dream of days [isadora]

As Fenec made his way through the palace toward Isadora's private quarters, he mentally rehearsed the conversation he was about to have with the empress, in which he was prepared to convince her to allow a young imperial ascar to not only serve inside the palace, but serve as a personal guard to Isadora's daughter.

Political reasons or no, Fenec knew this conversation would likely be challenging for them both. Though Fenec's perspective on the ascari had started to shift with age, it seemed that Isadora's hatred for the ascari had only grown. Nevertheless, as Isadora's advisor, his concerns were typically entertained a bit more; not to mention his ascarya, which he used sparingly (but when deemed necessary) to help tip the scales in his favor.

When Fenec had first discovered his ascarya, he felt deep shame, guilt, and terror. How long had his ascarya influenced others to do his bidding? Where were the boundaries between free will and his persuasion? Had anyone truly loved him, or were they just under the spell of his ascarya?

He shook the thoughts from his mind, avoiding the mental pitfall that often followed these questions. Fenec was prepared to use his ascarya for the benefit of the empire -- and, perhaps moreso, for the benefit of his nephew -- even if using his abilities further muddled his moral boundaries.

He reached the door to Isadora's chambers, listening briefly for any noise before knocking lightly. While he had arrived unannounced, this wasn't unusual for the two of them; Isadora and Fenec spent most of their days together, whether in the palace, doing business in Egress or nearby territories, or in Fenec's cabin.

He crossed his arms behind his back, a lock of hair falling in front of his eyes as he waited for an invitation to enter.

The empress was alone in her quarters, aside from Fraden, relaxing on a plush lounge chair by a large window, soaking in the early spring sunshine and reading about Volish territories. Soon her daughter, the princess of Volara, would be engaged to Xanthos Voclain. She wanted to learn as much as she could about the Voclains before meeting the young lord.

She looked up from her book when there was a knock at the door. "See who it is Fraden," she commanded. Her personal guard bowed his head, then opened the door to reveal Fenec on the other side. He bowed again then turned toward Isadora. "Your majesty," he announced. "Ser Fenec Lefevre wishes an audience with the empress."

Isadora smiled warmly, "He may enter."

Fraden bowed and moved to allow Fenec inside. He exited the empresses quarters, shutting the door behind him, and standing guard.

The empress saved her place inside of her book and set it on the end table beside her. She stood and greeted her cousin with open arms. "Fenec, darling!" she exclaimed dramatically. She hugged him tightly, then kissed him on the lips before pulling fully away.

"Dear cousin," she purred, while reaching up to push the piece of hair that floated in front of his eyes back. "What has brought you here to my quarters?"

Fenec nodded politely to Fraden as he opened the door, stepping aside as the two men switched places. Once the door was closed behind him, he wrapped his arms around the empress, returning her welcoming kiss.

What has brought you here to my quarters?

"Your majesty," he said with a jesting smirk before giving her a kiss on the forehead. "I've a favor to ask -- quite an important one. It may be hard to understand, but I ask of you an open mind and heart."

His fingers grazed her cheekbones as he wrapped his hand around the side of her face and looked directly into her eyes. He was truly, deeply, helplessly in love with her, even after all of the horrible things they'd done together. With even the deepest regrets in his life ultimately linking back to Isadora, he couldn't surely say he wouldn't make the same decisions over again -- at least, not while she was with him. He may have his ascarya, but he'd wondered many times over if she had one of her own, one that pulled him to her relentlessly.

He came here for a reason, one that he was determined to pursue, but he couldn't help but take her beauty in for a moment.