bakerstreet | In their favor

In their favor

Companion to Royalty Meme

There's one truth you must know of royalty: though power may lay in their hands, the crown is a cage. Whether you've always been noble, came into this position recently by complete surprise, or a simple person caught in the fray, you're realizing that leaders actually lead very little - even down to choosing who they spend their most intimate moments with. From eternal bonds of matrimonies to the distractions provided by courtesans, the people behind the throne make the rules. They cannot risk losing control of their most elevated and strategically placed pawn with a match gone wrong, which could create a domino effect and doom possibly thousands.

So, what part do you play in this game?

Lifetime Royal: This is what you've been raised to do.
Sudden Royal: You just learned of your position, which has been secret from you your entire life, or you unexpectedly inherited the job.
Spouse: You're to be married to nobility.
Concubine or Courtesan: For the royal, you're to be a sexual diversion.
Unaffiliated: You're either a lower-ranking noble or a peasant, but you're free from all the machinations of the shadowy cabal...for now.

How willing are you?

Completely Willing: Either you love the person you know you'll be matched with, or you're excited about the possibilities.
Wary: There's no choice in the matter for you, so you may as well approach this situation cautiously.
Unwilling: You didn't want to be matched up with someone. At all. Ever.

What path will you follow, once you're set upon it (there is, after all, little choice for the chosen ones)?

Prepared for This: Either you're a royal and have been one since birth, or you knew you'd marry or sexually entertain one.
Make Up for Lost Time: This life wasn't the one you lived until now, but times change. You're important or will be a companion to a very important person, like it or not.
A Sacrificial Token: Somewhere along the line, your people royally pissed off someone in a key position. So, in an attempt to smooth out relations, you've been given away as a gift to the highest power, either as a spouse for a political alliance or as a concubine or courtesan.
Pomp and Circumstance: All proper, this arrangement. You're to be married, as you've been promised to each other by your respective families. Consummation on the wedding night is key. Perhaps it's encouraged that the two of you act as if this is really a love match, to add insult to injury.
Genuine Love: Speaking of love matches, congratulations! You're one of the incredible few who gets to marry for love, so your lovemaking should be all the more enthused.
Only a Plaything: Heavy is the head who wears the crown, so you're expected to take on some side entertainment even if that's not your preference. Or you could be the courtesan...such a pretty, perfumed word for what the role really is...
Volunteered: You wanted this position, either of spouse or concubine. Your reasons are your own.
Cruel: You're powerful. You can do what you want to this person, a mere ant in comparison to you.
Forbidden: Even the most powerful can't have everything they want, such as someone who's promised to or with another; taking them for your own would create strife and destroy alliances, even to the point of tempting war.
Work Your Way Up: There's always a right tool for the job and you find no shame in using your own special tools to better your life.
Give Me an Heir: Whether you're legitimate or a concubine used as a surrogate, you must help in continuing the royal line.
Mutual Benefit: Both of you are comfortable with this arrangement because you're either compatible or it takes the pressure off of you otherwise.
Want to be More: Though you've been relegated to courtesan, you want to be there one and only spouse...no matter if that role is already filled or not.
Growing Affection: It may have started as all puppet strings and power plays, but now, you lo- care for them.
Loved Before: Before you became so important and powerful, before you became the focus of all the world, it seems, they were there with you. They were with you then, and you want them to be with you now. They ground you and they care about you for you.
Because You're Normal: They're outside of all the court's nonsense, and that's appealing to you. It's like a breath of fresh air.
WILDCARD

How to Play

Comment with your character, preference, preferred role, and any other information.
Reply to others.
RNG or choose your options.

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[I can run either role!]

[Either role is good for me]

[ooc: Can offer this guy if you'd like him.]

[ Fantastic! Do you have preferences? I was thinking of lifetime royal, wary, And just about any pathway seems good (opting out of the MUST HAVE HEIR deal) ]

[ooc: I don't have any preferences that are set in stone, although he'd likely be wary, too. Could definitely be an arranged marriage thing, or he could be sent as a gift (courtesan) courtesy of whatever lord he's sworn fealty to. I like growing affection in conjunction with most of the prompts, and I'm open to any of those. I'm pretty easy like that, lol.]

[ How about.... Charles is sent to Wanyin as a peace offering not to invade the lands? The premise is an arranged marriage, therefore a pact of peace, but our dear Warlord Wanyin won't have any of it and takes the spoils and the land as well?

And I will have a little more time starting tomorrow 5/5 for it. Work was killer today]

[ooc: Yeah, that absolutely works for me! Pls just take everything he wants and show he can't be bought. Plus, Charles isn't a diplomat more than he is a fighter, so he'd be useful in that way, too.

No worries! I'm doing the job hunting thing and it is sucking my soul dry, so I'm not at my swiftest anyway.]

[ OOC: Oh, I feel that. I have several acquaintances looking for work. It's a toll, that's for sure. ]

He had listed his demands and the neighboring kingdom chose to play games. Very well. He could entertain them slightly with his pretend humor. Currently, he was waiting at his stronghold for the 'peace offering' they were giving him. Admittedly, he was wondering what it could be. Riches? Rare textiles? Women? He's been given all of those before and it never stopped him from invading and conquering. Just like whatever platitudes this kingdom was going to give him wouldn't stop him, either.

With his back straight, shoulders squared and eyes set to the road, Wanyin waited for his 'prize.' In the late afternoon sun, he caught sight of the caravan before his soldiers noticed (and he told one of his servants that those on guard were to be caned for their laziness.) He waited in almost serene splendor with black and deep, deep violet robes drifted in the alluring breeze. That was part of the problem. So hot and very little relief was here. But there was a bounty and Wanyin was determined to take it.

In the middle of the double row of horses was someone dressed in white, their body jerking in similar movements to someone trying to untie their hands. Oh, so this wasn't a willing sacrifice? She'd have some fight to her, he thought with a small smirk. Something to play with until he tired of her. And then he could continue on with his bloody conquest when he was done. How hospitable of his soon-to-be conquered people!

[ooc: I wish them luck! And I hope I find something soon, too, 'cause it's exhausting.]

The 'offering' was not as willing as his most recent lord would have liked. In fact, once close enough to be observed properly, it would be blatantly obvious just how much he had objected to the idea. The split lip and slowly blossoming bruise to his cheek the most obvious, followed by smeared droplets of blood marring the otherwise pristine white of his wedding garb.

Once the procession came to a stop, Charles spit out a string of curses as he was forced to his knees in the dirt by blades at his back, his lord dismounting and keeping a wide berth away from him. "This one is ... feisty. Killed five of my best before we were able to get him under control. You'll come to find he's got his uses."

Charles laughed darkly from where he was kneeling, eyes dark with rage as he lifted his head to glare at the man who had put him into this position. "Let me loose and I'll kill you, too. Let one hand free and I'll rip the heart from your chest."

"There will be no bloodshed in my presence," Wanyin announced calmly, lifting his hand. "After all, this is a peace offering, is it not?"

A man. Not a boy, but a man. Interesting. Word must have been getting around that the previous offerings were not to Warlord Wanyin's approval. He looked back to the lord, smiling ever so politely. "I will surely take this into consideration. There is no need to linger, I will give you my answer of withdrawal in the morning." He turned his back on the other lord to effectively dismiss him.

"Ah, but what of--"

Mistake. Wanyin was not one to be forgiving and turned, his hand flying out suddenly from the folds of his robes. Black and silver spun in a blurr from his hand and the lord's head effectively rising up without the aid of the body and arcing back down to land on the ground, eyes rolling in confusion before stilling. The stump of a neck took a few precious seconds to understand what happened before pumping blood in a small geyser as the feet unbalanced the human tower and it fell. The retinue of the lord stood there in shock, then glanced up to see Wanyin's menacing smile. He pointed to one pageboy, his words soft and sibilant.

"He lives...crippled. I do need a messenger to bring back the news of my answer. The rest? Slit their throats."

The black and silver weapon-A fan of all things, was caught on its return to her master. Wanyin turned away, motioning for two other soldiers to heft Charles up to his feet and start escorting him to their mounts.

His own men were swift in carrying out orders and Wanyin didn't even bother to watch. The pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears as he looked towards Charles, the menace in his smile easing to something almost affectionate. "This is your first lesson: Bully me to answer before I am ready, and death will soon follow."

Edited 2023-05-14 23:17 (UTC)

It seemed to happen in the blink of an eye. Charles, on his knees, struggling fruitlessly while trapped in the grasp of two of the men he'd managed not to get his hands on earlier, the haughty and callous lord ignoring the curses being spit at him in favor of attempting to squeeze as much enmity from the Warlord as possible, and then -

Silence as head fell away from body, which shortly followed. Silence, and horror rippling throughout the ranks as they realized what had happened. And when the order came to kill them, too, chaos seemed to fill the air along with pleas for mercy, prayers, cries for help that Charles knew were falling on deaf ears.

He had heard enough stories about Warlord Wanyin to know that mercy was not a word or a concept used often if at all.

Which was precisely why he felt like he was knocked off of his axis when instead of feeling sharp blade slicing into his skin, he was pulled to his feet and led toward the waiting horses. But it was that smile among all the death and destruction surrounding it that made his blood run cold through his veins.

He did not reply - could not - but was quick to nod his understanding. This man was not to be trifled with, not even a little, and he would be smart to heed the warning - it was likely the only one he would ever receive.

He understood it all too well.

His prize said nothing. No threats, no 'let me go and we will see who walks away' bravado. The man was smarter than his previous lord, that was for sure. Wanyin smiled to himself, pleased that the message was well received. The screams of the slaughtered were but a background noise to him as he continued to the horses, whistling softly to his black charger. "Put him on the bay," Wanyin instructed his men. "Give him his hands to ride. If he tries to flee, shoot him. He can be buried alive in the horse he tried to steal." It was a typical tactic for him and instilled a terrifying reputation for him: maim the person trying to run and then stuff them in the cavity of a dead horse. He only had to use it less than a handful of times. It was implied that after slaughtering the retinue, all the horses save one would become theirs for pack travel, war chargers, or food.

Once they were on their way back to their compound, Wanyin made certain to keep his horse at the same pace as his 'bride's.' "Tell me about yourself," he started casually as if they were merely traveling companions. "Your previous horse's ass neglected to reveal your name to me." There was an amused snort from Wanyin as he glanced over his new companion, waiting for a response.

Charles hadn't survived on his own as long as he had by mouthing off to the wrong people - and he wasn't about to start now. It was obvious to him that his best course of action was never to let his guard down and speak when spoken to. And not to test the patience of the Warlord.

His face paled at the overt threat of being buried alive - of being made a lesson to those that came after, and made no effort to make a single movement out of turn as his hands were loosened and he was allowed to mount a horse and settle as comfortably as he could manage. Not that it was easy with the fear of being run through or losing his head weighing heavily on his shoulders.

And then, the pressure of answering tell me about yourself in just the right way so as not to annoy Wanyin. "Well - ", he began, offering a respectful glance, "he seemed to only think highly of himself, and look how that turned out for him."

As for the rest, he offered his name - Charles Desjardins - and a summary of his early life. Orphan. Trained as a blacksmith's apprentice until he ran away to search for more. Spent a great period of time conscripted to various armies fighting big skirmishes and small, gaining recognition as a formidable warrior in his own right. When things were more peaceful, he could be contracted for other duties, tournaments, certainly, but also as a bodyguard to men like his headless former master, to wives and children and mistresses alike, to ambassadors and any number of esteemed people.

Roles that overlooked his actual intelligence, roles based purely on his reputation or how fearsome he could appear.

One last comment before he inadvertently stepped over some unknown line. "But I've never been a bride before."

Wanyin listened to it all without interrupting. Yes, Charles was offering his life story, but it wasn't his whole life story. No one told you everything until their fingernails were at stake, after all. It was the way Charles spoke, how he said certain things that notified Wanyin of the fact the man was more than a grunt. He could think and that was deadly for any fiefdom that didn't want free thinkers. The one Charles currently hailed from was one such place. The last comment had him smiling, something small, amused, and closed-lipped.

"There is a first for all new things. One should experience all they can before the body they're given ceases."

The compound they were riding to was not large or ominous like one would describe a typical villain. It was compact and neat and efficient with soldiers and some of the wives milling about. Whoever wasn't working was cooking. And there were spots of others playing games of bones or dice, the downtime enjoyed to the max. When Wanyin approached a group, they all stopped what they were doing, stood, and bowed, murmuring their greetings. No one looked coerced or fearful at the show of respect. They even looked a bit awestruck with loyalty. But Wanyin would gesture to them to return to their duties and once the horses passed, they did just that.

"If you were not offered up as my bride," Wanyin began, glancing over to Charles, "Which, they chose the color poorly. You should be in red, not white--what do you think you would be doing now if not for me?"

Charles had the distinct impression that boring the Warlord wouldn't be a wise decision, either. So, no, he did not divulge every detail, but he hoped what he did share would be adequate enough for this first conversation - and give them something to continue speaking about at another time, should the subject ever come up.

He chanced a respectful glance to the man riding at his side and did not miss the small smile. It was hardly a guarantee that Charles would keep breathing for a long time once they reached the compound, but it was something.

"It's an experience I don't intend upon taking for granted."

For however long he was allowed to inhabit the role, in any case. All he could do was take this moment by moment - and for the moment, he was still breathing. And that was more than he could say for his previous master and the cadre of men he'd brought down with him.

If Charles was surprised at the size and look of the compound, it did not show in his expression once they arrived and he got his first good look. The people that they came across seemed content enough, not frightened in the slightest. Just ... happy to welcome Wanyin and his retinue back, with one stranger in tow. That, too, settled some of his nerves.

It seemed peaceful enough here, and wasn't that as good a sign as any that he might just make it after all?

Charles glanced down at his soiled clothing and huffed out a noise as close to a chuckle as he dared. "They wanted me to appear as traditional and ... virginal as possible."

He paused slightly before offering an answer to the more important question, his voice steady, as though he had been resigned to what the rest of his life was going to look like for quite some time. "I would still be offering my services to those who would pay for them, still fighting other people's battles for them. I would have liked purchasing some land to build a homestead on, but ... that was nowhere close enough to reach."

He shook his head as though to rid himself of the idea entirely, waiting one heartbeat, two, three before daring to speak again.

"May I ask you something now?"

As virginal as possible. That drew a snort of amusement from Wanyin. Already the gears in his head were turning on how to best utilize his new potential asset. He had the same features as others here and being a grunt or advisor for the dead magistrate (whatever that sow was) could prove to be useful. He also had some clout with the motivations this man might have. Bargaining chips. He liked it. For this man's services, if he survived his tenure, Wanyin could offer a sweet retirement.

At the question offered, Wanyin arched an elegant brow and turned his head towards Charles. That was a first. Usually his captives (should he choose to keep them) were so terrified they couldn't formulate a syllable. The fact that Charles could carry a conversation was a new thing for him and he found he liked it. "Of course. You may ask your heart's desire."

He wasn't.

Virginal, that was. Some previous employers had requested specifically to watch Charles with their wives and mistresses. And sometimes ... relationships formed with those that he had been tasked to watch over. But those relationships were mostly short-lived and he tried not to hold on knowing that eventually, he would be moving on.

Not that he was willing to divulge any of that information yet. Some things were better off held close to his chest for the moment. Some things he'd like to keep to himself, if at all possible.

Charles was grateful that his query received a positive response. He was still learning, of course, where boundaries lied and he was aware enough to realize that the learning curve was a steep one. That was precisely why he took his time - a few heartbeats, anyway - formulating the correct way to ask what he wanted to know.

What are your intentions with me was a little too forward, considering the amount of time they've spent speaking was so short. Perhaps the better way to phrase it would be -

"If it's not too presumptuous of me to ask - how can I best be of service to you?"

That question spiked a couple more respect points. He wasn't asking when he would die, but was determined to figure a way out himself. And by doing that, he needed to be useful. Once at the clearing that was the makeshift stables, he reigned in his horse and waited for one of the stable mates to come and attend to them. "You're familiar with the land, the various people and forms of government here. Your words are well thought and you hold a cleverness to your eye. I require an advisor."

Wanyin dismounted, keeping his awareness attuned to Charles even if he wasn't looking at the man directly. "For now, that's the best service you can provide." It left the promise that it may change at any given moment without hesitation. As cordial as he was behaving now, Wanyin still had that vicious streak in him. And it showed with his even smile as he waited for Charles to dismount.

"Now then, lets get you out of that wedding garb and into something more comfortable, hmm?"

Death was an inevitability. But that didn't mean that Charles couldn't do what was necessary to stave it off for a while longer - and he figured that by offering himself and whatever skills he had rather than cowering like any other prisoner might just be the way to show that he was willing to make himself useful.

Not a burden.

He wouldn't make the mistake of promising not to let Wanyin down - because the truth of the matter was that he might. But this was an opportunity that he wasn't expecting to be offered, and he wasn't going to squander it.

Especially with the implication that the position might not be permanent if circumstances changed, which they could, as easily as the winds could change direction.

"Thank you. I will do what I can to prove myself worthy of the position."

Charles didn't want to thank the Warlord so much that he became annoying. That'd probably be one of the quickest ways to find himself with a knife in his gut. Instead, he dismounted quickly once they reached their destination, stroking the horse's nose gently in thanks that she'd gotten him where he was going safely before standing at his full height and turning around, ready to face whatever was going to happen next.

"Something red?"

He watched without calling attention to it and finally decided that only guards should be around the tent. If there was an attempt to escape? ... well, he would make a decision then. Currently, he didn't have to worry about that.

On the mention of the red color, Wanyin took a moment to consider it. "Is red a color of authority for your people?" A plan was forming. It seemed that perhaps this man could have a bit of history and clout with the others. Elevating his position could have a two-fold effect: Put fear in the leaders and let them know that even the lowliest could be swayed.

Charles had no intention of trying to make a run for it - not after seemingly setting down the foundations to make inroads with his new ... employer wasn't quite the right word, captor didn't quite fit, either. He supposed he would figure it out eventually.

But not only that, but because he recognized a losing battle when he saw one, and it was clear as day that if he stepped out of line, he'd be put down without a second thought, like a rabid animal.

For the moment, it was simply the best possible option to do as he was told.

"Not strictly speaking. It is more a matter of personal preference - some men prefer the finest silks and brocades, some flaunt their wealth with jewels. Some prefer one color over another, but none speak to a certain status above others."

He clasped his hands behind his back while he walked, a respectful two steps back.

"I've never been in the position to wear many fine things - but I do like black. Silver thread, if I had my choice. But as it is not my choice, I'll be grateful for anything I can change into so I can ... get out of these robes."

While he made no acknowledgment of Charles' preferences, he did file that away for future reference. Maybe if his new advisor went above and beyond his duty, it would be a nice reward for him.

As they walked past smaller cooking fires and encampments, Wanyin gestured for them to carry on with their tasks and not worry about showing their respects. His own tent in the compound was, understandably, the largest one there, in the center of the compound, and thusly the safest. The main area contained a relief map of the region and figurings of men, horses, and constructs so that Wanyin had a better idea of who to hit first, what kinds of defenses the enemy may have, and so on and so forth. What Wanyin's reasonings or machinations were about the situation was clearly his own as he moved over to two heavy-looking trunks. The first one he opened, scrutinizing within it and then looking back to Charles. Black silks, a swatch of red in a sash but the complimentary color was his own sect, violet. Not as deep a color as his own, of course, but it would be clear to anyone who Charles belonged to. After all, Wanyin didn't keep prisoners. He kept assets. Assets were useful, prisoners simply ate your rations and provided headaches with complaints.

"Here," he offered, holding out the folded bundle. "We're not too dissimilar in height, it should fit." And a small incline of his head and smile that more than likely indicated that Charles was going to change here.

Little steps. Charles couldn't prove his usefulness all at once - he needed to be patient and take his time. His luck could change in an instant, but the fact that he was here, now, and not mouldering with his previous employer and the rest of his cadre was good enough hint that he should not take an instant of this reprieve for granted.

He wasn't too obvious as he scanned his surroundings, but he had no ulterior motive for familiarizing himself with the layout of the compound. Again, he was smart enough to know that if he attempted escape, he'd most likely to cut down before he got very far. For the time being, this was his home (not his prison), it made sense to get to know it as closely as possible.

The relief map was the most important detail, but that wasn't where his attention lingered. Charles stood and waited, hands behind his back, watching Wanyin as he scrutinized his height and build and then searched through the trunks for suitable vestments. And when he was handed the bundle, he accepted it with a slight nod and a quiet thank you, every bit the picture of a man who was not a threat in any way, shape, or form.

Rather - that he was choosing not to be a threat. That he accepted his new circumstance and wasn't keen on doing anything stupid that would jeopardize it.

Charles was also smart enough to recognize what that smile meant, too. Privacy was a luxury that he would have to earn. But he wasn't put off by the thought of changing in front of an audience - it certainly wouldn't be the first time he had had to.

The bloodstained robe was the first thing he stripped out of, dropping it to the ground dismissively, his soiled tunic next. He'd take care of his discarded clothing once he was finished changing, if it was necessary, but first things first.

"Is there a water basin I could use to clean myself up a bit? I'd like to freshen up as best I can."

[ He has one focus. Protecting you. ]

[ royalty. mean princess vibes optional. ]

((voice testing, more likely to be sudden royalty))

Edited 2023-05-02 21:11 (UTC)

[ canonically the royal, but i love aus soooo. ]

[ open to discuss roles! ]

[ canon royal; good with castmates, cross-canon, ocs/aus, hashing deets ]

[Open to either role. ]

[ royalty......if you have a very loose definition of "royalty" ]

( Hey, game for some cross-canon AU with this one? )

( sure, i'd be down! are you thinking of a specific canon point for margo or like a full on au where bucky gets worked into the magicians universe somehow? alternative easy route is mcu bucky accidentally walks through a portal that brings him to new fillory or sth. )

( Maybe the easy route, then. How does S3, after she loses her eye but before she meets her ~*child bride*~ sound? )

[Can be companion to the Inquisitor, or someone can be his in Tevinter!]

[ Eidolon royalty! ]

[ooc: Could go either way-- by right she is nobility, or depending on how things go she is the spouse to royalty. But I'm flexible! Open to crosscanon, canonmates, and OCs.]

[Can play either role.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

In their favor

Wren Starfyr --Original. OtA

Jiang Wanyin | The Untamed (Dark AU) | OTA

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TW-gore and death

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FINALLY! I can tag back!

And here on my end, life keeps being life and not letting me have any fun. Boo, life.

(soulless) Sam Winchester | Supernatural | m/m

zelda | loz: breath of the wild, ota

Eliot Waugh | The Magicians | OTA

hel | original/norse myth | ota

kaveh | genshin impact

margaery tyrell | asoiaf/got | ota

guinevere | arthurian mythos

alexis rose 🌹 schitt's creek 🌹 ota

Rey || Star Wars || F/M

din djarin | (modern au) mandalorian

james buchanan barnes | mcu

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Hob Gadling | Sandman (Netflix)

Dorian Pavus | Dragon Age: Inquisition | M/M

rydia | final fantasy iv | m/f

Luciana Cousland| Dragon Age | OTA

Leanne | Fire Emblem | F/M for anything Shippy/Smut, otherwise OTA