bakerstreet | Arranged

Arranged

Arranged Marriage

Marriage for love is a such a modern concept. In the past, marriage was
recognised as a social contract. Unions were entered into for many
reasons: to obtain property, to unite families, to carry on a bloodline,
et cetera. Whatever the reason, congratulations, you're getting married!

How to Play:
Post with your character | fandom | and any preferences.
Be sure to mention any scenarios you are interested or not interested in playing.
Tag Others.
Be awesome to each other.
Have fun!

POSSIBLE REASONS:
STATION: You come from a royal, noble, or otherwise distinguished family who has chosen a suitable spouse for you.
FEUD: You are being married to put an end to the bitter enmity between your two families.
ECONOMICS: Your economic state and/or your station will improve through the union, though one of you may be marrying down.
EMPIRE: You and your spouse are merging your businesses and/or property to create something more influential or profitable.
TRIBUTE: You have been offered as a gift or appeasement, alternately you're the spoils of war.
BLOODLINE: Carrying on your distinguished family name has fallen to you and the equally well-bred spouse of your family's selection.
DISAPPROVAL: Your marriage has been arranged to keep you away from the person with whom you truly wish to be.

POSSIBLE SCENARIOS
FIRST MEETING: This is the very first time you're meeting your future spouse.
COURTSHIP: To get to know each other and encourage affection, your family has approved of you going on dates.
ENGAGEMENT PARTY: Be it a huge, formal affair or a small, intimate get together, you're celebrating (or pretending).
WEDDING DAY: The big day!
RECEPTION: The big party!
WEDDING NIGHT: Every meme needs a smut prompt, right?
HONEYMOON: Where will you go with your new spouse and what will you do there?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ info. it's probably for business. no smut, open to all else. ]

[ my kingdom (no pun intended) for a ganon … ]

[AUs of all types, canon or crosscanon welcome!]

[AUs of all sorts welcome. Kinks & Info.

Alistair is a charming cad and likely caught an interest in your character that led him to arrange this match. It can be a mild interest all the way up to something bordering on obsessive.]

Edited 2024-02-04 21:58 (UTC)

[ ooc; if you're interested, i can offer up elaine here. she's the youngest daughter of a wealthy, well-known merchant. perhaps the two of them ran into one another several times during balls and other engagements and that's when he started developing an interest in her? i'm good with it being mild or bordering obsessive.

could also be a case of her father's luck ran out, either by a bad trade deal or alistair pulling strings and elaine is being married off to save her family from financial ruin?

honestly good with anything! ]

[He had set his sights on the Clement families youngest daughter near the first time he saw her at a ball. He wasn't much for them really, going for formality and appearances sake more than anything else. Yet when introductions were made he had immediately taken to Lady Elaine. Small and sweet like the floral scents she seemed to wear every time he came across her, gently fiddling with the lace of her dress but answering any of his questions in a tone just as soft as the rest of her.

He saw the curves after all. He woke up many nights the more often he did run into her wondering how nice those curves would feel in his arms. Would she want him to love her gently? Perhaps she was a sturdier flower under it all and would prefer harder hands and rougher affections? The questions kept him up ticking through ideas and before Alistair knew it he lusted after this little woman in a way he hadn't with any of his other lovers.

He considered seducing her at first but the thought didn't set well with him. Seducing older married women or the mercenary types who chased men for their money didn't bother him. They got what they wanted from him ... mostly. The mercenary types schemes to compromise him never worked out but he was certain they enjoyed their attempts at it. After watching her for months though Alistair knew someone who so much capacity to care for others made him feel more protective than anything. He might have decided he would like to see what she kept under her lace and neatly done gowns but robbing her of anything half so precious as her delicate innocence seemed more than a little distasteful to him.

He wanted to protect her. He wanted to gently pull her from those gowns and be the only man allowed to show her the highs and lows of pleasure. He wanted her soft and warm and welcoming in his arms to do with as he pleased, his darling little wife who would say his name in that dainty voice of hers.

In short work he was drunk off of the idea. Courting her might have worked and yet Alistair feared the fact she could still say no to it all. He began showing his interest in her blatantly, asking her for dances and doing his best to befriend her family, setting himself up as a suitor in everything but name alone. He helped her father with contracts and the like with an eye towards ingratiating himself to the man.

And then he pulled strings just as he always did and covered it neatly up to look like chance and fate. The Clement family's fortune stumbled and he, a suitor in all but name, stepped forward with a magnanimous deal. No dowry needed for Lady Elaine, he would instead pay for the privilege of having her as his wife.

It wasn't a lie to say it was a privilege either. With everything settled he could now take up her hand and place a kiss on the back of it with a charming, satisfied smile as the dark warmth of his voice ghosted off of her skin as he spoke what he had wanted to say for months.]

You're mine now, dear Elaine.

[ ooc; !! this is wonderful. was prepared to make a starter, so this surprised and delighted me. let's go with reception, perhaps the tail end where she needs to step out for some air, then into wedding night and honeymoon if you'd like to continue that far. oops looks like i got a little carried away with this myself. ]

( Out of respect for her father and the empire he created, Elain attended most of the social gatherings, especially those he requested that she make an appearance. He knew she would prefer to stay within the comforts of their home, tending to her garden or reading a book, but he always hoped a young man might catch her eye at one of these gatherings as she had disinterest in most suitors who came beckoning. The few she did take an interest in always broke her heart in the end, as they weren't there for her but for access to his massive wealth and a piece of the power he held.

Despite the pain he felt upon seeing the hurt in his daughter's eyes, he was always thankful they showed their true colors before he made the mistake of marrying her to them. Elain, his youngest and undoubtedly the favorite, deserved the world, and if he could, he would give it to her, but as it was out of reach, he could only hope that one day, someone would come along to love her as much as he did and would continue to do so long after he was gone.

As a young woman from an affluent family, Elain should have known marriage was in her future, yet with her father eagerly — and perhaps a bit too readily — giving into her lofty notions of caring for him in his old age once her brother took over their father's empire, she never gave into the idea or that it was a long ways off.

That day came quicker than she could have imagined once she caught the attention of Lord Alistair Isner, whom she met at a ball, and regardless of her initial hesitation towards him, she found herself enjoying his company to the point she didn't mind him approaching her and sought him out on a few occasions during gatherings they both attended.

Being a handsome and charming man with status, land, and wealth at his disposal, she never suspected he was interested in her. That way of thinking was solidified when he began helping her father and coaching her brother in the few pursuits he made on his own to show their father he understood the family business and could be trusted.

As far as she knew, he never showed interest or mentioned becoming a suitor of hers, and if he had, would she have accepted, allowing him to court her? Or would she have stayed steadfast in her ways, rejecting his advances as she had the ones before?

Whatever the case may have been, it did not matter, as when her family's reputation and fortune stumbled, Lord Alistair was there to help pick up the pieces by offering to pay to marry her instead of accepting a dowery from her father that it would be his privilege to have her as his wife.

All of this and the timing seemed too good to be true that this might be more than mere happenstance. Before she could question, Elaine was wrapped up in the festivities and planning that led up to her wedding. She stood on the veranda of her father's estate, overlooking the garden she had planted in front as she nervously twirled her wedding ring around her finger.

Having a piece of jewelry there felt strange as it felt heavy and out of place, but she was assured that over time, she would get used to it and that it would become a part of her.

Hearing Lord Alistair's footsteps approaching from behind, Elaine turned to greet the man or, rather, her husband.

When he took her hand, gently kissing her back, she felt the heat rising on her cheeks and stomach, beginning to twist into knots at the feeling and his words. Instinct told her to pull her hand from his grip, but she allowed it to remain there as her heart pounded. )

My lord, ( she breathed, voice trembling with nerves and perhaps a bit of excitement as she looked down at him, head and upper body bent so he could kiss her hand. Even though they found themselves alone on the front porch, she glanced around them before stepping closer, her voice remaining soft, a whisper just for him. ) I cannot thank you enough for your generosity, and I hope to be a good wife to you.

Edited 2024-02-07 19:28 (UTC)

[In some ways she's still a bit timid of him. Alistair doesn't need to know how her heart pounds as he addresses her or how she fights herself. They are two of a kind in that way, creatures of instinct burying their instincts under layers of good conduct or the like.

His free hand rises to delicately tuck a lock of hair behind one of her ears. Her lingers a moment, fingertips barely ghosting against the edge of her ear itself.]

You have already been a very good wife to me, my darling. Marrying me was the best thing you could have done for me.

[Now his fingers slip to momentarily trace the line of her jaw as he gives her a tender smile.]

I am sorry it did come at the hands of misfortune. Yet you couldn't possibly know how happy it's made me.

[He glances to her lips a moment, considers stealing a kiss far more befitting his ardour than the meek one he gave at the church and then decides to save it for later. Instead he leans in and presses a light kiss to her forehead. This close for just a moment she can likely make out the musk of his cologne. He can certainly make out her own perfume and wishes in the moment he could kiss far more than hands and foreheads and lips.]

I understand it was rushed in some ways but I will make it up to you however you like. There is nothing that says a husband cannot court his wife.

[He draws away with a warm smile. He might be tall and imposing in his size but the way he holds her hand speaks of tenderness.]

So that's what out honeymoon will be for.

( Before she can catch herself, Elaine shivers beneath the warmth of his lingering touch, and the skin of her neck, back, and arms lined with raised flesh — the sheer fabric of her off-the-shoulder sleeves doing little to hide the effect such a simple touch has on her. She almost doesn't hear him beyond the near-deafening sound of her heart pulsing in her ears.

My darling, he calls her as his finger slides down the soft curve of her jaw while he smiles down at her.

If her heart weren't already pounding, it would have hammered to life then. She finds her delicately pale face heated with flush, and, for a fleeting moment, her head tips into his touch, ready to chase it before she straightens to smooth her free hand down the front of her dress. Amethyst eyes flit down to watch her hand rove over the fabric, a distraction that causes her to miss his gaze lingering on her lips before leaning in to press his lips to her forehead.

Elaine gasps as she tips her head up, her lips slightly parted as she looks at him. Her gaze softens as they take in his handsome features. )

Rushed as things might have been, ( she begins, keeping her gaze locked with his even as he steps away, and doing so, he might notice her free hand poised mid-air as if she were going to reach for him, ) I have no regrets.

You are a good man, my l— ( a pause as she corrects herself, ) my husband.

Many a day, I recall you in my father's study, helping him with the family business and asking for nothing in return. There were days you also helped my brother with his ventures. Then, when misfortune struck us, you stepped in without hesitation, offering us mercy — salvation from the ruin before us.

No one would have done as you did.

( Little does she know the part he had in her family's near ruin and, as a result, she holds him in high regard. As she squeezes his hand, moisture pools in the corner of her eyes. )

Knowing that you care fills me with joy and washes away any lingering fears I might have had regarding eventually marrying someone.

[She's definitely his darling, this little wife of his. The way she seems so affected by his touch gives him hope that later she might look forward to it more than dread it. He was a rough man in how he went about winning her but he had no wish for her to cringe at the sight of him either.

Alistair can admit that he likes how indebted she seemed to be to him in as much as he likes her thankfulness. It makes him feel warm hearing her speak so well of him and he reminds himself to wash his hands of whatever companies he created and people he used to bring about her family's ruin. It would do no good for her to ever learn of it, particularly not once she's given him a child or two. Though perhaps by then she'll think too well of him to ever believe it.

Instead he looks somewhat sheepish. What he confesses to is more or less the truth after all.]

If you wish to be thankful to me then I must confess I did much of it for you.

[He clears his throat a little and now reaches for the small hand she had reached for him with.]

My feelings were so much that I had yet to work up the nerve to ask to court you. If you had turned me down ...

[He runs his thumb along the back of her hand, momentarily imagining that light, lithe little hand held up above her head. Or perhaps wrapped around his cock? Both made for nice imagery.]

Well. I'm glad I'll never know what might have happened.

[His voice is warm and smooth and the look of unabashed lust he gives her could so easily be excused as love. In the end what would be the difference? He does love her after all in his own obsessive way.

There comes a call for the last dance of the evening and his smile brightens further.]

Come, my love, they're calling for the last dance. We'll leave shortly after it's done for our home.

[Our home, he says. His hefty estate manor just outside of town where he's made doubly sure everything is waiting -- her wardrobe packed with her new dresses, her ladies maid close at hand and the bed that will be his next stage.]

( A warmth rushes to her cheeks as they flush upon hearing he had done all of that for her — that this marriage wasn't simply out of pity for her family's plight, and he feels something for her.

This is more than she could have ever asked for as she never imagined anyone would be interested in a quiet thing like her, and those who were interested were after her father's empire, where she was a stepping stone to get to it.

As he takes hold of her hand, Elaine offers a gentle squeeze, and her fingers curl around his. Like the rest of her, they are soft but have a strength that most highborn women don't have ( likely from handling tools as she works in the garden, but wearing gloves and having a decent personal care regimen means they have stayed soft to the touch ). So, when her slim fingers finally wrap around him, it won't be lifeless or flimsy but pleasurable.

Her lips part to say something, but whatever it was falls silent when she hears the call for the last dance, and she steps towards him, her smile bright. )

Our home, ( she repeats, the words sounding strange on her tongue, but it makes her stomach feel odd as they walk back into the hall. ) I cannot wait to head to our home and start our life together.

( Her words are soft as they take their place on the dance floor, and she turns to face him, a hand coming to rest on his shoulder while the other is held aloft in his. As they dance, her heart pounds from the movement and anticipation of what is to come — the excitement and thrill of their wedding night. This leaves Elaine to hope that she isn't a disappointment and to be thankful for her maid and sisters for their guidance.

The last dance doesn't last as long as she would like as it soon concludes and they are pushed along towards the entrance of her father's home to the carriage that awaits under the porte-cochère. )

((Can offer a Princess if you’d like. Fine with him being obsessive (or not) if you’re open to a second thread for this meme.))

[OOC; I'm always game! You have a preference in scenarios?]

((I do always love a spoils of war scenario.))

[Alistair wasn't as terrible person. He was exacting and calculating but he would hardly call himself cruel. He was passionate and passions often led to heavy handed results. In this case the object of his passions was one princess whose kindness and grace he coveted. He had no such light inside of himself but more than anything desired to grasp it in his own arms and warm himself by it's presence.

He was no prince but he was a worthy enough suitor in his mind. When his offer was turned down though ... well, he didn't like that. Her family aspired to more for her, a connection to some larger family or at least some form of nobility. Even with as prestigious and well off as he himself had made his family name his titled rank of Lord didn't make him a suitable enough bridegroom in their eyes.

So he tore everything apart from the shadows ... and not so in the shadows as well. It wasn't a warfare of bloodshed and bodies but it certainly was just as breaking to the kingdom. He controlled so many trades that flowed in through the kingdom's borders and pinned so much to the mismanagement of funds without the royal family itself that in a few years time they were near starved of resources.

This time though they practically gave the princess away to him. Up until now he had been vicious in everything he had done to whittle the kingdom to near ruin but his hands were soft when he was finally able to touch the princess. The wedding was little more than a formality by the time he carried her off home, a bride for barely a few hours by the time he pulled her into his lap in his carriage.

He presses his lips tenderly against the top of her head, murmuring in his deep voice as his hold on her tightened.]

You were well worth the work and wait, my love.

[Serenity had been aware of Alistair’s initial suit, and how quickly her parents and council had found him unsuitable for their needs. Her opinion had not even fully formed as they had quickly ensured she would no longer attend any engagements at which he was present if it could be avoided, or at least kept her from him. Much as they had with other suitors they did not deem worthy.

Still, over the next couple of years it had become apparent that this suitor was not willing to be deterred from what he wanted, which was her.

Serenity had listened quietly as the tone of the council shifted from amused at his suit, to annoyed by his actions, to furious, and the finally to reluctance to admit he had outsmarted them at every turn. When they had come to her to announce that they had decided it was in the best interest of the kingdom that she wed Alistair she couldn’t help be privately a bit amused at the situation.

While full of kindness and grace, she also knew her fate was in many ways not her own. Seeing Alistair tie up the council in notes had been more than a bit amusing to watch as she tried to piece together the picture of her future husband.

Even up until the wedding though they had barely been given any time together. Their first moments alone finally happening in the carriage after the wedding.

She can’t help the small smile as he pulls her into her lap. The gentle feel of his lips against her hair. The princess loved affection, and rarely had been granted it based on her station and the council’s insistence that she always be proper and aware of her station. The fact that the first thing her husband did was grant her the affection she so craved was quite endearing to her as she rested her head on his shoulder as she looked up at him.]

I must admit I do not understand what exactly has made you think I am worthy of the efforts you went to in making me your bride. I do however feel your affection in tone and touch.

[Her hopes for a loving marriage had been tucked away long ago. His demeanor though had them awakening again.]

I do hope I don’t end up disappointing you my husband.

[At least his little bride hadn't seemed too broken hearted over the marriage. He had caught her amusement now and then during the time it took to tie the court in knots. He had hoped rather than knew that she wouldn't be too upset with him for beginning their marriage off on this foot. She might be the spoils of a war he waged but she was his spoils to be equally spoiled.

A laugh reverberates through his chest. The small smile on her face was more than enough thanks for the time spent crushing those who refused to let him have her.]

How could you not? My dear, you are everything I lack.

[Her brought a hand to her cheek now, the other splayed across her hip as his arm wrapped around her waist. He lays his hand against her skin tenderly, drawing his thumb along her cheekbone with a near reverence.]

You are bright and witty with smiles for everyone. The first moment I saw you I wanted you.

[His thumb moves to trace the line of her lips.]

That castle didn't deserve you. Those people didn't either. You wanted freedom, didn't you? I could see it in your face. You wanted to be held and kissed and loved.

[His splayed hand strokes her hip now beneath the fine fabric of her gown.]

I'll give you all that. My home, my bed, my heart. And perhaps you can love me as well in time.

[Serenity had always known her husband would be picked for her. Given the other candidates that the court had considered, well Alistair was much preferred over their choices.

Especially since it had seemed that out of the candidates he was the most interested in her and not her throne.]

Are you saying we will balance each other my husband?

[Still a bit shy with him, uncertain exactly what to call him though husband seemed to be working fine. His laugh making her smile grow as he stroked her cheek. His thumb moving to her lips. Her tongue licking her lips and his finger in response.]

I know my responsibilities and what I must do, but doesn’t everyone want those things?

[She replied softly. Her cheeks pinking as she blushed. Especially as he offered himself so freely to her. Commenting on his love for her, and rather than demanding her own love in return gently asking for it in her own time.]

It may be too soon to know for sure, but I’ve seen you wage war before. I feel if you go after my heart it will not take much for you to make it your own.

[Her hand rests on his chest as she lifts her head. Feeling his hand splayed out on her hip. Wanting to be close to him.]

Will you think me too bold my husband if I ask you for another kiss? One for just us instead of for ceremony?

[He can't help but smile at that question. Alistair had known she wasn't as vapid as some in the court might expect but she proved herself over again in this moment.]

I would like to think so. Isn't it the wish of every woman that her husband be suited to her?

[In answer to the wish for a kiss Alistair is more than happy to duck his head back down and meet her lips with his. She asks and he gives more than willingly, this kiss far less chaste than the one for their wedding. This was the one he had yearned for the whole time he fought for her, lips parting over hers with something akin to a pleased rumble beneath the hand against his chest.

Her responsibilities, she said. The hand against her hip slides, gliding down her leg and ever so gently beginning to bunch up the fabric of her skirt. Did she wish for him to show her "her responsibilities" to him?]

Oh I believe it is every woman’s wish. Just that not every woman has her wish granted.

[Though Serenity had seen enough to know there was a chance hers had been.

Then his lips are in hers and she is gasping softly into his kiss. This one much more passionate than earlier and she gives a happy whimper as he kisses her. Feeling that spark, that warmth that others spoke of. Her belly beginning to flutter and feel warm as he kissed her.

She also felt his hand move down her to her leg, then beginning to gather her dress up.]

How much time before we reach your home my husband?

[Slightly unsure if she wanted to start something in the carriage but also not wanting to displease him. His kiss already making her head swim. Tilting her head to brush theirs lips together.]

Edited (Still interested?) 2024-03-11 15:27 (UTC)