsel.

Without ado, her right knee reared back to come colliding full force with his solar plexus with enough force to drive the air from his lungs.

"Now. Put me down."

She had more of the same for him, if he was not prompt about it.

The footmen had not taken a step from their positions, though they did seem to be struggling hard to ignore the scandal erupting before them.

[Varyan Starfallen]

He winced in pain as she hit him; and he couldn't blame her. It was a scandalous thing he was doing. And if he was honest, it was just ridiculous and he could imagine a few people he knew tearing him a new one for being so roguish. He didn't feel apologetic about it at the moment though. Maybe later, maybe never; time would tell.

Varyan nevertheless had a strong preservation instinct, and he put the young woman down. He was impressed with her vivacious reaction; and this added to her mystery. Yet he didn't retrieve all prudence from outside the window he had tossed it through only moments ago.

He kept his hold on the young lady's waist, not letting her scamper off just yet, giving no attention whatsoever to the footmen.

"I have been acquainted with your knee; but I would still like to know your name, Madelle."

Despite the raspy breath and that her hit was still painful, he wasn't going to wave any sort of white flag yet.